I. Course Outline
A. Key Assignments

FALL SEMESTER:
Debate
Self-selected speeches
Student Congress
Extemporaneous
Service Club Contest speeches/essays
Slam Poetry
In-class competition
Speech analysis
Character analysis

SPRING SEMESTER:
Student Congress
Duo Interpretation
Stand up comedy
Service Club Contest speeches/essays
Self-selected speeches
Project: Meeting of the Minds

B. Required Practice and Tournament Attendance
Speech II is intended to afford speech team members the resources and practice opportunities necessary for successful competition. Students in Speech II are required to participate in at least two speech/debate tournaments and/or service club contests each semester. They are also expected to attend regular practices for both debate and individual events. Days and times for practices will be voted on during our regular speech team meeting. (Tuesdays@lunch).

C. Oral and Listening Skills
Students are expected to be articulate. All speeches should be rehearsed multiple times and polished. Students are required to be in professional dress on the day that they deliver their speeches. In addition students will be expected to assist in the critiquing of their peers’ speeches in a positive and constructive manner.

II. Homework Requirements
Homework may be researching, drafting, writing, revising and/or practicing a speech. Most speeches will need to be memorized. Do not wait until the last minute to begin rehearsing. LATE WORK IS NEVER ACCEPTED! Each student will sign up for the day s/he will deliver his/her speech. It is his/her responsibility to be there on the given day.

III. Grading Policy
Generally speaking point values will be as follows:
Formal speeches ------------------------- 50 pts.
Tests--------------------------------------- 20 pts.
Classwork/informal speeches ---------- 5 – 20 pts.
Speech tourn. /Play reviews------------- 40 pts.

Student grades will be calculated as follows:
90 - 100=A
80 - 89=B
70 - 79=C
60 - 69=D
59 and below=F

IV. Attendance/Tardy Policies & Class Rules
Regular attendance is imperative. The school’s attendance and tardy policies will be followed! My classroom rules are as follows:
1. Students will treat others and their ideas with respect and courtesy.
2. Students will not disrupt others.
3. Students will need to wear professional dress when presenting a formal speech
4. No trash basketball or any other type of object tossing.

V. How to contact me
If you have questions or concerns, you may contact me at any time. One of the best ways to reach me is through my school e-mail which I check every morning and afternoon. My e-mail is jennifer.kindred@venturausd.org If you would rather speak to me in person, you may call my classroom at 289.0023 x2406. If you call during school hours, you may leave a message with one of my teaching assistants or on my voicemail and I will return your call as soon as possible.