9th Grade ELA
Core Gr 9 Language Arts Courses
English 9 - ENG150/151
English 9 is a two-semester course required of all freshmen that improves writing, reading, speaking/listening, language and research skills as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grade 9. Students read literary and informational texts; write essays in the informative/explanatory, argumentative and narrative modes; and participate in independent and group speaking/listening activities and research projects. Independent reading is required.
Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 9 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 2-3 hours CADR/NCAA
Course Video: bit.ly/3m2LR8T
Honors English 9 - ENG170/171
Honors English 9 provides enrichment activities for students who are already at grade-level standards in reading, writing, speaking/listening, language and research, as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grade 9-10. Students should be aware that the course requires more reading, more demanding writing assignments and presentations and more out-of-class time than English 9. Students are prepared to enter Honors English 10 at the end of the course. Summer reading and outside reading are required. Summer review or homework required for this course.
Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 9 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 5 hours CADR/NCAA
Course Video: bit.ly/3m2LR8T
Language Arts Electives
Screenwriting 1 - ENG118
Are you interested in the Entertainment Industry? Are you passionate about Video Productions? Do you love acting? Are you a writer who wants to see your story come alive? Screenwriting is a must! In this class you will have the opportunity to perform all of those activities while learning the skills of screenwriting for your audience. In this one semester class, you will be introduced to working with: Intention and Obstacle, Developing Characters, Story Ideas, Research, The Rules of a Story, Formatting, Interviewing, Film Story Arc, 3-Act Structure, Scene Case Studies, Dialog, Plot Points, Endings & Beginnings, The Outline, Writing Habits and more. Then, you will see your work played out on the big screen!
Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Language Arts Elective Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: None
Course Video: bit.ly/3aupWy6
Journalism: Broadcast and Production - ENG121/122
This course allows students to explore all aspects of the journalism field from articles to video news. This class is project and production based allowing students to investigate and report on issues that impact the community and school. Students will create articles to be published on the Tahoma News website. Students will also further develop news broadcasts and podcasts on subjects that entertain and inform a real-world audience. This course is repeatable for credit.
Length: Year-long Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Language Arts Elective Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 2-3 hours
Course Video: bit.ly/3pP2JNm
Public Speaking Without Fear - ENG211
Public Speaking Without Fear is a one-semester course that builds confidence in public speaking situations for various audiences. Presentation skills, using PowerPoint and Prezi, are emphasized in formal and informal situations. Students must genuinely want to improve their ability and be willing to engage in constructive criticism. This is an excellent preparation for STEP oral boards. This course is NOT for competitive speaking; students only speak in front of the class.
Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-10 Credit: Language Arts Elective Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: None CADR/NCAA
Course Video: bit.ly/2YCXwfI
Speech & Debate - ENG412
This is a semester course designed to develop skills in competitive debate and individual speaking events. Open to students interested in improving their public speaking skills and developing an understanding of structured argumentation. Specific areas covered include: oratory, expository, and impromptu speaking; memorized interpretations; Public Forum Debate and Congressional Debate; Cross-Age Teaching. Meets high school English requirements, but not all college English entrance requirements. Students seeking Speech and Debate competition may join the club. This course is repeatable for credit.
Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Language Arts Elective Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 1-2 hours CADR/NCAA