English

ENGLISH 4.0 credits Required for Graduation

• ELA 9 (Required, 1 credit)

• English 10 (Required, 1 credit) 

• English 11 (Required, 1 credit) 

• English 12  (Required, 1 credit)

As outlined in the current English curriculum guide for grades 9-12, students will follow a prescribed course of study that encompasses literature, grammar, writing, listening and speaking activities appropriate to grade and course difficulty level.

The current curriculum has been developed in order to instruct and assess the following Pennsylvania Academic Standards:

• Learning to Read Independently 

• Reading Critically in All Content Areas 

• Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

• Types of Writing Quality of Writing Speaking and Listening

• Characteristics and Functions of the English Language

• Research

In addition, English classes in grades 9-11 will administer the CDT Testing to assess student performance in reading to better tailor the needs of students in each class to achieve improved performance in not only language arts but also on the Keystone Literature Exam.

Teachers in all grades will also administer and assess at least one multi-paragraph writing assignment per semester using the domain scoring rubric.

As students enter the senior high school, course options expand to include Advanced Placement level courses, which are designed to meet national curriculum standards as established by The College Board, and which are to reflect college-level difficulty.  English courses continue to be offered at Academic and Honors levels.

Beginning with the graduating class of 2014, each student must demonstrate proficiency in English Language Arts and mathematics on the Keystone Exams, which will replace the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), or provide evidence of proficiency in English Language and mathematics through state-mandated alternative forms of assessment. Students will take the Keystone Exams upon completion of the corresponding courses.