English

Mission/Philosophy

The English Language Arts Department courses provide opportunities for students to read, write and speak in a variety of contexts about wide-ranging topics and experiences. We engage students with literature that provides mirrors and windows of experience and allows students to build empathy and understanding of the world around them while celebrating their own stories. English courses emphasize student voice and choice and promote independent reading for pleasure in addition to analytical and academic reading. The English Department fosters an environment where students build a love of reading and writing and see literacy as a tool for agency in life beyond high school. Students build skills through ongoing, low-stakes practice, specific teacher feedback, and opportunities to revise work as part of the writing process. The English department develops instruction rooted in Common Core and Massachusetts State Frameworks and strives, ultimately, to develop lifelong readers, writers and thinkers.

SCOPE AND SEQUENCE FOR GRADES 9-12 

The English Department offers four levels of comprehensive instruction: 

• Substantially Separate (grades 9-12 based on Student Services and team determination)

• College Preparatory (grades 9-12), 

• Honors (grades 9-12) and 

• Advanced Placement (Grades 11 and 12)

All students must pass each of the following courses:

Grade 9: Curiosity,  Identity, and Coming-of-Age Stories

Grade 10:  Dreams and Ideals, Empathy and Impact

Grade 11:  Power and Influence: Individuals and Systems in Society

Grade 12: Identity and Agency: Words as tools of Agency and Change 

Note: AP ELA classes fulfill the requirement for junior and/or senior year.

Students may take elective courses in addition to the core requirements. These elective courses DO NOT fulfill graduation requirements for English:

• Stories of Young Adult Experiences

• Living Poets

• Food and Travel Writing

• Understanding Identity: Building Communities Through Conversation

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to graduate, all students must earn a passing grade (59.5 or higher) in English each of the four years of high school. All levels of these core courses, including Advanced Placement English courses, fulfill the graduation requirement; however, courses listed under the English electives program do not fulfill graduation requirements. 

Please note: if a student should fail a core course for the year with a 50% average or higher, he or she is eligible to take the course again during summer school to earn a passing grade. If a student is not eligible for summer school, he or she must take two core English courses the following year. Please refer to summer school eligibility requirements.

Honors Level Course Expectations

Honors level English classes are rigorous and move at an accelerated pace. The courses have increased emphasis on the complexity and length of reading and writing assignments. Students are required to read at home nightly and apply this reading to synthesize two or more texts in writing or verbally in class discussion. Students will analyze reading and draw conclusions independently.

Success in these courses requires a strong work ethic and a high degree of motivation in the subject area as well as some level of interest in reading and writing. Students must be able to read and work independently and demonstrate more in-depth critical analysis skills, as well as complexity and nuance in verbal and written communication. Students should carefully consider taking these classes and should seek guidance from parents, teachers and guidance counselors before finalizing their decision. 

College Preparatory Level Course Expectations

College Preparatory classes challenge students with rigorous instruction, provide ongoing skill development and content knowledge, and are paced to meet student needs. The courses require students to read and write on a regular basis and offer  guidance and feedback from teachers to foster growth in literacy skills. Students will manage short and long-term assignments with support. 

Students are required to complete some reading and writing at home but a significant portion of the academic work is done in class with teacher support. The courses are designed to help students continue their pursuit of mastery in reading, writing and verbal communication, and prepare them appropriately for post-secondary learning. Students will have opportunities on a daily basis to “stretch” their knowledge base and skill set at an appropriate pace with encouragement and support from teachers. Revision and improvement are a central focus in these courses as students build skills and work toward more independence in learning.

AP Level Course Expectations

The Advanced Placement curriculum is overseen and reviewed by the College Board; therefore, the curriculum is equivalent to what a student would experience if taking a college or university course. Strong critical thinking skills, the ability to make inferences, and effective analysis and argumentative writing skills need to be in place to support a student’s successful transition.

AP Level courses are college level courses that require a high level of independence, passion for the subject and demonstrated skill in the subject area. In these courses, there is increased emphasis on the complexity and length of reading and writing assignments and students may read up to 100 pages a week independently. AP courses focus on timed essay writing in preparation for the AP exam and require the ability to read, process and write under the pressure of a clock. Students should expect to engage in more in-depth critical analysis of assigned reading, particularly the ability to make inferences and understand levels of meaning. AP courses rely heavily on class discussion and individual student participation as well as frequent writing and revision based largely on student self-reflection and use of provided feedback and resources. AP courses require more challenging summer reading assignments.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Course Name: Curiosity,  Identity and Coming of Age Stories

Course #: 012, 011

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 9

Credits: 6

Intellectual curiosity is central to learning and growth. Reading a variety of people’s experiences and studying the stories of others helps us build empathy, figure out who we are, and determine who we want to be in the world. This course will focus on literature and writing connected to ideas of personal development as a human and citizen, coming of age, personal journey and growth. Based on the study of literary genres and a focus on independent reading in conjunction with class texts, this course seeks to develop intellectual curiosity and a love of reading and writing that will carry beyond high school. Students will read, analyze, discuss and write about a variety of texts with an array of authors, characters, and experiences, to build their curiosity about themselves, others, and the world. They will read works dealing with identity development and human journeys in order to build empathy and begin to think about who they want to be in life. In their first course of the 4 year CHS literature journey, students will be exposed to several genres including short fiction, novels, poetry, graphic novels, and non-fiction texts. Through the use of mentor texts, writing practice will focus on building confidence, rediscovering the joy of writing, and writing for specific purposes including analysis, persuasion, information sharing and storytelling. Students will receive specific and targeted feedback to improve reading and writing skills. Summer Reading: All students are expected to complete the summer reading requirements. Information is available in May in English classes, via email and on the CHS website.

Course Name: Dreams and Ideals, Empathy and Impact

Course # 022/021

Level: CP, H

Grade Level: 10

Credits: 6

Reading fiction builds empathy. In this course, students will examine the world in which they live with a particular focus on stories about the “American experience”. Students will consider their own experience and how it is impacted by and impacts the experiences of those around them. They will examine the concept of The American Dream and the ideals that drive communities.  Students will identify their own communities and their roles within these communities. 

In their second course in their 4 year literature journey, students will be exposed to several genres including short fiction, novels, poetry, graphic novels, and non-fiction texts from the 1600’s today. Students will practice close reading strategies to enhance comprehension. Historical perspectives and societal changes will be explored through a variety of learning experiences with an emphasis on student voice and choice. Writing practice will focus on writing for specific purposes including analysis, persuasion, information sharing and storytelling. Students will learn to synthesize multiple sources and use textual evidence in more nuanced and sophisticated ways to support their ideas. The argumentative essay provides a forum for students’ interaction with the literature to help them create more sophisticated claims and develop insightful analysis of evidence. Students regularly engage in analytical writing assignments in connection with in-depth discussion of literary elements and a variety of themes and essential questions that drive unit focus. Students will receive targeted and specific feedback in order to improve writing. MCAS style writings will be assigned and assessed based on the MCAS grading rubric. Selected readings will provide opportunities to refine active reading skills in order to improve comprehension, synthesis skills, and critical thinking. Additional writing and reading assignments will also provide essential practice and preparation, not only for class discussion and activities, but also for the MCAS test. Summer Reading: All students are expected to complete the summer reading requirements. Information is available in May in English classes, via email and on the CHS website.

Course Name:  AP Language and Composition: Rhetoric and Argument

Course # 030

Level: AP

Grade Level: 11

Credits: 6

This challenging, college level course is appropriate for highly motivated students who excel at analysis and critical thinking and have demonstrated strong organizational and study skills in addition to literacy skills. The course is appropriate for students who enjoy reading, not only for comprehension but also to become more knowledgeable about key rhetorical devices used by master writers and to learn to incorporate these strategies into their own writing. A selection of readings from British authors and contemporary American and British authors is coupled with a wide variety of nonfiction texts to provide the basis for instruction. Students will read, analyze, and evaluate literature and nonfiction writing as they gain an understanding of the rhetorical strategies used in formulating arguments. The course will also incorporate the analysis of visual media such as video clips, cartoons and speech-making so that students can observe the techniques that great writers draw upon to formulate strong arguments. In addition to writing as a process, students will complete several AP exam style on-demand writings. Students will be asked to compare, synthesize, and devise appropriate claims in response to readings and demonstrate their understanding through panel discussions and writing. In addition to short research on various topics, students also engage in more sustained literary research. Students will participate in seminar-style discussions and writing workshops designed to improve their skills and provide opportunities for critical thinking and analysis. The high level coursework will prepare students for the AP test in May. Summer Reading: All students are expected to complete the summer reading requirements. Information is available in May in English classes, via email and on the CHS website.

Course Name: Grade 11:  Power and Influence: Individuals and Systems in Society

Course # 032/031

Level : CP/H

Grade Level : 11

Credits: 6

In this course, students will read a variety of literary works that explore how power can be both a positive and negative force. Building on their study of the American experience in 10th grade, students will read, analyze, write about and discuss literature in which power plays a significant role. Through their reading of classic and contemporary works of American and British Literature, students will examine the impact of power on individuals and within systems. Students will begin to think about how they can use power for good as citizens of the world.

In the 11th grade course, added emphasis will be placed on analysis, making inferences, and creating claims to support ideas and opinions. Students will continue to hone their synthesis skills as they examine contemporary texts in relation to classics. Further study of writing strategies and literary devices will enhance comprehension and writing skills. The course focuses on building independent learning habits and highlighting student voice and choice. The practice of active reading and passage analysis will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of a variety of texts through argumentative, narrative, and expository writing. Students regularly engage in analytical writing assignments about one or more literary texts. They will engage in in-depth discussion of literary elements in connection to a variety of themes and essential questions that drive unit focus. Students will receive targeted and specific feedback in order to improve writing. Summer Reading: All students are expected to complete the summer reading requirements. Information is available in May in English classes, via email and on the CHS website.

Course Name: AP Literature and Composition: Voices of the World

Course # 040

Level: AP

Grade Level: 12

Credits: 6

This fast-paced, college-level course is designed for students who are passionate and motivated readers and who have consistently demonstrated a high level of skill, especially in the areas of analysis and critical thinking. The course is appropriate for students who are excited to speak and write about literature and who have strong analytical writing skills and a willingness to participate in class discussions with insightful, independent responses. The course requires strong organizational and study skills and an ability to read, write and reflect independently. Students can expect to read 100 pages a week in class texts and independent reading books. Students will read a variety of traditional and contemporary world literature and will have multiple opportunities to engage in independent reading. As engaged readers and writers, AP Literature students willingly go beyond the basic requirements of an assignment because they are curious learners. Within this context, students continue to work on broadening their range of critical thinking, analysis, and writing strategies. Students will write frequently to practice careful analysis and use of textual evidence to support claims. In addition to process writing, students will engage in timed, AP exam style writing to practice for the AP exam in May. Outside enrichment readings will be ongoing as part of preparation for the AP exam in May. Summer Reading: All students are expected to complete the summer reading requirements. Information is available in May in English classes, via email and on the CHS website.

Course Name: Identity and Agency: Words as Tools of Agency and Change 

Course # 042/041

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 12

Credits: 6

The 12th grade course seeks to provide students with the knowledge, skills and agency they need to be successful beyond high school. This course is based on selections from contemporary world literature with a heavy focus on stories in which words, both written and spoken, provide agency and cause positive change.  Students will read a variety of world literature texts, with the goal of building empathy and understanding of others while celebrating their own experiences and ability to make change. In addition to class texts, independent choice reading helps students continue to develop into lifelong readers and learners. The course provides practice in annotation skills as students read and independently process their thinking. Through student-centered learning activities, students will work on broadening their range of critical thinking and close reading strategies. 

Students will enhance their literacy skills through a variety of written responses to assigned reading. Targeted, specific teacher feedback helps students engage in self-reflection and revision to improve writing. Analytical and narrative essay writing will provide an opportunity for students to practice the steps of the writing process and develop personal agency through writing. Students regularly engage in analytical writing assignments in connection with in-depth discussion of literary elements and a variety of themes and essential questions that drive unit focus. Students will complete short research assignments to enhance research skills. This work will demonstrate their ability to integrate primary and critical print and online sources. During Term 1, teachers will review narrative writing strategies that support college admissions essay requirements. Students will continue to hone reading and writing skills to prepare for college and careers. Summer Reading: All students are expected to complete the summer reading requirements. Information is available in May in English classes, via email and on the CHS website.

ENGLISH ELECTIVES: The English elective program is designed for those students who wish to pursue their passion and enhance their English language skills through the exploration of specific areas of interest. Electives do not fulfill the four-year English graduation requirements.

Course Name: Stories of Young Adult Experience

Course #: 081/074

Level: CP/H

Grade Level: 10-12

Credits: 3

In this course, students will read popular, contemporary novels in verse, graphic novels and other YA fiction texts that center on the voices of young people and the real situations they face in today’s world. Students will engage in personal and creative writing using the work of the authors we study as a model. Experienced and brand-new readers and writers are welcome! 

Students will embrace the joy of pleasure reading, build reading stamina, and build their joy and capacity for writing. Writing will focus on process over product with the idea that personal writing is joyful and messy. This course is for students who love to read realistic, engaging stories of teenagers, and/or have dabbled in (or want to start!) dabbling in writing.  The course is recommended for grades 11 and 12 due to the texts used, but grade 10 students may be allowed to enroll at the discretion of the teacher.

Course Name: Living Poets 

Course #: 062

Level: CP

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 3

This semester-long course is designed for students who have a strong interest in reading and writing contemporary poetry. Throughout the course, students will engage with poems by contemporary, living poets, using these works as inspiration to develop their own writing style. Students will produce a diverse range of original poems, each exploring different forms, concepts, and styles. The course will emphasize the writing process, which includes brainstorming, drafting, peer editing, and revising. Students will participate in writing workshops, self-assessment exercises, and collaborative projects, while engaging in constructive feedback exchanges with their teacher and peers. In the Honors section, students will focus on reading about poetry and form, developing a completed chapbook of their own, and preparing their polished pieces for potential publication.

Course Name: Understanding Identities: Building Community through Conversation 

Course # 083/084

Level: CP/H     

Grade Level: 9-12 

Through an examination of music, movies, children’s picture books, media, and current events, we’ll engage in curious conversations about culture and people, including racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual identities. With in-class discussions, self-reflective journaling and examining varying perspectives, we’ll focus on ways to ask questions, unpack biases, and disrupt obstacles to  authentic change. Topics of conversation include historical and current systems of oppression as well as celebrations of culture, achievements, and rich ancestry. 

Course Name: Food and Travel Writing

Course #: 085

Level: CP

Grade Level: 9-12

Credits: 3

Both food and travel are fundamentally human. They are each reflective of--and contributors to--human history and culture. They are at once universal and intimately personal. If you want an opportunity to write about both food and travel, consider taking Food and Travel Writing.

In this course, students will build reading, writing, and critical thinking skills by examining texts related to food, from the painstakingly precise writing of cookbooks and recipes, to critical food reviews, to expressive narratives that celebrate foods as cultural and historical hallmarks. They will also learn the craft from these model writers, creating their own texts and stories. Similarly, students will read a range of travel texts: stories, travel journalism, and histories, among others. They will write expressive reflections of their own travels, informational multimodal texts, and will journal as they create and carry out a self-guided travel itinerary, culminating in a final project. This course is recommended for those interested in English language arts, journalism, or those who simply love to eat and travel.