Credit: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 9

Prerequisite Recommendation: None

With teacher support, students will read, analyze, cite evidence from, and respond to texts and multimedia sources. Independent thinking and critical analysis provide a framework for the exploration of course content. Students will engage in thoughtful discussion and debate with peers as they formulate and defend their own well-informed perspectives while also covering PA standards for reading, writing, language, speaking, and listening.  Students will read a minimum of two novels per year, both in and outside of class; teacher support is provided while working on novels. 

Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 9

Prerequisite Recommendation: None

Students will read, analyze, cite evidence from, and respond to texts and multimedia sources. Independent thinking and critical analysis provide a framework for the exploration of course content. Students will engage in thoughtful discussion and debate with peers as they formulate and defend their own well-informed perspectives while also covering PA standards for reading, writing, language, speaking, and listening.  This course includes independent reading of a minimum of 2 novels per year; class discussions support and enhance out-of-class reading. 

Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Weight: 0.1 - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 10

Prerequisite Recommendation: Teacher approval required, 85% in 8th grade Language Arts. Summer pre-reading required (teacher will provide specific details).

This is a Common Core aligned course.  It focuses on the standards tested in the Keystone Exam.  Students will analyze text, cite evidence, and respond critically about their learning. They'll take ownership through goal setting, reflection, independent text selection, and activities that allow them to collaborate with their peers. Each unit of study includes selections of different literary genres including multimedia all related to relevant and meaningful essential questions. They will engage in activities that inspire thoughtful discussion and debate with their peers, which allow them to formulate and defend their own perspectives. Vocabulary expansion as well as grammar and mechanics study are also a focus of this course, which is recommended for students, who desire an extra challenge in English.  This course includes independent reading of a minimum of 2 novels per year; class discussions support and enhance out-of-class reading. 

Credit: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 11

Prerequisite Recommendation: None

Students study, analyze, and evaluate the elements of literature through various genres, with an emphasis on nonfiction.  Students also study elements of fiction through the study of at least one novel.  Teachers may assign independent reading at their discretion.  Teachers assess student writing for focus, content, mechanics, and organization. Public speaking and listening skills are taught in conjunction with reading and writing instruction.  

Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 10

Prerequisite Recommendation: None

This course emphasizes the study, analysis, and evaluation of literary elements in various genres. Students explore short stories, drama, the novel, poetry, and nonfiction. Teachers may incorporate independent reading as well. Course writing develops techniques of focus, content, organization, style, and conventions. Students use both textual evidence and research to support their claims. Speaking and listening skills accompany instruction in 

Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Weight: 0.1 - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 10

Prerequisite Recommendation: Teacher approval required, 85% in English I and/or teacher recommendation. Summer pre-reading required (teacher will provide specific details).

This course emphasizes the study, analysis, and evaluation of literary structures, devices, and genres. Students examine plays, poetry, short stories, and novels. Additionally, students display their grasp of course content through various media such as public speaking, formal essays, in-depth literary analysis, and creative writing. Reviews of identifying context clues and grammar are added. Active participation, cooperative learning, and independent study are all requisite parts of the honors level course.  

Credit: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 11

Prerequisite Recommendation: None

This course emphasizes a selection of American literature which focuses on American culture, past and present, and its relevance to students’ heritage and to issues of significance in contemporary society.  Reading, thinking, speaking and writing are integral, with practical application of composition skills stressed.  In addition, vocabulary expansion and deducing meaning of unfamiliar words in context is also an important component of the course.  Students will also be exposed to and assessed upon a research report and the skills necessary to complete it.  The state-mandated Keystone Literature Exam will be taken at the completion of the course. 

Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 11

Prerequisite Recommendation: None

This course presents a blend of British and American literature emphasizing the connections among historical, cultural and literary period with an added study of how literary devices and stylistic techniques complement the content and enhance the meaning of the literary selections.   Additional components of the course focus on the acquisition and/or refinement of formal writing skills including composing an effective thesis; offering quality support and seamlessly incorporated quotes; organizing ideas clearly; and implementing mature and varied diction and syntax.  Accurate documentation of sources is a key to the successful completion of the required research paper.  The state-mandated Keystone Literature Exam will be taken at the completion of the course. 

Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Weight: 0.15 - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 11

Prerequisite Recommendation: Teacher approval required, 85% in English II and/or teacher recommendation. Summer pre-reading required (teacher will provide specific details).

This course emphasizes a study of nonfiction prose written in a variety of time periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. The aim is to train students to be mature readers and writers who comprehend complex texts and write competently in college courses.  Not only do students analyze the rhetorical techniques of famous writers, but they integrate such devices into their own writing.  Ultimately, students write expository, narrative, argumentative, and synthesis essays both in and out of class that demonstrate attention to nuances of meaning and style.   The state-mandated Keystone Literature Exam will be taken at the completion of the course.

At the completion of this course, students are strongly encouraged to take an AP Language and Composition Exam for possible college credit.  The content of the course and the focus of instruction is geared toward College Board and AP curriculum expectations. 

Credit: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 12

Prerequisite Recommendation: None

This course is designed to give students a general exposure to British literature, both past and present.  The course emphasizes fundamental composition skills, presentation skills, interpretation skills, and standard usage.  Written and spoken English is studied with an emphasis on practical uses in the life of the student after graduation from high school.  Students will engage in reading at least one novel and will perform various assessments, such as written tests, speeches, presentations, and culminating writing assignments. Students are also required to present both formal and informal speeches and to participate in an interview workshop that requires an updated resume. 

Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 12

Prerequisite Recommendation: None

This course acquaints students with a variety of British literature – prose, poetry, and drama, and nonfiction- historical and contemporary.  The goal is to increase independent reading comprehension skills and writing skills.  Students will read and analyze selections, participate in independent work, class discussion and group presentations, and write expository, persuasive, research, and creative essays.  Students are also required to present both formal and informal speeches, and to participate in an interview workshop that requires an updated resume. 

Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Weight: 0.15 - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 12

Prerequisite Recommendation: Teacher approval required, 85% in previous English course. Summer pre-reading required (teacher will provide specific details).

This course emphasizes an in-depth study of literature using critical-thinking skills.  A variety of fiction, poetry, and essays are analyzed using a seminar format.  Reading assignments, in-class writing assignments, and out-of-class writing assignments are required on a regular basis.  A Literary Research Project and informative speech are required.  Students must update their resumes and participate in an interview workshop.  

Students are strongly encouraged to take an AP Literature and Composition Exam for possible college credit.  The content of the course and the focus of instruction will be geared toward College Board and AP curriculum expectations; this includes practice with Timed Essays and Multiple-Choice questions based on the AP Literature Exam. 

Credit NCAA: 0.5 (Semester) - Elective: AC - Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite Recommendation: None

This course is designed for students who enjoy writing and who want to experiment with different writing styles. Students will read and write poetry, short fiction, memoir, and have the opportunity to publish or participate in writing competitions.

Credit: 0.5 (Semester) - Elective: AC - Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite Recommendation: None

This course is designed to give the student an overview of myths and legends found in Western Culture.  Greek and Roman myths are the primary areas of study.  The influence of myths on literature, art, music, and modern culture are explored.  A unit is devoted to the study of Homer’s Iliad and The Odyssey.  Students will write creative and informative pieces to supplement their understanding of the myths. Student projects are an integral part of this course. 

Credit: 0.5 (Semester) - Elective: AC - Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite Recommendation: None

If you love to read, this is the class for you! Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of different cultures, values, and perspectives by reading modern literature written by authors of a variety of races, ethnicities, backgrounds, classes, and genders. The class will explore what it means to live in America through a variety of different cultural lenses by reading, discussing, and writing about fiction, poetry, and memoir. Students will complete an end of the semester multimedia presentation on a culture of their choice and how that culture is represented through film, media, and text. 

Credit: 0.5 (Semester) - Elective: AC - Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite Recommendation: None

In this elective course, students will study the principles of print and online journalism and the role of news media in our society. Students will learn investigative skills, responsible reporting, and journalistic writing, as well as how to evaluate new sources. Students will gain real-world experience by using these skills to write their own news, sports, entertainment, and feature articles to be published in a school newsletter at the end of the semester. 

Credit: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12*

Prerequisite Recommendation: None

College bound students electing this course concentrate on preparation for the mathematics and verbal sections of the SAT. Instruction and practice coincide with the contents of the standardized test.  The verbal section focuses on vocabulary recognition, reading comprehension, accurate grammar and usage, and effective essay composition, while the mathematics section teaches students to select tools and computational strategies to investigate mathematical ideas and to solve problems and make connections among mathematical concepts and procedures, and relate mathematical ideas to situations or phenomena drawn from other contexts.  Students complete activities regarding declaring a major, choosing a career, and selecting a college. This course is recommended to be taken in 10th or 11th grade due to typical SAT testing timelines. 

Credit: 0.5 (Full Year) - Assigned - Grade Level(s):11

Prerequisite Recommendation: Administrative Placement

Students are placed into this enrichment course based on state testing data, and builds upon activities that deepen and extend their understanding and comprehension of the concepts that are being covered in English III Academic, which they take at the same time. 

Credit: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 9

Prerequisite Recommendation: Student with an Individual Education Plan and case manager approval 

With significant teacher support, students will read, analyze, cite evidence from, and respond to texts and multimedia sources. Independent thinking and critical analysis provide a framework for the exploration of course content. Students will engage in thoughtful discussion and debate with peers as they formulate and defend their own well-informed perspectives while also covering PA standards for reading, writing, language, speaking, and listening. Students will read a minimum of one novel per year, inside the classroom.  Teacher support is provided while working on novels. This class is designed for a 9th grade student with an IEP.  We will modify the current 9th grade curriculum.  

Credit: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 10

Prerequisite Recommendation: Student with an Individual Education Plan and case manager approval 

With significant teacher support, students study, analyze, and evaluate the elements of literature through various genres, with an emphasis on nonfiction. Students also study elements of fiction through the study of at least one novel. Teachers assess student writing for focus, content, mechanics, and organization. This class is designed for a 10th grade student with an IEP.  We will modify the current 10th grade curriculum. 

Credit: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 11

Prerequisite Recommendation: Student with an Individual Education Plan and case manager approval 

This course emphasizes a selection of American literature which focuses on American culture, past and present, and its relevance to students’ heritage and to issues of significance in contemporary society. Reading, thinking, speaking and writing are integral, with practical application of composition skills stressed. In addition, vocabulary expansion and deducing meaning of unfamiliar words in context is also an important component of the course. This class is designed for a 11h grade student with an IEP.  We will modify the current 11h grade curriculum.  The state-mandated Keystone Literature Exam will be taken at the completion of the course. 

Credit: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 12

Prerequisite Recommendation: Student with an Individual Education Plan and case manager approval 

This course is designed to give students a general exposure to British literature, both past and present. The course emphasizes fundamental composition skills, presentation skills, interpretation skills, and standard usage. Written and spoken English is studied with an emphasis on practical uses in the life of the student after graduation from high school. Students will engage in reading at least one novel and will perform various assessments, such as written tests, speeches, presentations, and culminating writing assignments. Students are also required to present both formal and informal speeches and to participate in an interview workshop that requires an updated resume. This class is designed for a 12th grade student with an IEP.  We will modify the current 12th grade curriculum.  

Credit: 1.0 (Full Year) - Assigned - Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite Recommendation: Student with an Individual Education Plan and case manager approval 

The course will use individualized strategies designed to meet the goals of individual learners. Students will receive strategic instruction to improve their reading and writing skills and improve their nonfiction reading skills through the study of newspaper articles, content-area texts, magazine articles, and other non-fiction writing. Students will be assigned independent reading at their functional level. Teachers assess student writing for focus, content, mechanics, and organization. Public speaking and listening skills are taught in conjunction with reading and writing instruction.