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Section Contents
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English Courses
English 9 English 9 focuses on developing students’ higher-level thinking and writing skills, including basic composition and introductory technical writing skills. Emphasis is placed on critical reading of classical and contemporary literature. Both literary circles and traditional instructional methods are used in an effort to reach all learning styles. Students are introduced to methods of research, which are further enhanced in successive years as students complete required communications reports. A myriad of technologies is used to increase learning throughout the course. These skills prepare students for post-secondary education. English 9 Honors English 9 introduces students to skills in analysis and interpretation of literature at a more advanced level. Both classical and contemporary styles of literature are studied. Students are introduced to methods of research, which will be further enhanced in successive years as students complete required communications reports. Various technologies are used to increase learning throughout the course. These skills prepare students for post-secondary education. English 10 English 10 focuses on the development of vocabulary, comprehension, and critical reading skills. Understanding of literary elements and devices is also included. The writing process is presented in detail as students proceed through the steps of their required communications research project. Opportunities for writing in a variety of modes are presented and evaluated using the four domains of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Development of effective and appropriate speaking and listening skills are strengthened. A myriad of technologies is used to increase learning throughout the course. These skills prepare students for post-secondary education. English 10 Honors The English 10 Honors course incorporates a variety of reading, writing and thinking units that challenge students to apply prior knowledge and skills. The writing process is employed to lead students through various writing experiences generated to improve the quality of their writing as it is evaluated using the four domains of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. In addition, the communications research project is used as the basis for instruction in research and report writing skills. Through their readings, students explore various genres enabling them to test their own skills of analysis, comprehension, and application. A myriad of technologies is used to increase learning throughout the course. These skills prepare students for post-secondary education. English 11 This course focuses on the continued development of the skills and strategies required for effective reading and writing at the post-secondary level. An increased emphasis on analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and interpretation of essential ideas is presented to assist the student in preparing for the PSSA. Writing in the four domains of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards is stressed, utilizing appropriate computer software where possible, in addition to classroom instruction. A myriad of technologies is used to increase learning throughout the course. In addition, the communications research project is used as the basis for instruction in research and report writing skills. English 11 Honors English 11 Honors focuses on enhancing students’ ability to apply the skills and strategies developed previously in effective, college-level reading and writing applications. A variety of genres are addressed throughout the curriculum. Renewed emphasis on analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and interpretation of essential ideas assist in preparing students for the PSSA. Writing exercises are developed which align with the four domains of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards, utilizing appropriate computer software where possible, in addition to classroom instruction. A variety of technologies are used to increase learning throughout the course. In addition, the communications research project is used as the basis for instruction in research and report writing skills. This college prep course requires an A/B grade in previous English class as well as the teacher’s recommendation. English 12 English 12 extends previous development of the skills and strategies required for effective reading and writing. A continued emphasis is placed on analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and interpretation of essential ideas in reading materials. Essay writing practice in the narrative, informational, and persuasive modes continues, along with the writing of the college application essay. In addition, the senior graduation research project is used as the basis for continued instruction in research and report writing skills. Various technologies are used to increase learning throughout the course. English 12 Honors English 12 Honors presents an intense study of language arts skills, both for the world of work and the world of academia. Emphasis is placed on the refinement of reading and writing skills for college success. A continued emphasis is placed on analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and interpretation of essential ideas in reading materials. Expository writing skills are honed. Students develop higher-order thinking skills to facilitate communication in the work place. The culmination of English skills is displayed through participation in the senior graduation research project, which is used as the basis for continued instruction in research and report writing skills. Various technologies are used to increase learning throughout the course. This course requires an A/B grade in previous English class and the teacher’s recommendation. British Literature and Media Publication 12 British Literature and Media Publication focuses on the production and publication of the school literary “magazine.” This course emphasizes the writing, editing, layout, design and distribution of this publication. Students learn all aspects of the writing and publishing process including photography and computer design. British Literature vocabulary and grammar are also explored in this course. Twelfth grade students complete a Senior Graduation Research Project, which is used as the basis for continued instruction in research and report writing skills component of the portfolio. A myriad of technologies are used to increase learning throughout the course. English, Literacy Lab 9-10 English Literacy Lab provides intensive instruction in language arts. Instruction is designed to work in conjunction with the student’s individualized education plan (IEP) and incorporates technology and diverse instructional strategies to meet student where they are and lead them toward grade level proficiency. Students are provided with systematic, explicit instruction in reading comprehension, oral reading fluency, decoding, and writing. Their progress is monitored closely and instruction is adjusted accordingly. Students are introduced to Pennsylvania’s grade level standards for reading, writing, listening and speaking using both classic and contemporary literature. English, Literacy Lab 11-12 English Literacy Lab 11-12 continues the intense support provided in English Literacy Lab 9-10. Instruction at this level emphasizes real life reading and writing strategies including reading and writing college and job application essays, editorials and personal narratives. Students select a topic within their Career & Technical Education major and create a multi-media presentation based on research. Students are introduced to Pennsylvania’s grade level standards for reading, writing, listening and speaking using both American and world literature. English as a Second Language (ESL) Students whose native language is not English, and who are in need of English language instruction and academic support, meet with a certified ESL/Spanish teacher. Instruction includes: grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and writing strategies to strengthen English proficiency. ESL support is available to students in the Career and Technical Education programs as well as academic courses. |
