English II

English II is a required, 5-credit, 10-month course, the second in the series of English I - IV. Students will hone their writing, speaking, viewing, listening, and research skills while reading and interacting with fiction and non-fiction from a variety of genres, including but not limited to myths, journals, poetry, short stories, epics, drama (i.e. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Macbeth, Twelve Angry Men), and novels (i.e. A Lesson Before Dying, Fahrenheit 451, Lord of the Flies). In addition, students will also work with non-fiction, informational texts, such as articles, editorials, speeches, video clips, and infographics (i.e. CommonLit.org, Newsela, LinkIt!). Students will be asked to compare and contrast, analyze, and evaluate texts.

Throughout the course, students will expand their vocabulary and develop their word-attack skills by working with and decoding vocabulary in-context. 

Writing, which will constitute a major portion of in-class and homework assignments, will include evidence-based responses, expository and argumentative essays, narrative compositions, short-constructed responses, definitive sentences, and research project/paper(s). Students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in writing through a full array of activities aimed at developing a clear and cohesive essay. Conforming with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, formal writing will follow the MLA/APA format, employ the conventions of standard English, and adhere to the district’s policy on plagiarism. In addition to NJSLA/NJGPA, PSAT and SAT preparation, this thematically-based program encompasses cross-curricular connections between courses such as history, science and English. Moreover, an added emphasis will be placed on technology in order to prepare students for the NJSLA as well as for the 21st Century. 

English II-C / English II-ICS

In order to have the teaching/learning process take place in the least restrictive environment, classified students may be placed in a small group setting (English C) or in a larger group setting (ICS / In-Class Support) in accordance with their IEPs or 504s. Differentiated instruction, provided by the teacher for the course, and based on the course curriculum, addresses the needs of individual students. Classified students may be assisted by either a special education teacher, general education teacher, paraprofessional, and/or teacher assistant, again in accordance with their IEPs or 504s. The special education teacher wil ensure that accommodations and modifications prescribed in each student’s IEP or 504 are implemented.

A vast array of accommodations are made to more fully engage the Special Education student. Accommodations provide the basis for differentiated instruction/assessment that, in turn, allows the teaching/learning process to take place in the least restrictive environment. Each individual student’s IEP or 504 includes specific accommodations that must be provided to meet the child’s special needs. In some cases, accommodations needed by individual classified students can be used on a whole class basis to support all students in the class.