Welcome to AP Language and Composition! Ms. Erika Wanczuk La Costa Canyon High School Class Web Site: Common Core:

Communication: Aeries online grading system Updated grades Updated attendance information Telephone: (760) x6271 Website: Please make sure your address is correct on Aeries so you will get “ blasts” from me.

About Ms. Wanczuk B.A., UCLA 1997 M.Ed., UCLA 1999 Teacher since 1998 Teaching AP students since 2000 Earned National Board Certification in 2002 Teaching at LCC since 2002

About AP Language & Composition AP Language is NOT… Easy A Guaranteed “A” A literature-based course Designed to torture young people

About AP Language & Composition AP Language IS… A college-level writing course that: Prepares students for writing across disciplines Encourages academic discourse A course that focuses on rhetoric & the study of language A course that provides rigorous instruction and has high expectations...(WITH a great deal of support!)

The Nuts and Bolts… Writing across academic modes Rhetorical Analysis Argument and Persuasion Research methodology & documenting sources Grammar and Usage Vocabulary Development Content-specific words General Academic words Rhetorical Devices & Terms

Parent Support… I work hard to get students to focus on their learning. In our competitive culture, this can be a challenge. How can you support your student? Ask your student, “What are you learning in English?” Read his/her work, and comment on the quality of his/her thinking and writing. Engage your student in conversations about his/her writing and about world events. Help your student define success in AP Language in terms of his/her learning, not just in terms of a reductive number or a letter.

On Assignments… Assignments are designed to give students the chance to practice their skills and deepen their understanding of key concepts. A key component to the assignments is CHOICE. For some assignments and tests, students are assessed against the AP Language standards, which are challenging. Students’ grades typically dip in AP Language, even if students have earned As in honors English classes before. This is normal!

Things to know… There are a few long-term assignments. Students should NOT be cramming at the last minute to finish these tasks. If your student is stressing out, please encourage him/her to come talk to me. We do address topical issues, and I encourage students to consider multiple viewpoints. Taking the AP Exam in May is Highly Recommended!

This class sounds hard! Will my student have opportunities for success? Yes! Students have ample notice of assignments and due dates. Due date calendar on board Web site Reminders: on web site, in class verbally and on board Late Homework Pass—to use for one homework assignment; insurance/“safety net.” Students are empowered to assess their own work for growth. Reflection is a vital part of the course. Criteria for assessments are provided in advance of most small assignments, and all major assignments. I am available to work with students before school, after school and at lunch. Students know where to sign up for appointments. me before 7:00pm for same-day response.

Really? Are you sure? Here is what some past students have said: “I learned so much I thought my brain would burst, and had an extraordinarily enjoyable time doing it.” –Katie M. “If you are at all struggling, Ms. Wanczuk is by all means happy to sit down with you and go over what you need help with…You will learn so much and also definitely have a fun time in her class.” --Georgiana

Really? Are you sure? “I was surprised to find, however, that the AP designation did actually mean something. The class was harder than any English class I’ve had before, but still manageable.” --Nick R. “My greatest accomplishment in AP English this year is not necessarily a piece of writing, but how my attitude has changed toward writing. I have become comfortable with writing and am not afraid to experiment.” –Michelle E.

Really? Are you sure? “If I were to start the year over again, I would meet with Ms. Wanczuk and go over my essays to better understand my mistakes. At the beginning you may be overwhelmed, at semester you will feel anxious, and once the class is over, you’ll realize it wasn’t so miserable after all.” --Rachel S.

Really? Are you sure? “My greatest accomplishment in the class would easily be the gaining of confidence to feel comfortable with my own writing. Entering AP English, I severely doubted my ability to survive this course. Honors English my sophomore year left me doubting whether or not I could handle an AP course. Without a doubt, I am continuing to AP English Literature for my senior year after my experience in this class.” –Erica R.