English 9-12

In high school English, students are empowered by the development of their communication skills. Students engage in authentic writing purposes, formal and informal, through assignments that address state writing standards and departmental guidelines. They have multiple experiences in literary analysis, persuasive writing, and narrative/creative writing. They maintain portfolios of writing that require them to reflect on their own progress as writers. 

In addition, students learn to value diversity from the voices of the authors they read, as well as from the voices of their peers and themselves. Students are actively engaged in reading and reflecting on a wide range of texts, including novels, short stories, essays, poetry, drama, articles, memoirs, both fiction and nonfiction, print and non-print. 

Through whole class, small group and independent reading and reflection, students in high school English classes develop an understanding of the power of language, and how writers use genre and literary devices to convey meaning and provide insight into the human condition.