Access English

Access English 1 is a general English course with a focus on the study of literature, writing, vocabulary, and communication skills. Additionally, this course helps students develop research and speaking/listening skills.

Through the genre approach to literature, students read short stories, novels, drama and poetry, emphasizing the distinct elements and analysis of each type of literature. A primary emphasis will be on writing organized, well-developed literary analysis essays and developing critical and creative thinking. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Access English 2 introduces students to World Literature and its universal themes. Literary selections may include All Quiet on the Western Front, Night, The Other Side of the Sky, Romeo and Juliet, Cry, the Beloved Country, poetry or other selections chosen by the instructor. During this course students will continue to develop their skills in vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, close analysis of texts, oral presentation, and writing, with a focus on persuasive argument and literary analysis. There are no prerequisites for this course.

This class is designed for students with existing and emerging needs for MCAS remediation. All students who did not reach proficiency on their 8th grade and/or 10th grade MCAS and other students who are identified by the Math department during their freshman year will be enrolled in this course. MCAS Prep provides more personalized instruction spanning topics in the Massachusetts Common Core to bolster confidence and competence going into MCAS.