English Language Arts 

The English program is designed to prepare all students to be college and career ready. Essential to the overall program of studies, the English program emphasizes the development of the powers of comprehension, of critical thinking skills, and of coherence, cogency, and fluency in the expression and communication of ideas. The ultimate goal of the English Language Arts program in the Wentzville School District is for students to glean the following enduring understandings: 

• The integration of knowledge and collaboration help us solve problems.

• Intentionally choosing and utilizing appropriate resources is essential to personal and professional growth. 

• Effective communication is necessary for life. 

• Reading and writing enhance our quality of life and expand our understanding of our global society.

• It is important to provide evidence to support our thinking and to consider the evidence of others. 

• Perseverance and personal integrity are essential to success.

• Good digital citizens use technology effectively and ethically. 

ENGLISH I (Course #H1110) ELA credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

Two Semesters - 1 credit

Students enrolled in English I actively engage in reading, writing, speaking and collaborating through a variety of units of study. During themed units of study, students analyze and cite a variety of text(s) to determine the development of central ideas through refined supporting details, develop and support claims, organize complex ideas and form original argumentative works. Additionally, students examine how authors use structure, literary devices and rhetorical devices to convey meanings and make relevant and powerful statements. In response to reading and in forming their own claims, students develop refined writing skills as they learn how, when and where to revise their own pieces. 

ADVANCED ENGLISH I (Course #H1113) ELA credit

GRADE 9 

Two Semesters - 1 credit 

Recommendation: A/B  average in 8th Grade English Language Arts class 

*Not a weighted course

Students enrolled in Advanced English I begin building a strong foundation of analysis that will be required in AP English courses. Advanced English I is an intensive study of the power of language through literature, rhetoric, and nonfiction. Through interactions with poetry, prose, novels, and nonfiction, students will analyze, evaluate, and synthesize their learning. Students should expect to spend time reading and writing both inside and outside of the classroom in order to complete projects and essays.

ENGLISH II (Course #H1120) ELA credit

GRADES 10, 11, 12 

Two Semesters - 1 credit 

Prerequisite: English I or Advanced English I

English II students in Wentzville School District actively participate in the processes of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students use independent reading strategies to analyze fiction and nonfiction. Students engage in a variety of writing genres in a variety of settings both teacher directed and self-directed. Additionally, students apply research skills to support their own ideas and claims. Within a collaborative environment, students make connections, re-evaluate their own ideas and reinforce or formulate new perspectives. Students will be required to take the Missouri End-Of-Course exam upon completion of this course. 

ADVANCED ENGLISH II (Course #H1123) ELA credit

GRADE 10 

Two Semesters - 1 credit 

Recommendation: A/B average in Advanced English I or English I 

*Not a weighted course

Students enrolled in Advanced English II continue building a strong foundation in the analysis of texts and in writing that will be required in AP English courses. In addition to the study and mastery of English II concepts, this course requires students to complete multiple projects, create numerous writing assignments, and engage in collaborative discussions. Throughout their course work, students will expand their vocabulary, read several novels independently, and continue to analyze and apply rhetorical strategies to their own writing. Upon completion of this course, students will be required to take the Missouri End-Of-Course exam for English II.

ENGLISH III (Course #H1130) ELA credit

GRADES 11, 12

Two semesters - 1 credit 

Prerequisite: English II or Advanced English II

Students enrolled in English III will be actively engaged in reading, writing, speaking, and listening within four units throughout the course. Each unit includes the reading of American novels, short stories, and informational text to support the goals of the unit. Students write for a variety of purposes including argumentative, informational, and narrative writing in formal and informal styles. Students engage in the complete writing process throughout the course, and they initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions focusing on the themed units. Students continue to demonstrate their command and usage of the English language. 

ENGLISH IV (Course #H1140) ELA credit

GRADE 12 

Two Semesters - 1 credit 

Prerequisite: English III or AP English Language and Composition.

Students taking English IV will be exposed to several units (ranging from Cultural Heroes, to the nature of Truth, and Ambition) in which different modes of writing and reading will be studied and applied; both informational and literary texts will be the primary focus of this course. The focus of readings will remain varied in both the world views expressed, along with the difficulty of texts. Additionally, students will also incorporate technology and research to write and express their ideas in a variety of formats. Designed as a mature study of English, students completing this course will gain necessary skills needed for being college and career ready. 

AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION (Course #H1133) ELA credit

GRADE 11, 12

Two semesters - 1 credit 

Prerequisite: English II or Advanced English II

*Weighted Course

Students enrolled in AP Language and Composition will be required to look critically at the purpose and writing features within various forms of communication from writers of different periods, disciplines, and rhetorical perspectives. As the English language is rich and powerful, students in this class will have opportunities to study and manipulate language by exploring their own writing styles for various purposes through diverse writing prompts and essays. This rigorous course requires a high level of commitment in and out of the classroom. Course syllabi are written by individual teachers of a course and approved by the College Board. Students are encouraged to take the AP Language and Composition test at the end of the course. 

AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (Course #H1141) ELA credit

GRADE 11, 12 

Two Semesters - 1 credit 

Prerequisite: English II or Advanced English II 

*Weighted Course

This course is a rigorous study of English, American, and World literature; students are exposed to prose, drama, and poetry during the course of the school year, and also complete numerous writings. Writing in AP Literature and Composition will be of both the shorter timed writing styles as well as longer, extended analyses. Much of the discussion and analysis revolves around style and literary technique as contributing to meaning. Course syllabi are written by individual teachers of a course and approved by the College Board. Students are encouraged to take the AP Literature and Composition test at the end of the course. 

CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE (Course #H1173) ELA credit

GRADES 11, 12 

One Semester – ½ credit

Contemporary literature is a semester-long course that focuses on the literature of the 21st (and possibly late 20th century). Encouraging the exploration of, and responses to, contemporary, high-interest texts from various genres and culture, this course is dedicated to those students who may have struggled to enjoy the more traditional literature of previous English Language Arts courses. 

FILM AS LITERATURE (Course #H1176) ELA credit

GRADES 11, 12 

One Semester – ½ credit 

In Film as Literature, students will critically view film as its own artistic medium, analyzing a filmmaker’s message, technique, and choices. Students will also read a variety of texts, with an emphasis on film theory and film review. Throughout the course, students will participate in many listening and speaking activities and they will produce several pieces of writing, such as reviews, essays, and projects.

CREATIVE WRITING I: PUBLISHING NARRATION AND POETRY (Course #H1170) ELA credit

GRADES 11, 12 

One Semester – ½ credit 

Publishing Narration and Poetry is designed to instruct students in narrative writing and poetry writing, with emphasis on the use of literary techniques. Interested students should be prepared to write daily, create original work, engage in peer editing, submit work for contests and publication in multiple sources, and use his/her computer daily.

CREATIVE WRITING II: SCREENPLAY, NONFICTION AND HISTORICAL FICTION SHORT STORY (Course #H1172) ELA credit

GRADES 11, 12 

One Semester – ½ credit 

In Screenplay, Nonfiction, and Historical Short Story Writing students will explore and develop historical fiction short stories, creative nonfiction, and scriptwriting. Students will use characterization, plot, theme, setting, tone, mood, dialogue and pacing in writing assignments. Interested students should be prepared to engage in peer editing, submit work for contests and publication in multiple sources, and use his/her computer daily.

COMMUNICATION: PUBLIC SPEAKING (Course #H1174) ELA credit

GRADES 10, 11, 12 

One Semester - ½ credit 

Students will take part in a number of individual and group activities and presentations. This course emphasizes a variety of communication, group interaction, public speaking and performance skills for application in a number of situations. Grades are based on completion and quality of assignments, classroom presentations, and some tests. Most research and preparation may be completed during class. Good attendance is essential for success in this class. 

ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE (Course #H1175) ELA credit

GRADES 10, 11, 12 ,

One Semester - ½ credit

 This course is designed for students who love to express their ideas in a variety of ways and is built to help students organize their thoughts and debate in a respectful and well researched manner. Students will take part in a number of individual activities, presentations and activities that focus on organizing ideas and arguments, preparing appropriate materials and presenting themselves in a positive manner. Debate styles, such as Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Policy and Congressional, will be practiced in this class. Time will be spent on group interaction techniques, debate techniques, project plans, one-on-one debate of ideas and values, and use of parliamentary procedure. Speaking in front of the class will be frequently required and much of the coursework is dependent on working with groups. Grades for the course are determined from scores on individual work, preparations, debates, participation, and some tests. Good attendance is essential for success in this class. 

READING ENRICHMENT (Course #H1104) Elective credit

GRADE 9, 10, 11, 12 

Two Semesters – 1 credit 

*This course is an elective and will not count towards fulfillment of the English Language Arts requirement for graduation. 

Prerequisite – School recommendation 

Reading Enrichment is a supplemental English course designed to build skills in reading and writing, while strengthening academic confidence. Students who are enrolled in Reading Enrichment likely will be simultaneously enrolled in an English Language Arts course.