The goal of the secondary English Language Arts program is to create literate, thoughtful communicators, capable of controlling language effectively as they negotiate an increasingly complex and information-rich world. Students will refine specific skills and strategies in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing and will use these skills and strategies widely as tools for learning and reflection. Exploring a variety of texts, students will understand and appreciate language and literature as catalysts for deep thought and emotion.
Enduring Understandings
The secondary English Language Arts program is founded on the following beliefs:
- Language is a powerful tool for expressing ideas, beliefs, and feelings.
- Knowledge of language facilitates thought.
- Readers, listeners, and viewers continually develop and apply strategies to construct meaning from increasingly complex and challenging texts.
- Writers and speakers strategically use language to communicate for a variety of purposes.
- Individuals need advanced literacy skills to participate actively and successfully in today’s demanding, information-based society.
- Literature reveals the complexities of the world and human experience.
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English 9 focuses on helping students become critical readers and writers through the exploration of several literary texts in a variety of genres. Students analyze cultural and historical dynamics in addition to practicing close critical reading, grammar study, and completing various writing assignments. Students will also begin preparation for the English High School Assessment that they will take in tenth grade.
English 10 emphasizes the development of students’ critical reading, writing, speaking, and thinking skills. Students study the short story as a genre; learn elements of effective speaking, and use anchor and supplementary texts that include poems, short stories, essays, films, and novels to enhance their understanding of literary concepts. English 10 will prepare students for the English High School Assessment given in the spring in addition to helping them prepare for the SAT and Advanced Placement courses that they will encounter in eleventh grade.
English 11 involves the study of various literary genres through six units that focus on either theme or technique. Students will continue to critically analyze literary works following close textual readings, investigate issues in literature and their respective communities, and complete a service learning component that will help fulfill the service learning requirement. Students write structured essays and develop creative pieces in addition to preparing for the SAT and college applications.
English 12 explores the concept of identity and focuses on answering fundamental questions through literature: Who am I? How do I contribute to society? How does diversity enrich my life? Students analyze a variety of voices in poetry, essays, and prose and further develop their own distinct written voice as they prepare to pursue higher level education or enter the workforce |
