LANGUAGE ARTS

ELA 6 (0100)

The language arts course is an integrated approach to the study of English. This course is paced to suit the ability level of the students. Materials used in reading instruction include selections from the state adopted basal, supplementary reading across all disciplines, selected short stories, poetry, and novels. An emphasis is placed on reading from various genres of literature for exposure and enjoyment. The vocabulary includes context words taken from reading selections and SAT vocabulary. The writing program allows students to apply their integrated knowledge in a variety of guided experiences. The students are given opportunities for both creative and expository writings. Capitalization, grammar, punctuation, and usage are taught as editing skills in the context of the student’s own writing.  Information and communication technologies are infused throughout the year.


ELA 6 Honors (0105)

As a preparation for Advanced Placement English courses in high school, this curriculum adds a focus on literary analysis in reading, writing, and speaking in addition to the required work of a regular Language Arts class.  Honors classes will also be exposed to analytical reading of literature, writing and speaking focusing on tone and style, and using analytical literary terms in both writing and speaking which are key facets to this program. The combination of the above mentioned aspects prepare students for success on the Advanced Placement exams in high school.  The content of this course will be organized to include elaborate, complex and in-depth study of major ideas, problems, and themes that integrate knowledge with learning skills. Activities which allow for the development and application of productive thinking skills enabling students to re-conceptualize existing knowledge and/or generate new knowledge will be stressed. An essential part of the program will allow for the integration of multiple disciplines as they relate to analyzing and writing about literature. Information and communication technologies are infused throughout the year. The homework load for this class is intensive. Students should be prepared to invest additional time and effort as the curriculum demands. It is STRONGLY advised that students have the following:



Successful students are task-oriented, proficient readers, able to prioritize their time and produce quality work. 


ELA 7 (0110)

The language arts course is an integrated approach to the study of English, incorporating reading and writing skills. Vocabulary enrichment, word attack skills, prefixes, suffixes, and etymology, as well as word usage, grammar and editing practice are studied in a process writing / response-based reading approach. The writing program allows students to apply their integrated knowledge in a variety of guided experiences. An opportunity to publish their work in a variety of ways gives students the chance to vary their audience and point of view. Reading comprehension and analysis are developed through reading response, novel and poetry projects, and short story study.  Information and communication technologies are infused throughout the year.


ELA 7 Honors (0115)

As a preparation for Advanced Placement English courses in high school, this curriculum focuses on literary analysis in reading, writing, speaking and listening. In addition to what is expected in a regular language arts class, Honors classes will also be exposed to analytical reading of literature, analytical writing and speaking focusing on tone and style, and using analytical literary vocabulary in both writing and speaking which are key facets to this program that aid in preparing students for success on the Advanced Placement exams in high school. The content of this course will be organized to include the in-depth study of major ideas, problems, and themes that integrate knowledge and systems of thought. The development and application of productive thinking skills through Socratic methods will enable students to reformulate existing knowledge and/or generate new knowledge. Part of the program will allow for the integration of multiple disciplines as they relate to literature. Information and communication technologies are infused throughout the year. The homework load for this class is intensive.  Students should be prepared to invest additional time and effort as the curriculum demands.  It is STRONGLY advised that students have the following:


Successful students are task-oriented, proficient readers, able to prioritize their time and produce quality work. 


ELA 8 (0120)

The language arts course is an integrated approach to the study of English, incorporating both reading and writing skills. A literature-based reading program is fused with a process-oriented writing program to provide a well-rounded language arts curriculum. Different genres of literature are read for enjoyment, exposure to different people and ideas, enhancement of reading comprehension, and access to meaningful writing topics. The writing program allows students to apply their integrated knowledge in a variety of guided experiences. Important components of the integrated program include exercises in spelling, vocabulary, punctuation, capitalization, usage, and grammar as each applies to the reading/writing process.  Information and communication technologies are infused throughout the year.


ELA 8 Honors (0125)

As preparation for Advanced Placement English courses in high school, this curriculum focuses on literary analysis in reading, writing, speaking and listening. In addition to what is expected in a regular language arts class, Honors classes will also be exposed to analytical reading of literature focusing on tone and style, and using literary vocabulary in both writing and speaking which are key facets to this program. The content of this course will be organized to include elaborate, complex and in-depth study of major ideas, problems and themes. Activities that allow for the development and application of productive thinking skills enabling students to re-conceptualize existing knowledge and /or generate new knowledge will be stressed. An essential part of the program will allow for the integration of multiple disciplines as they relate to literature. Information and communication technologies are infused throughout the year. The homework load for this class is intensive.  Students should be prepared to invest additional time and effort as the curriculum demands. It is STRONGLY advised that students have the following:



Successful students are task-oriented, proficient readers, able to prioritize time and produce quality work. 


ESL (English as a Second Language) 

Grade Level: 6, 7, and 8

Prerequisite: LPAC Recommendation

ESL is offered to students who are native speakers of a language other than English based on language assessment criteria. Comprehension of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are addressed at the appropriate level for each individual student.


Reading – Level 1D (0103)

Prerequisite: Committee Decision

Reading - Level 1D incorporates components of instruction and instructional approaches in accordance with 19 TAC §74.28(c), described in The Dyslexia Handbook (revised 2014).  Critical, evidence-based components of dyslexia instruction include phonological awareness, sound-symbol association, syllabication, orthography, morphology, syntax, reading comprehension, and reading fluency.  Instruction in dyslexia programming is simultaneous and multisensory, systematic and cumulative, explicit, includes continual assessment of the student’s application of skills, and focuses on synthetic and analytic instruction.  Additional skills addressed include technology strategies, study skills, and additional supports for students with dyslexia for application in all classes.


Reading – Level 2D (0104)

Prerequisite: Committee Decision

Reading - Level 2D incorporates components of instruction and instructional approaches in accordance with 19 TAC §74.28(c), described in The Dyslexia Handbook (revised 2014).  Critical, evidence-based components of dyslexia instruction include phonological awareness, sound-symbol association, syllabication, orthography, morphology, syntax, reading comprehension, and reading fluency.  Instruction in dyslexia programming is simultaneous and multisensory, systematic and cumulative, explicit, includes continual assessment of the student’s application of skills, and focuses on synthetic and analytic instruction.  Additional skills addressed include technology strategies, study skills, and additional supports for students with dyslexia for application in all classes.