Overview

FAQs

Should my child take honors level English or college prep level English? AP? IB? Help!

It is a good idea to thoroughly examine course level requirements before enrolling in English classes. In order to make placement decisions, English teachers look at classroom performance as well as standardized test scores, and students often follow the recommendations of their current English teachers. These professionals know your children, they know the curriculum and classroom expectations, and they want students to be confident and successful. If your child is recommended for college prep level classes, his/her teacher most likely believes that a bit more concentrated skill development is necessary before advancing to the next grade.

What is the difference between the honors level and the college prep level?

While the content is nearly identical, honors level classes are more rigorous. They typically move at a faster pace and require much more independent reading and writing. Honors students are expected to consistently participate in class discussions, read and write with more sophistication, and complete most long-term assignments at home. Good organizational habits and independent study skills are essential for both honors and college prep students; however, college prep teachers will scaffold assignments and provide more direct instruction in notetaking and annotation skills.

What is the difference between IB and AP English courses?

IB English is a two-year course that is part of the IB program. Advanced Placement Language and Advanced Placement Literature are separate courses that students may opt to take in their junior and senior years. AP Language focuses on argument and rhetorical strategies in mostly non-fiction works while AP Literature focuses on the literary analysis of mostly fictional works.

What is the normal progression of English courses?

• • In 9^th and 10^th grades, students will enroll in either college prep or honors English classes all with common curriculums

  • In 11^th grade, students may opt to take:

    • • IB English Literature Part 1

      • AP Literature

      • AP Language

      • Any of the year-long elective courses at the college prep or honors levels

  • In 12^th grade, students may opt to take:

    • • IB Literature Part 2

      • AP Literature

      • AP Language

      • Any of the year-long elective courses at the college prep or honors levels

Which courses are included for the 11^th and 12^th grade Year-long Electives?

These courses count for graduation credit in English and can be taken at the college prep or honors levels:

• Modern and Contemporary Literature

• Reading and Writing Non- Fiction

• Heroes and Monsters (British Literature)

• Voices in African American Literature

• Film and Literature

• Sports in Literature and Non-fiction

• Semester Electives: Journalism, Creative Writing, Theatre Arts, IB Theatre HL or SL, Literacy Labs

Can my child take more than one English class?

Student may take additional English classes and elective courses as long as they fit into schedules!

I have more questions about the English curriculum!

Feel free to reach out to Nikki Donze with any questions, concerns, or comments. Please send me an email and, if you wish to be contacted by phone, include a number and a good time to call. My contact information is:

Ms. Nikki Donze

donzen@lmsd.org

English Department Chair

Harriton High School