English Language Arts and Reading

ENGLISH I (#1101)

English I addresses the state TEKS and explores how authors use literary and rhetorical elements to make meaning in a variety of texts, both fiction and non-fiction. Students reach to understand, reflect, and make inferences about an author’s purpose and a text’s meaning. Students write in a variety of genres, both fiction and nonfiction, using the texts they read as models for their own writing. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and analysis of personal writing and that of others. (ENG I INC #1105; ENG I BAS #9301; ENG I ELL #1109)

• Credit: 1
• Grade Placement: 9
• Tier 3; Tier 4 Basic Class of 2022; On-level class of 2023 and beyond.

ENGLISH SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES I (#1108)

English I SOL substitutes for English I for immigrant students with limited English proficiency. The course incorporates both second language acquisition and English language arts essential knowledge and skills. The course addresses the state TEKS for English I Speakers of Other Languages.

• Credit: 1
• Grade Placement: 9-12
• Prerequisite: LPAC approval
• Tier 3 Class of 2022; On-level class of 2023 and beyond.

HONORS ENGLISH II (#1202)

Honors English II addresses the state TEKS for English II and prepares students for the academic rigor and college-level environment of upper-level AP^® English courses. A greater emphasis on reading nonfiction and analyzing rhetorical elements makes this a challenging course. In addition to writing fiction, students apply rhetorical skills to their nonfiction writing. Students should be self-motivated and apply time management and organization skills necessary to complete out-of-class assignments. Students should expect to spend time reading and learning about current events. For more information on AP^®, courses go to https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/home. Summer reading may be required. (GT #1206)

• Credit: 1
• Grade Placement: 10
• Prerequisite: English I
• Tier 2 class of 2022; Advanced class of 2023 and beyond.

ENGLISH III (#1301)

English III addresses the state TEKS and is a survey of American literature from the colonial to modern periods. The course emphasizes college-readiness writing in multiple genres is stressed and reading selections provide models for student writing. Students will meet state-required multi-media and speech proficiency standards in this class. (ENG III INC #1305; ENG III BAS #9303; ENG. III ELL #1309)

• Credit: 1
• Grade Placement: 11
• Prerequisite: English II
• Tier 3; Tier 4 Basic Class of 2022; On-level class of 2023 and beyond.

UT OnRamps Rhetoric and Writing (#1301DU) (English 1301 + English 1302 or UT RHE 306 + RHE 309K)

This two-semester, six-credit writing-intensive sequence features a fall RHE 306 “Research & Writing” course in argumentation that situates rhetoric as an art of civic discourse, followed by the spring semester RHE 309K “Rhetoric of American Identity” featuring an exciting series of case studies in race, gender, and ethnicity. Over the two courses, students analyze the various positions held in any public debate and learn to advocate their own positions effectively. In the fall, students explore the ethics of argumentation and what it means to “fairly” represent someone with whom they disagree. By the spring, students are ready to analyze and compose arguments about American identity and identity formation, both personal and cultural. The goal is to foster students’ abilities to analyze arguments presented by others and to write sound and effective arguments of their own — abilities that contribute meaningfully to their academic, professional, personal, and civic lives. This course satisfies English III credit.

• Credit: 1
• Grade Placement: 11
• Prerequisite: English II
• Tier 1 class of 2022; Advanced class of 2023 and beyond.
• Student Cost $149.00 per Semester, $298.00 for the full year to register for this class.
• College Credits 6: English 1301 + English 1302 or UT RHE 306 + RHE 309K

ELA COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSE (#1407)

Description: ELA College Preparatory Course prepares students for college-level writing by integrating the rigor and modes of a developmental college writing class with the reading and analysis required in English IV. The course is offered through an agreement with the Alamo Colleges District and the University of Texas at San Antonio. This course is recommended for students who have successfully completed English I-III and have met the state requirement for Approaches Grade Level on STAAR EOC English I and English II, but who have not determined college readiness as defined by the Texas Success Initiative by the end of their junior year (coursework such as AP English III resulting in a score of 3 or higher on the AP Language and Composition exam and scores on college entrance exams such as the ACT, SAT, TSIA that exempt a student from enrolling in a developmental education course in English prior to taking Freshman Composition in college). A final course grade of 75 or higher will demonstrate student TSI compliance with Alamo Colleges and UTSA. ELA College Preparatory Course is not offered for dual credit. This course fulfills Advanced English credit.

• Credit: 1
• Grade Placement: 12
• Prerequisites: English III, counselor and teacher recommendation, and passing English I and II EOC scores
• Tier 3 Class of 2022; On-level class of 2023 and beyond.

DUAL CREDIT ENGLISH IV-NVC DUAL CREDIT ENGL 1301 & 1302 (#1404DN)

Semester 1

English IV Dual (ENGL 1301) is the first-semester college-level composition course offered through an agreement with Northwest Vista College. The course is an intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Focus on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communicating, and critical analysis. Summer reading may be required. Dual credit students must complete a fall semester exam.

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade Placement: 12
• Prerequisites: English III, NVC application, and TSI scores
• Tier 1 class of 2022; Advanced class of 2023 and beyond.

Semester 2

English IV Dual (ENGL 1302) is the second-semester college-level composition course offered through an agreement with Northwest Vista College. This course is an intensive study of and practice in the strategies and techniques for developing research-based expository and persuasive texts. Emphasis on effective and ethical rhetorical inquiry, including primary and secondary research methods; critical reading of verbal, visual, and multimedia texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis, and documentation of information sources; and critical thinking about evidence and conclusions. Dual credit students must have completed ENGL 1301 with a grade of “C” or better to enroll in this course and must take a spring semester exam.

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade Placement: 12
• Prerequisites: English 1301
• Tier 1 class of 2022; Advanced class of 2023 and beyond.

AP^® ENGLISH IV (AP^® LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION) (#1403) / DUAL CREDIT ENGLISH IV-NVC WORLD LITERATURE (#1414DN)

Semester 1

AP^® English IV/Dual English IV aligns with both the AP^® Literature and Composition College Board expectations and Northwest Vista College’s ENGL 2332 (World Literature). This college-level course engages students in close reading and written analysis of literature. Students become adept at identifying and analyzing varied literary techniques as these techniques contribute to the purpose and meaning of a selection in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Selected writings from diverse authors and traditions from various time periods, serve as the basis for reading and for writing literary analysis. Selections include fiction, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction, and informational texts. Integrated with the study of these selections is the continued refinement of composition skills, usage skills, and research skills. For more information on AP^®, courses go to https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/home. Students enrolled as dual credit will receive credit for ENGL 2332 (World Literature). Summer reading is required. All students must take a fall semester exam

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade Placement: 12
• AP^® Prerequisite: English III or English III AP^®;
• Dual Credit Prerequisite: English III Dual Credit (ENGL 1301 & 1302) OR AP^® English III Score of 3 or higher, NVC application, TSI scores
• Tier 1 class of 2022; Advanced class of 2023 and beyond.

Semester 2

Description: AP^® English IV/Dual English IV aligns with both the AP^® Literature and Composition College Board expectations and Northwest Vista College’s ENGL 2333 (World Literature). This college-level course is a continuation of the first semester. For more information on AP^®, courses go to https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/home. Students enrolled in AP^® will take the AP^® Literature and Composition exam in the spring or the spring semester exam. Dual credit students must have completed ENGL 2332 with a grade of “C” or better to enroll in the course. Students enrolled as dual credit will take the spring semester exam. Students enrolled as dual credit will receive credit for ENGL 2333 (World Literature).

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade Placement: 12
• Dual Credit Prerequisite: ENGL 2332 (passed with a score of “C” or better)
• Tier 1 class of 2022; Advanced class of 2023 and beyond.

DUAL CREDIT ENGLISH IV-ASU DUAL CREDIT INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN LITERATURE (#1414DA)

SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

A study of diverse works by American writers. Emphasis on reading, comprehending, appreciating, and thinking critically about the selected works within the context of American culture and literary history. In order to earn the full-year of English IV credit, students must have also taken ENGL 2325 during the fall semester. (ASU DUAL CREDIT may be an online course depending on enrollment numbers.)

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade Placement: 12
• Prerequisites: English III Dual Credit (ENGL 1301 & 1302) OR AP^® English III Score of 3 or higher, ASU application, TSI scores
• ASU Student Cost: $150 plus any instructional materials
• Tier 1 class of 2022; Advanced class of 2023 and beyond

PRACTICAL WRITING (#1524)

Practical Writing emphasizes the conventions and mechanics of written English, the appropriate and effective application of English grammar, and the effective use of vocabulary. Students understand the recursive nature of the writing process. The use of personal data and statistical analysis will establish relevance and aid in the creation of individualized learning plans. Required for students who have not met ELAR I and/or ELAR II STAAR EOC requirements.

• Credit: 0.5 to 1
• Grade Placement: 9-12
• Tier 4 Class of 2022; On-level class of 2023 and beyond.

CREATIVE WRITING (#1502)

In this elective, year-long rigorous course, students will write poetry, fiction, literary non-fiction, and drama. All students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the recursive nature of the writing process. Through reading, studying, and analyzing various literary forms and literary criticism, students will develop their diverse voices through the creative writing process. This course may not be repeated.

• Credit: 1
• Grade Placement: 11-12
• Prerequisite: English 1 and English 2
• Tier 4 Class of 2022; On-level class of 2023 and beyond.

ADVANCED JOURNALISM: NEWSPAPER I-III (#1514, #1515, #1516)

Advanced Journalism: Newspaper I-III concentrates on the publication of the school newspaper. Students improve skills acquired in Journalism and design, advertise, edit, and produce a professional level publication every four to six weeks.

• Credit: 1
• Grade Placement: 10-12
• Prerequisites: Application OR Journalism or Photojournalism
• Tier 3 Class of 2022; On-level class of 2023 and beyond.

PHOTOJOURNALISM (#1517)

Photojournalism instructs students in camera operation, journalistic illustration and composition techniques, and film and print development. Pictures may be used in the student newspaper and yearbook.

• Credit: 0.5
• Grade Placement: 9-12
• Tier 4 Class of 2022; On-level class of 2023 and beyond.

INDEPENDENT STUDY SPEECH (#1531)

Independent Study Speech focuses on research and development of higher-level thinking skills concerning historical, political, social, and economic questions similar to those introduced to students in Debate I, II, and III. The depth of research and study, the intensity of exploration, and the polish of oral presentation will be such as to demonstrate superlative control and execution of speech skills. Students in Independent Study Speech will prepare for and compete in outside tournaments.

• Credit: 1
• Grade Placement: 12
• Prerequisites: Debate I-III
• Tier 3 Class of 2022; On-level class of 2023 and beyond.

ACCELERATED MULTISENSORY STUDIES I-IV (#1527, #1528, #1529, #1530)

Accelerated Multisensory Studies (AMS) is a comprehensive blended literacy course that offers instruction in a small group setting covering the following instructional approaches: explicit, direct instruction that is systematic, sequential, and cumulative; intensive, meaning-based instruction that is directed toward purposeful reading, spelling, and writing; multisensory instruction that addresses sensory pathways; and, technology-based design to maximize the development of literacy fundamentals and student engagement. This local, elective course supports identified students with dyslexia/related disorders that require multisensory reading, spelling, and writing instruction. The Dyslexia Handbook, revised in 2018, by the Texas Education Agency, includes descriptions of instructional components. Teachers who provide the appropriate instruction for students with dyslexia are trained in the components as specified by 19 TAC §74.28. The course is graded Pass/Fail.

• Credit: 0.5 to 1 Local
• Grade Placement: 9-12
• Prerequisites: Placement by Dyslexia Committee, ARD, or §504
• Not Included in GPA

AP^® RESEARCH (#1533)

AP^® Research, the second course in the AP^® Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a year-long investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they the skills they acquired in the AP^® Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. Students will complete various assessments throughout the year to earn an Advanced Placement^® Exam score that may allow them to earn college credit. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP^® Seminar and AP^® Research will receive the AP^® Seminar and Research Certificate© signifying their attainment of college-level academic and research skills. In addition, students who earn a 3 or higher in four additional AP^® Courses will receive the AP^® Capstone Diploma^©. Students receive a GPA weighted credit as with all other AP^® courses. The exam fee for this course is applicable. For further information, please consult the College Board Website: https://advancesinap.collegeboard.org/ap-capstone

• Credit: 1
• Grade Placement: 11-12
• Prerequisite: AP^® Seminar
• Tier 1 class of 2022; Advanced class of 2023 and beyond.