English

Credits: 10

College Prep Course

Students must pass English 1 with a 70% or above in order to enroll in English 2.

This course is designed to be a comprehensive review of all English skills with a specific emphasis on writing skills and literature interpretation. Special attention will be given to reading skills necessary to gather information, understand critical purpose and gain enjoyment and appreciation of literature. The course will emphasize the same basic skills tested in most standardized tests of basic skill. Therefore, vocabulary will be a major part of the course. Language usage and sentence mechanics will also receive attention. Since writing is the most sophisticated communication skill, great emphasis will be placed on composition and fluency of writing. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Composition:

1. Write a paragraph using a topic sentence that is supported and developed by the other sentences in the paragraph.

2. Use and improve the methods of single paragraph development in the composition of multi-paragraph essays.

3. Write effective and concise business letters.

4. Effectively apply the writing process to their essays.

5. Write an expository paragraph of not less than five sentences with supporting detail developing a single idea.

6. Write complete sentences.

7. Use correct end and internal punctuation.

8. Use a variety of sentence types: compound, complex, compound-complex sentences.

9. Write for a variety of audiences and purposes using different modes of writing: descriptive/ sensory, narrative, expository/analytical, etc.

Literature:

1. Classify a literary work by genre.

2. Interpret cultural attitudes and customs other than his own through a reading of literature.

3. Respond to information explicitly stated in the text (literal).

4. Respond with ideas or opinions based on material read but not stated explicitly in the text (interpretive).

5. Investigate, evaluate, and integrate the information and ideas with one's own experience and/or apply it in a new context (critical).

6. Analyze and evaluate short stories, poems, novels, drama, and essays as a reflection of life, values, and ideas of this and other cultures.

7. Specific reading objectives:

   • Follow and interpret a sequence of ideas and events.

   • Identify the main idea and supporting details.

   • Re-interpret content in their own language and use context to understand meaning.

   • Apply knowledge gained through past experiences.

   • Draw conclusions and make judgments based on information received.

   • Identify the author's purpose, mood, tone, and theme.

   • Interpret figurative language.

   • Predict outcomes in terms of prior knowledge.

   • Distinguish between fact and opinion and recognize persuasive statements.

8. Write critical evaluations of stories, poetry, articles, dramatic presentations, and novels.

Students who fail must repeat the course.  Summer school is recommended.

Credits: 10

College Prep Course

This course is designed as a survey of American literature.  Strong emphasis is placed on various writing modes and in researching major writers’ contributions.  Students should be highly motivated.   Students are expected to respond to the various genres by demonstrating in-class discussions, oral presentations, and higher-level thinking skills. Study skills will be emphasized. Upon completion of the course, a student will be able to:

Writing:

1. Write a clear thesis statement.

2. Employ improved vocabulary and conventions of Standard English regarding content and purpose, organization, unity and coherence in written work.

3. Provide appropriate structure, tone, and point of view to various writing modes.

4. Vary sentence structure and length.

5. Provide transition between sentences and paragraphs in a logical functional style.

6. Evaluate and score peer writing.

7. Employ conventions of Standard English.

8. Conduct research and formulate an argument based on evidence.

9. Respond to on-demand writing prompts.

10. Complete several process papers.

Reading:

1. Utilize critical thinking to apply to literature.

2. Analyze and evaluate selected literature as a reflection of customs, culture and values of particular groups or regions.

3. Trace key social developments from the Puritan attitude through the modern themes of alienation as a reflection of change in lifestyle and literary trends.

4. Recognize the interrelationship of various ideas expressed by authors studied and elaborate a subjective response through analysis and synthesis.

5. Utilize the different points of view of literature as a means of looking at one’s own experience in a new light.

6. Distinguish various literary styles and techniques.

7. Identify figures of speech and devices of sound.

8. Identify meter, verse forms, stanza forms and types of poems.

9. Make connections between classic works of literature and non-fiction selections.

Credits: 10

College Prep Course

This course is a survey of the development of the literature of the United States from its colonial beginnings to the present.  Through the study of central works in American Literature students gain an understanding of ethical, aesthetic and cultural values.  All genres in the various literary movements such as colonial rationalism, romanticism, transcendentalism, and realism are studied.  The course work will prepare students to read and think critically.  Compositions will reinforce the writing process and a heavy emphasis on critical analysis. The curriculum also prepares students for college entrance exams and requirements. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Literature:

1. Utilize improved vocabulary

2. Read for both literal and figurative meaning.

3. Evaluate the philosophical, political, religious, ethical, and social influences of the historical period that shaped the characters, plots, and settings.

4. Analyze the rhetorical devices writers use to achieve their purpose.

5. Analyze the way in which the theme of a selection represents a view or comment on life, using evidence to support the claim.

6. Contrast the major literary forms, techniques, and characteristics of the major literary periods.

7. Analyze characteristics of sub genres (e.g., satire, parody, allegory, and pastoral) that are used in poetry, prose, plays, novels, short stories, essays and other basic genres.

Writing:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of discourse (e.g., purpose, speaker, audience, form) when completing narrative, expository, persuasive, or descriptive writing assignments.

2. Write interpretive essays that demonstrate a close read of the text, a unifying purpose, and clarity of expression.

3. Enhance meaning by employing various rhetorical strategies to develop their ideas such as comparison/contrast, cause and effect, examples, narration, description, and argumentation.

4. Achieve a high interest level in their compositions by employing rhetorical devices such as parallelism, repetition, analogy, etc.

5. Revise process papers to highlight the individual voice, improve sentence variety and style, and enhance subtlety of meaning and tone in ways that are consistent with purpose, audience, and genre.

6. Write a saturation paper that reveals research with correct MLA style and utilizes the various rhetorical modes such as description, narration, exposition, and persuasion.

7. Employ conventions of standard English.

Credits:  10

College Prep Course

This course surveys the development of literature and the English language from its Anglo-Saxon beginnings to the present.  Students will understand how the historical times influenced the writers by studying the literary movements and analyzing the different genres of each period.  This class equips students with the critical thinking, reading, and writing skills necessary for college.  Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Literature:

1. Read for both literal and figurative meaning

2. Evaluate the philosophical, political, religious, ethical, and social influences of the historical period that shaped the characters, plots, and settings.

3. Analyze the rhetorical devices writers use to achieve their purpose

4. Analyze the way in which the theme of a selection represents a view or comment on life, using

5. evidence to support the claim.

6. Contrast the major literary forms, techniques, and characteristics of the major literary periods

7. Analyze characteristics of sub genres (e.g., satire, parody, allegory, pastoral) that are used in poetry, prose, plays, novels, short stories, essays and other basic genres

Writing:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of discourse (e.g., purpose, speaker, audience, form) when completing narrative, expository, persuasive, or descriptive writing assignments.

2. Write interpretive essays that demonstrate a close read of the text, a unifying purpose, and clarity of expression.

3. Enhance meaning by employing various rhetorical strategies to develop their ideas such as comparison/contrast, cause and effect, examples, narration, description, and argumentation.

4. Achieve a high interest level in their compositions by employing rhetorical devices such as parallelism, repetition, analogy, etc.

5. Revise process papers to highlight the individual voice, improve sentence variety and style, and enhance subtlety of meaning and tone in ways that are consistent with purpose, audience, and genre.

6. Prepare a multimedia presentation that demonstrates research and the use of technology.

7. Employ the conventions of Standard English.

Recommended Placement: IEP Team Recommendation

Credits: 10

Directed English 1 is a special education class, consisting of specialized academic instruction, focused on the essential standards of English 1. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team recommendation, and the curricular focus is based on the student’s individual needs (accommodations, modifications, and identified goals) agreed to by the IEP team. 

Recommended Placement: IEP Team Recommendation

Credits: 10

Directed English 2 is a special education class, consisting of specialized academic instruction, focused on the essential standards of English 2. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team recommendation, and the curricular focus is based on the student’s individual needs (accommodations, modifications, and identified goals) agreed to by the IEP team 

Recommended Placement:  IEP Team Recommendation

Credits: 10

Directed English 3 is a special education class, consisting of specialized academic instruction, focused on the essential standards of English 3. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team recommendation, and the curricular focus is based on the student’s individual needs (accommodations, modifications, and identified goals) agreed to by the IEP team 

Recommended Placement: IEP Team Recommendation

Credits: 10

Directed English 4 is a special education class, consisting of specialized academic instruction, focused on the essential standards of English 4. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team recommendation, and the curricular focus is based on the student’s individual needs (accommodations, modifications, and identified goals) agreed to by the IEP team. 

Recommended Placement: IEP Team Recomendation 

Credits: 10

Practical English is a special education class, consisting of specialized academic instruction, focused on the principles of language: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language. Students will read novels, short stories, and real-world documents to increase their reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and word analysis skills. Students will learn strategies to improve their written expression structure, coherence, and mechanics. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team recommendation, and the curricular focus is based on the student’s individual needs (accommodations, modifications, and identified goals) agreed to by the IEP team. 

Recommended Placement: IEP Team Recommendation

Credits: 10

Practical Consumer English is a special education class, consisting of specialized academic instruction, focused on developing life skills associated with reading, writing, and career readiness. Important consumer skills like communicating effectively through writing and reading to support community engagement will be included. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team recommendation, and the curricular focus is based on the student’s individual needs (accommodations, modifications, and identified goals) agreed to by the IEP team.

Recommended Placement: IEP Team Recommendation

Credits: 10

Functional English is a special education class, consisting of specialized academic instruction, developed based on individual needs and IEP goals, and focused on developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for independent living. Students apply these skills to interpersonal relationships, personal safety, social/occupational situations, travel, health, family, and community living. Students are given the opportunity to read for information and enjoyment. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team recommendation, and the curricular focus is based on the student's individual needs (accommodations, modifications, and identified goals) agreed to by the IEP team.