Required Course Descriptions

Grade 7 English
 

0700, 0720
    Middle level English classes integrate reading, literature study, writing, researching, speaking, and thinking skills.
    This course provides a thematic approach to the study of literature.  A variety of readings are used to develop various themes, which are often integrated with other subject areas.  A core of classic literature is balanced with contemporary and culturally diverse selections, and reading workshops also offer students opportunities for self-selected reading.
    Four thematic or interdisciplinary units will be studied, including A Matter of Perspective and Themes in World Folklore (emphasizing myth, fable, and legends).  Core novels to be read by all students include The Call of the Wild, Where the Red Fern Grows, White Mountains, and the Giver.
    A process approach to writing is used, and students write often in narrative, informative, and persuasive modes.  Formal composition skills are taught, and students also participate in writing workshops using self-selected writing topics.  Writing assignments will include personal narratives, short essays, autobiographical sketches, and persuasive essays.
    Language study is integrated with reading and writing, and oral communication skills are taught and applied in context, with students giving informative speeches.  Research projects in which students learn the basic steps of research and information from several sources are part of one or more themes.
    The course of study includes variations in materials, tasks, and assessments for honors level classes.

0770, 0780, 0790
    These courses are designed to meet the needs of special education students.
 

Grade 8 English
 

0800, 0820
    Middle level English classes integrate reading, literature study, writing, researching, speaking, and thinking skills.
    This course provides a thematic approach to the study of literature.   Novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and non-fiction are used to develop various themes, which are often integrated with other subject areas.  A core of classic literature is balanced with contemporary and culturally diverse selections, and reading workshops also offer students opportunities for self-selected reading.
    Four thematic or interdisciplinary units will be taught, including Personal Codes, Nothing Stays the Same, and one historical theme, using historical fiction.  Core novels to be read by all students include April Morning or My Brother Sam is Dead,  plus Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, or The Outsiders or  Incident on Hawk's Hill.
    A process approach to writing is used, and students write in narrative, informative, and persuasive modes.  Formal composition skills are taught, and students also participate in writing workshops using self-selected writing topics.  Writing assignments will include personal narratives, compare-contrast essays, character sketches, and opinion papers.
     Language study is integrated with reading and writing, and oral communication skills are taught and applied in context, with students giving informative speeches.  Research projects in which students apply library skills and learn to support a generalization will result in both a researched information paper and formal speeches based on the research.
    The course of study includes variations in materials, tasks, and assessments for honors level classes.

0870, 0880, 0890
    These courses are designed to meet the needs of special education students.

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Grade 9 English

0900, 0920
    Middle level English classes integrate reading, literature study, writing, researching, speaking, and thinking skills.
    This course provides a thematic approach to the study of literature.   Novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and non-fiction are used to develop various themes, which are often integrated with other subject areas.  A core of classic literature is balanced with contemporary and culturally diverse selections, and reading workshops also offer students opportunities for self-selected reading.  In ninth grade there is a greater emphasis on understanding the craft of literature.
    Four thematic or interdisciplinary units will be taught, including Reality: A Matter of Perception and Relationships: Portraits from Life.  Core novels to be read by all students include To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet or Julius Caesar, plus Lord of the Flies, A Separate Peace or Great Expectations.
        A process approach to writing is used, and students write in narrative, informative, and persuasive modes.  Formal composition skills are taught, and students also participate in writing workshops using self-selected writing topics.  Writing assignments will include personal narratives, literary character sketches, informational and literary analysis essays, persuasive essays, and a research or "I Search" paper.
     Language study is integrated with reading and writing, and oral communication skills are taught and applied in context, with students giving a persuasive speech integrating technology.  Students apply research skills to the completion of an "I Search" or a researched thesis paper with in-text documentation of sources.
    The course of study includes variations in materials, tasks, and assessments for honors level classes.

0901, 1901 PEN - Program for Enrichment:  English/Social Studies
(1 credit English, 1 credit Social Studies)
    In this extension of the ninth grade English and Social Studies courses, students identified as gifted have an opportunity to study themes in American history from 1860-1932 in concert with the exploration of these themes as reflected in literature.  For two periods each day, students will participate in an interdisciplinary learning experience designed to heighten awareness of the connection between literature and the social institutions of the time period.  Indepedence in learning and critical and creative thinking are fostered.

0940 Reading/Writing Workshop
(1 credit English, 1 credit Arts and Humanities)
    This course is designed for students who have not mastered basic reading, writing, and study skills.  Students will be involved in all aspects of communication:  reading, literary analysis, writing, speaking, listening, language, and study and research skills.
    This course will combine whole group instruction with self-selected topics for reading and writing.  Computers will be an important resource for developing writing and higher level thinking skills.  Students will be scheduled for the Reading/Writing Workshop for two periods each day and will receive one English and one Arts and Humanities credit.

0970, 0980, 0990 English
    These courses are designed to meet the needs of special education students.