English Language Arts

Unit 1 - Charting a New Course: Charting a New Course encompasses determining risks, gathering resources, facing fears, and ultimately making choices. The choices one makes and how one navigates the positive and negative consequences influence his or her journey. Reflecting on the texts read and discussed as well as the theme of the unit, students will focus their writing on informing/explaining how who one is as an individual impacts the choices he/she makes which influence the journey.

Unit 2 - Looking Back, Looking Forward: Looking Back, Looking Forward examines the past in order to better understand the present. In doing so, the challenges of the past help identify solutions for the future. Through reflection, the potential to transform becomes possible. Reflecting on the texts read and discussed, students will write arguments relating to whether or not the past influences the present and future.

Unit 3 - Stepping Up: Stepping Up is taking action to initiate change. Individuals can make a difference, especially when they consider the needs of others. Silence may result from fear, but needs to be explored to determine what is "right". Reflecting on the texts read and discussed, students will write to inform or explain a social issue that is important to him/her. Additionally, students will write a literary analysis that responds to the question: What are the implications of silence or non-action?

Unit 4 - Solidarity Toward Change: Solidarity Toward Change examines how struggles arise within societies. Oftentimes people join forces for common interests surrounding basic principles of safety, choice, and fairness. These conflicts lead to changes in social norms and traditions. Reflecting on the texts read and discussed, students will write an argument responding to the essential questions: 1) How does solidarity promote social change? 2) Does solidarity solve the conflicts within a society?