Mr. Gershfeld, Room 296
d.gershfeld@wi.k12.ny.us
d.gershfeld@wiufsd.org
Syllabus Outline ~ English Gateway 9 2025-2026
Course Objectives
The ninth grade curriculum is aligned to the New York State Learning Standards and is designed to provide reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities that will prepare students for the study of more advanced literature and writing in order to develop critical thinking and communication skills. To facilitate this, students will analyze and make personal connections with literature. Students’ understanding of the writing process in a variety of contexts will be assessed with time for reflection and growth. Students are also expected to think deeply, read analytically, and write clearly and persuasively. Peer editing, revising, and collaborative thinking with student success is rooted in daily and weekly lesson planning.
Course Description
This course will serve to challenge students and prepare them by building skills in close reading, annotating, analyzing literary works, and gaining an understanding of the choices authors make when writing. Using their communication skills, students will collaborate with peers, and present ideas in an effective manner. Arriving prepared consistently, respecting others’ ideas & opinions, and keeping an open mind with a willingness for sharing ideas will equate to a successful year.
Units of Study
Skills to Be Developed
Close Reading, Annotating, & Textual Analysis
Vocabulary, Grammar, and Structure
Process and Context
Argument & Research
Public Speaking & Collaborating
Content ~ Texts Through the Year
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare
Short Stories, Articles, & Poetry Collections
West Islip High School Grading Supplies
Reading Assessments 35% Binder, Loose-leaf paper, Folder
Writing Assessments 35% Pens, Pencils, Highlighters
Speaking, Listening and Language Assessments 30%