This course is designed for freshmen who have been recommended by teachers and counselors, or who have not passed the ISAT reading or language test and have shown a pattern of below grade level performance on school-wide language arts assessments. The Basic English 9 class will benefit from a reduced-pace from that of other English classes and strong emphasis on core language arts skills.

 

 

 

This course is designed for sophomores who have been recommended by their teachers or counselors, and who have not passed the ISAT reading or language test and have shown a pattern of below grade performance on school-wide language arts assessments. The Basic English 10 class will benefit from a reduced pace from that of other English classes and strong emphasis on core language arts skills, including grammar, composition and literature. Students will focus on writing complete thoughts and well structured paragraphs and will learn that punctuation is used to clarify writing. Vocabulary and spelling will be included. A variety of literary forms will be encountered and interpreted.

 

For students who have not met proficiency scores on the Spring ISAT during the 10th grade. The literature covered will include classical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction. Emphasis is placed on practical skills such as reading, writing, listening, speaking, critical thinking, problem-solving and technical writing.

 

Designed for students who have not met proficiency scores on the ISAT by the completion of their junior year. The focus of the class will be strategies to ensure success in the workplace including technical writing, reading, communicating, and collaborative problem-solving. The literature studied will reflect these concepts. Second 1 Credit / 1 Semester requires completion of a Senior Project.

 

Course Code: 1610

 LANGUAGE Level E! Is a research-based, comprehensive literacy curriculum that integrates reading, spelling, writing and other critical language arts strands It is designed specifically for students who benefit from explicit instruction in a structured language curriculum whether they are in the geneneral or special education program.Placement is based on meeting 3 out of the five criteria: continuing placement from middle school, ISAT score of +or- 3 points of the ISAT bottom basic score of 209, , fluency reading score at or below 110-150 correct words per minute. .

 

 

 

LANGUAGE Level F! LANGUAGE Level F Is a research-based, comprehensive literacy curriculum that integrates reading, spelling, writing and other critical language arts strands It is designed specifically for students who benefit from explicit instruction in a structured language curriculum whether they are in the geneneral or special education program. Placement is based on meeting 3 out of the five criteria: continuing placement from middle school, ISAT score of +or- 3 points of the ISAT basic score of 220, , fluency reading score between 150-170 correct words per minute and completion of LANGAUAGE Level E.

 

This course will focus on word analysis, vocabulary, fluency, literal, interpretive and evaluative comprehension. Students will read a variety of genre in class to apply comprehension strategies. . The goal of this class is to help the student become an engaged, fluent and competent reader of the variety of text they will have to understand in their personal, academic and professional lives. This class is designed for second semester sophomores and  juniors who have not passed the reading ISAT.

 

 

 

Basic skills in research, analysis, organization, and refutation will be emphasized in a competitive environment. The course will include study and practice in policy and Lincoln-Douglas styles of debate as well as Mock Trial and Student Congress. Students will also learn speech event techniques. Debate will fulfill the Speech requirement if taken for the 2 Credit / 2 Semesters. 

 

 

 

 

Emphasis will be on improving writing skills, vocabulary development, and reading a variety of literature.

 

Designed to help students improve in their basic language skills, the course of study will include the review and reinforcement of grammar fundamentals and standard English usage as well as reading short stories, poetry, a Shakespearean drama, and novels. At least one essay per six weeks is required.

 

The course is designed to improve the student’s skills in reading, writing and language through the study of themes and writers of American literature, past and present.

 

First semester requires completion of a Senior Paper. Second semester focuses on development and completion of a required Senior Project. Vocabulary studies enhance student ability to communicate effectively. Composition reinforces the six writing traits. A study of British and world literature provides a vehicle for analysis and discussion.

 

Instruction in journalistic writing, interviewing, photography, editing, layout and other steps leading to the production of the high school paper. Course requirements include writing, advertising sales and a minimal amount of time after school hours to meet layout deadlines for publication. The newspaper is published eight times in the school year. This course is not recommended for freshmen.

 

This performance-based course is designed to develop communication skills through application of the communication model. Interpersonal skills, communication in the workplace, listening skills, critical thinking, time management, research skills, speech organization and presentation will be the focus. The controlled and supportive classroom environment is an ideal setting for students to practice and perfect those communication skills of effective speaking and critical listening valued in all professions, the community and personal relations. This course relies on a discipline of reading, writing, research and performance at the junior/senior grade levels and is tailored to help prepare students for their Senior Project presentations.

 

Instructional focus will be on lay-out, design, photography, interviewing, writing copy, proof reading and other steps leading to the production of the high school annual.

 

 

For students with at least one year of debate experience. Theory applied to the competitive setting is the primary focus. Students should anticipate preparation for and participation in various speech contests and debate tournaments.   This is a class designed for the competitive debater/speaker.

 

This course is designed to challenge the more academically able student. In addition to skills covered in the regular freshman English course, the content of this course will be accelerated and enriched to provide an extensive study of grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, composition and literature. Testing and discussion will take place the beginning of the freshman year. Additional reading and writing outside the typical classroom workload will be required. This course is intended for students who exhibit facility in grade-level basic skills, show speed in learning and desire more challenge in their curriculum.  See information below about summer reading.

 

This course is designed to challenge the more academically able student. In addition to skills covered in the regular sophomore English course, the content of this course will be accelerated and enriched to provide an extensive study of grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, composition, and literature. See information below about summer reading. Testing and discussion will take place the beginning of the sophomore year. See information below regarding summer reading requirements.

 

This course prepares students for the AP Language examination, which will be taken in May. Preparation for the exam includes extensive reading, writing and discussion. Students will learn close-reading and critical thinking skills, analyze how writers communicate effectively and then apply these skills to their own writing. Writing is the primary goal of the class and essays will be heavily weighted. The course will center on American literature (novels, short stories, poetry and a focus on non-fiction) and is equivalent to a 100 or 200 level college writing class.

 

This course prepares students for the AP Literature examination, which will be taken in May. Preparation for the test includes extensive reading, writing, and discussion. Students not only learn how to understand the ideas of a work, but also how the writer communicates the ideas to his or her audience. A variety of challenging and mature texts (classic and contemporary prose, poetry, and drama) are included in the coursework, which is comparative to that of a 200 or 300 level college literature class. Completion of the senior paper, project, and presentation are also a requirement of the course.

 

Students are encouraged to push themselves academically and this challenge should be embraced by the student who wishes to pursue the rigorous and relevant course of study that honors-level classes provide. The summer reading requirement is non-negotiable. Honors and IB courses begin with assignments, class discussions, essays, and quizzes based on the assigned summer novels. Failure to read the assigned novels will affect student grades but should not be considered an irretrievable credit situation. Failing to complete the assignments will not necessarily be the determining factor in whether a student achieves a passing or failing grade, nor will it be considered a qualified reason for schedule changes/dropping the course in August or September. Students must sign a register indicating they have been given the summer reading assignment by their counselor upon registering for the course. Those students who enroll in the fall will be given the opportunity to read the novels and complete the related assignments over the course of the first quarter.