English

ENGLISH

Students will utilize the IXL program regularly in all English courses to monitor academic progress and provide individualized learning opportunities for remediation and extension.

10160B  CORE ENGLISH 9

(Grade 9) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  None)

Students will focus on reading, writing, speaking, and listening and will participate in close reading opportunities that support text analysis. This course will include exposing students to text-dependent questions to promote thinking about texts. Students will read, critically interpret, and respond in writing to themes such as, but not limited to survival, promise and progress, love, and journeys of transformation. Students will explore a theme across multiple genres. Students will read, understand, and respond to informational text as well as literary fiction – with an emphasis on comprehension, making connections among ideas and between texts, and identifying textual evidence.  An emphasis on the writing process, specifically writing with a perspective, purpose, and to a particular audience, will help students complete writing prompts and research writing using MLA format.  The study of grammar will be combined with a practical study of vocabulary to help students succeed on standardized tests and be college and career-ready.

*10160A  COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 9

(Grade 9) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  None)

Students will focus on college-prep level reading, writing, speaking, and listening and will participate in close reading opportunities that support text analysis. This course will include higher-order text-dependent questions to promote deeper thinking about texts. Students will read, critically interpret, and respond in writing to themes such as, but not limited to survival, promise and progress, love, and journeys of transformation.   Students will read, understand, and respond to informational text as well as literary fiction – with an emphasis on comprehension, connections among ideas and between texts, and citing textual evidence.  An emphasis on the writing process, specifically writing with a “defined” perspective, purpose, and to a particular audience, will help students complete writing prompts and a research paper using MLA format.  The study of grammar (especially parts of speech, sentence parts, punctuation, and capitalization) will be combined with a rigorous study of vocabulary to help students excel on standardized tests and be college and career-ready.

*10160H  HONORS ENGLISH 9

(Grade 9) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation)

Students will focus on advanced reading, writing, speaking, and listening and will participate in close reading opportunities that support critical text analysis.  This course will include higher-order text-dependent questions to promote deeper thinking and reflection about, and responses to texts. Students will read, critically interpret, and respond in writing to themes such as, but not limited to survival, promise and progress, love, and journeys of transformation.  Students will read, understand, and respond to informational text as well as literary fiction – with an emphasis on comprehension, connections among ideas and between texts, and citing apt textual evidence.  An emphasis on the writing process, specifically writing with a “defined” perspective, purpose, and to a particular audience, will help students complete writing prompts and a research paper using MLA format. An in-depth study of grammar (especially parts of speech, sentence parts, punctuation, and capitalization) will be combined with an intense study of vocabulary to help students excel on standardized tests and be college and career-ready. This course will challenge students to think more critically and more independently.  

10162B  CORE ENGLISH 10

(Grade 10) (1.0 Credit)

   (Prerequisite:  English 9)

Students will focus on reading, writing, speaking, and listening and will participate in close reading opportunities that support text analysis. This course will include exposing students to text-dependent questions to promote deeper thinking about texts. Students will read, critically interpret, and respond in writing to themes such as, but not limited to, “Extending Freedom’s Reach,” “Inside the Nightmare,” “Outsiders and Outcasts,” “Virtue and Vengeance,” and “All That Glitters” presented in text selections.   Students will read, understand, and respond to informational text as well as literary fiction – with an emphasis on comprehension, connections among ideas and between texts, and identifying textual evidence.  An emphasis on the writing process, specifically writing with a perspective, purpose, and to a particular audience, will help students complete various genres of writing, and responses to Keystone-style writing tasks. The study of grammar (especially parts of the sentence, phrases, and clauses) will be combined with a practical study of vocabulary to help students succeed on standardized tests and be college and career-ready. In addition, students will respond to writing prompts and complete a series of reading questions and activities.  The Literature Keystone Exam will be administered at the end of this course.

*10162A  COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 10

(Grade 10) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  English 9)

Students will focus on college prep level reading, writing, speaking, and listening and will participate in close reading opportunities that support text analysis.  This course will provide students with higher-order text-dependent questions to promote deeper thinking about texts. Students will read, critically interpret, and respond in writing to themes such as, but not limited to, “Extending Freedom’s Reach,” “Inside the Nightmare,” “Outsiders and Outcasts,” “Virtue and Vengeance,” and “All That Glitters” presented in text selections.   Students will read, understand, and respond to informational text as well as literary fiction – with an emphasis on comprehension, connections among ideas and between texts, and citing textual evidence.  An emphasis on the writing process, specifically writing with a perspective, purpose, and to a particular audience, will help students complete various genres of writing, a research paper using MLA format, and responses to Keystone-style writing tasks. The study of grammar (especially parts of the sentence, phrases, and clauses) will be combined with a rigorous study of vocabulary to help students excel on standardized tests and be college and career-ready. In addition, students will respond to writing prompts and complete a series of reading questions and activities. The Literature Keystone Exam will be administered at the end of this course.

*10162H  HONORS ENGLISH 10

(Grade 10) (1.0 Credit)

   (Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation)

Students will focus on advanced reading, writing, speaking, and listening and will use close reading opportunities that support text analysis.  This course will challenge students with higher-order text-dependent questions to promote deeper thinking about texts.  Students will read, critically interpret, and respond in writing to themes such as, but not limited to, “Extending Freedom’s Reach,” “Inside the Nightmare,” “Outsiders and Outcasts,” “Virtue and Vengeance,” and “All That Glitters” presented in text selections.   Students will read, understand, and respond to informational text as well as literary fiction – with an emphasis on comprehension, making connections among ideas and between texts, and citing apt textual evidence.  An emphasis on the writing process, specifically writing with a perspective, purpose, and to a particular audience, will help students complete various genres of writing, a research paper using MLA format, and responses to Keystone-style writing tasks. The study of grammar (especially parts of the sentence, phrases, and clauses) will be combined with an intense study of vocabulary to help students excel on standardized tests and be college and career-ready.  This course will challenge students to think more critically and independently.  The Literature Keystone Exam will be administered at the end of this course.  

10164B  CORE ENGLISH 11

(Grade 11) (1.0 Credit)

   (Prerequisite:  English 10)

Students will focus on reading, writing, speaking, and listening and will use close reading opportunities that support text analysis.  This course will provide students with higher-order text-dependent questions to promote deeper thinking about texts. Students will read, critically interpret, and respond in writing to themes such as, but not limited to, Individual and Society, A Mirror of our Fears, and Navigating Change-Past vs. Present in text selections. Additional select novels will serve as anchor texts for literary analysis, text-dependent responses, and discussion. Students will read, understand, and respond to informational text as well as literary fiction – with an emphasis on comprehension, making connections among ideas and between texts, and identifying and citing textual evidence.  An emphasis on the writing process, specifically writing with a “defined” perspective, purpose, and to a particular audience, will help students complete various genres of writing and an MLA-formatted research essay.  The focused study of grammar will be combined with a practical study of vocabulary to help students succeed on standardized tests and be college and career-ready. 

*10164A  COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 11

(Grade 11) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  English 10)

Students will focus on college-prep level reading, writing, speaking, and listening and will use close reading opportunities that support text analysis.  This course will provide students with higher-order text-dependent questions to promote deeper thinking about texts. Students will read, critically interpret, and respond in writing to themes such as, but not limited to, Individual and Society, A Mirror of our Fears, and Navigating Change-Past vs. Present in text selections. Additional select novels will serve as anchor texts for literary analysis, text-dependent responses, and discussion. Students will read, understand, and respond to informational text as well as literary fiction – with an emphasis on comprehension, making connections among ideas and between texts, and citing substantive textual evidence.  An emphasis on the writing process, specifically writing with a “defined” perspective, purpose, and to a particular audience, will help students complete various genres of writing and an MLA-formatted research paper.  The focused study of grammar will be combined with a rigorous study of vocabulary to help students excel on standardized tests and be college and career-ready. 

*10164H  HONORS ENGLISH 11 

(Grade 11) (1.0 Credit)

` (Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation)

Students will focus on advanced reading, writing, speaking, and listening and will use close reading opportunities that support text analysis.  This course will challenge students with higher-order text-dependent questions to promote deeper thinking about texts.  Students will read, critically interpret, and respond in writing to themes such as, but not limited to, Individual and Society, A Mirror of our Fears, and Navigating Change-Past vs. Present in text selections.  Additional select novels will serve as anchor texts for literary analysis, text-dependent responses, and discussion. Students will read, understand, and respond to informational text as well as literary fiction – with an emphasis on comprehension, making connections among ideas and between texts, and analyzing and citing apt textual evidence.  An emphasis on the writing process, specifically writing with a “defined” perspective, purpose, and to a particular audience, will help students complete various genres of writing and a research paper using MLA format.  The study of grammar (especially parts of speech, sentence parts, punctuation, and capitalization) will be combined with an intense study of vocabulary to help students excel on standardized tests and be college and career-ready. This course will challenge students to think more critically and more independently.  

*10114H  ADVANCED PLACEMENT LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION

  (Grade 11) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation)

Advanced Placement Language and Composition is designed to offer the exceptional English student a chance to pursue college-level studies while he/she is still in high school.  In May, each student will take the National AP Examination that will test his/her ability to read and write on the competency level of a freshman in college.  Participating colleges and universities then grant credit or appropriate placement to students who achieve a certain level of merit on the exam.  Students in this introductory college-level course read and carefully analyze a broad and challenging range of nonfiction prose selections, deepening their awareness of rhetoric and how language works.  Through close reading and frequent writing, students develop their ability to work with language and text with a greater awareness of purpose and strategy, while strengthening their own composing abilities.

Students will master the theory and practice of the writing process with a strong emphasis on editing and revision.  Course readings feature expository, analytical, personal, and argumentative texts from a variety of authors and historical contexts.  Students examine and work with essays, letters, speeches, images, and imaginative literature.  The AP student must be prepared to demonstrate high academic achievement in a variety of ways: standardized tests, analytical writing, argumentative writing, research based writing, writing portfolios, oral presentations, discussions, vocabulary tests, and projects.  Students will have the opportunity to register to take the AP Exam in May.

10166B  CORE ENGLISH 12

(Grade 12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  English 11)

Students will focus on reading, writing, speaking, and listening and will use close reading opportunities that support text analysis.  This course will provide students with text-dependent questions to promote deeper thinking about texts. Students will read, critically interpret, and respond in writing to themes such as, but not limited to: “forging a hero”,”the trap of time, “discovering the self,” and “exile and belonging,” as presented in text selections. Additional select novels will serve as anchor texts for literary analysis, text-dependent responses, and discussion. Students will read, understand, and respond to informational text as well as literary fiction – with an emphasis on comprehension, making connections among ideas and between texts, and citing relevant textual evidence.  An emphasis on the writing process, specifically writing with a “defined” perspective, purpose, and to a particular audience, will help students complete various genres of writing and an MLA-formatted research essay.  The focused study of grammar will be combined with a practical study of vocabulary to help students excel on standardized tests and be college and career-ready.

*10166A  COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 12

(Grade 12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  English 11)

Students will focus on college-prep level reading, writing, speaking, and listening and will use close reading opportunities that support text analysis.  This course will provide students with higher-order text-dependent questions to promote deeper thinking about texts. Students will read, critically interpret, and respond in writing to themes such as, but not limited to: “forging a hero”,”the trap of time, “discovering the self,” and “exile and belonging,” as presented in text selections. Additional select novels will serve as anchor texts for literary analysis, text-dependent responses, and discussion. Students will read, understand, and respond to informational text as well as literary fiction – with an emphasis on comprehension, making connections among ideas and between texts, and evaluating and citing textual evidence.  An emphasis on the writing process, specifically writing with a “defined” perspective, purpose, and to a particular audience, will help students complete various genres of writing and an MLA-formatted research paper.  The focused study of grammar will be combined with a rigorous study of vocabulary to help students excel on standardized tests and be college and career-ready.

*10166H  HONORS ENGLISH 12

(Grade 12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation)

Students will focus on advanced reading, writing, speaking, and listening and will use close reading opportunities that support text analysis.  This course will provide students with higher-order text-dependent questions to promote deeper thinking about texts. Students will read, critically interpret, and respond in writing to themes such as, but not limited to: “forging a hero”,”the trap of time, “discovering the self,” and “exile and belonging,” as presented in text selections. This class will emphasize competencies linked to the Pennsylvania Core Standards, at an advanced level, such as class discussions, grammar and writing skills, analysis activities, and vocabulary development.  Major literary selections may include Brave New World, Anthem, Night, and others.  Specific reading strategies will be used to encourage rigorous close-reading and analysis of language and themes.  Students will respond to exploratory writing prompts pertaining to our reading, as well as independent topics.  Annotation and subsequent discussions based on reading will form a key component of this dynamic course.    A full literary research project will be included as one of the major assessments in the course.    

*10112H  ADVANCED PLACEMENT LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION

  (Grade 12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation)

The Advanced Placement Literature and Composition course is designed to offer the exceptional English student a chance to pursue college-level studies while he/she is still in high school.  In May, each student will take the National AP Examination that will test his/her ability to read and write on the competency level of a freshman in college.  Participating colleges and universities then grant credit or appropriate placement to students who achieve a certain level of merit on the exam.

This exam dictates the three approaches that the course will take.  First, the student will master the theory and practice of the writing process.  In addition, the course will emphasize an intensive study of various genres of literature in order to create in the student the ability to interpret literature of “recognized literary merit” insightfully and independently.  Finally, the student will engage in literary criticism based on the various schools of critical literary thought and will be able to evaluate the impact of literary conventions on the meaning of works as a whole.

The AP student must be prepared to demonstrate high academic achievement in a variety of ways:  standardized tests, recall of information tests, quizzes, essay tests, writing portfolios, oral presentations, discussions, vocabulary tests, and projects.  Students will have the opportunity to register to take  the AP Exam in May.

*10113C  RESEARCH AND COMPOSITION DUAL ENROLLMENT-HONORS 

(Grade 12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Course 10110A, Sufficient Score on LCCC Placement Test, and nominal per credit cost)

This course provides students with the fundamental skills needed for writing at the college level.  An entry-level college writing course, English 105 Research and Composition is appropriate for those students who would like to earn college credit while still satisfying the Senior English requirement at the high school.  As a prerequisite, students must pass an entrance exam for LCCC.  Students must earn at least a “C” average in order to earn LCCC credits.  This course exposes students to the process of writing through various genres of written expression such as narrative, expository, persuasive/argumentation, as well as a comprehensive researched-based paper following MLA guidelines.  Students will also participate in a culminating Education Symposium.  In addition, students will be completing various assignments that allow them to hone their grammar and mechanical skills and develop their style and voice.  Students are also required to complete the LSA (Library Skills Assignment) as part of the English 105 course.   

10115W  STUDIO & MEDIA STUDIES 1

  (Grade 10,11,12) (0.5 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  English teacher recommendation.)

Students in this course will study the role of media in modern life.  For this course, “media” includes broadcast, print, cinematic, social, and other forms of mass media.  The class will be split between developing media literacy and media production skills.  Students will study the functions and conversations of media in the modern world.  Additionally, students will learn and practice the techniques of broadcast journalism including sound, lighting, camera work, and digital mixing.  Students will also gain experience with storytelling through film, writing scripts, photography, social media advertising, and more.  Students are expected to be on camera and to share projects within the Studio & Media 1 class.

10116W  STUDIO & MEDIA STUDIES 2

  (Grade 11,12) (0.5 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Studio & Media Studies 1 and Studio teacher recommendation.)

Students in this course will be responsible for producing regular video announcements for the school.  In addition, students will produce short films, news packages, or other media that apply the skills learned in Studio & Media 1.  Students will learn advanced video editing skills, refine public speaking skills, and work on creative independent projects of their choice.  Students will be required to be on camera for the video announcements and to spend significant time after school and outside of class recording events and working on independent projects.  Upon successful completion of Studio & Media 1, students may take this class.  

10117E  JOURNALISM 1

  (Grades 10,11,12) (1.0 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  English teacher recommendation.  Students will be required to complete work for the course outside of class.)

In this course students will learn the basic types of newspaper articles such as news, feature, editorial, and sports and will formulate their own headlines and leads.  Students will complete layouts, edit copy, crop pictures, and compose their own articles through interviewing and reporting.  Student work will be published in the school magazine, The Zephyr, and the Breeze blog.  *Note: If low enrollment in either Journalism I or II, classes may be combined.  

10118E  JOURNALISM 2

  (Grades 11,12) (1.0 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Journalism 1 and Journalism teacher recommendation)

In this course the students will apply journalism fundamentals to produce the school magazine, The Zephyr.  Students will complete layouts, write and edit copy, crop pictures, and compose their own articles through interviewing and reporting for The Zephyr and the Breeze blog.    Students will participate in press evaluations of their work throughout the year, through both professional and academic reviews.  *Note: If low enrollment in either Journalism I or II, classes may be combined.

10120E  YEARBOOK PRODUCTION

  (Grades 10,11,12) (1.0 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  English Teacher Recommedation)

Students enrolled in Yearbook Production will be introduced to the principle concepts of yearbook design to create the school yearbook, The Whitehall.  Students will develop a theme, take photographs, write captions, and design page layouts to create a professional product.  In addition, students will assume staff roles, complete the production schedule, meet the prescribed deadlines, and market the yearbook.  Students not only will utilize traditional methods for the production of the yearbook, but also will use a web-based computer program to create The Whitehall.

10121W  MYTHOLOGY

  Grade 10,11,12) (0.5 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  None)

This course will explore the culture of Ancient Greece and the minds that created stories that have stood the test of time.  Since mythology inspires many parts of modern culture, students will identify places that use mythological ideas in our world.  Students will read, write, create, perform, watch, and enjoy myths.  In addition to regular tests, students will complete or participate in a variety of interactive projects that help expand their knowledge of mythology and its culture.

10135W  INTRO TO PUBLIC SPEAKING

  Grade 10,11,12) (0.5 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  None)

This introductory course will expose students to basic communication skills needed for the 21st century. From learning to manage public speaking anxiety to delivering prepared speeches as well as spontaneous speaking, the course will provide them with the skills, strategies, and knowledge necessary to write and deliver a speech.  Students will learn how to research information, organize ideas, employ quotations, facts, and statistics, and will learn how to use metaphors to enhance their message. Students will practice voice inflection and maintaining eye contact with oral interpretation and declamation activities. 

*10131D  SPEECH/PUBLIC SPEAKING DUAL ENROLLMENT-HONORS CREDIT

(Grade 11,12) (1.0 Elective Credit) – Nominal Per Credit Cost

(Prerequisite:  None)

This course will introduce students to basic communication theory and will provide them with the skills, strategies, and knowledge necessary to write and deliver various types of speeches.  From impromptu and extemporaneous speeches to debates and symposiums, students will learn how to research information, organize an effective speech text, and present their original speeches to a variety of audiences. Moreover, students will learn to analyze, evaluate, and constructively criticize others’ work.  Students will also learn how to create and work with effective presentation aids.

LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS

88X9 Sheltered English 9

(Grade 9) (1.0 English Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Counselor and Teacher Recommendation)

This course is specifically designed to support our 9th-grade Multilingual Learners (MLs) in achieving English proficiency while learning grade-level English 9 standards. The program provides a supportive and scaffolded environment that intensely focuses on the four key language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. By integrating targeted language instruction with challenging academic content, this course aims to accelerate language acquisition and ensure all students successfully learn English 9 curriculum.

88X10 Sheltered English 10

(Grade 10) (1.0 English Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Counselor and Teacher Recommendation)

This course is specifically designed to support our 10th-grade Multilingual Learners (MLs) in achieving English proficiency while learning grade-level English 10 standards. The program provides a supportive and scaffolded environment that intensely focuses on the four key language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. By integrating targeted language instruction with challenging academic content, this course aims to accelerate language acquisition and ensure all students successfully learn English 10 curriculum.

88X11 Sheltered English 11

(Grade 11) (1.0 English Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Counselor and Teacher Recommendation)

This course is specifically designed to support our 11th-grade Multilingual Learners (MLs) in achieving English proficiency while learning grade-level English 11 standards. The program provides a supportive and scaffolded environment that intensely focuses on the four key language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. By integrating targeted language instruction with challenging academic content, this course aims to accelerate language acquisition and ensure all students successfully learn English 11 curriculum.

88X12 Sheltered English 12

(Grade 12) (1.0 English Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Counselor and Teacher Recommendation)

This course is specifically designed to support our 12th-grade Multilingual Learners (MLs) in achieving English proficiency while learning grade-level English 12 standards. The program provides a supportive and scaffolded environment that intensely focuses on the four key language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. By integrating targeted language instruction with challenging academic content, this course aims to accelerate language acquisition and ensure all students successfully learn English 12 curriculum.

87W1  ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENRICHMENT 1 (EL ENRICHMENT 1)

(Grade 9,10,11,12) (0.5 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Teacher or Counselor Recommendation based on WIDA Screener or WIDA ACCESS Online  for ELLs Assessment results 1-2) 

This specialized course is designed to provide targeted linguistic and academic support for Multilingual Learners (MLs) who require scaffolding to succeed in their scheduled content classes. The program's core focus is on accelerating language proficiency through systematic vocabulary and skill development. We prioritize both tiered (Tier 2 and Tier 3) and academic vocabulary development to enhance students' social (interpersonal) and academic (cognitive) language skills. Instruction also focuses on advancing students' reading and writing abilities, utilizing individualized instructional levels as a bridge to achieving grade-level standards. Furthermore, students receive dedicated time for pre-teaching and re-teaching key concepts and content material from their core subject areas on a rotating daily basis, ensuring deeper comprehension. Finally, the curriculum integrates real-world communicative tasks, such as completing formal applications and engaging in registration processes for extracurricular activities, to develop essential practical and functional literacy skills.

87W2  ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENRICHMENT 2 (EL ENRICHMENT 2)

(Grade 9,10,11,12) (0.5 Elective Credit)

   (Prerequisite:  Teacher or Counselor Recommendation based on WIDA Screener or WIDA ACCESS Online for ELLs Assessment results 3-4) 

This specialized course is designed to provide targeted linguistic and academic support for Multilingual Learners (MLs) who require scaffolding to succeed in their scheduled content classes. The program's core focus is on accelerating language proficiency through systematic vocabulary and skill development. We prioritize both tiered (Tier 2 and Tier 3) and academic vocabulary development to enhance students' social (interpersonal) and academic (cognitive) language skills. Instruction also focuses on advancing students' reading and writing abilities, utilizing individualized instructional levels as a bridge to achieving grade-level standards. Furthermore, students receive dedicated time for pre-teaching and re-teaching key concepts and content material from their core subject areas on a rotating daily basis, ensuring deeper comprehension. Finally, the curriculum integrates real-world communicative tasks, such as completing formal applications and engaging in registration processes for extracurricular activities, to develop essential practical and functional literacy skills.