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ENGLISH

English I        Grade:  9
904104    Regular    Credit:  1
904105    Honors    Credit:  1
904107    Gifted    Credit:  1 (LHS)
90410M    Multi-Sensory    Credit:  1
English I is a comprehensive English course of literature, composition, and language, including listening and speaking.  The study of literature includes reading and comprehending a wide variety of literary forms including short stories, nonfiction, poetry, drama, novels, and spoken and visual texts.  The course offers supportive reading strategies for a variety of purposes.  The study of composition focuses on the writing process through response to literature, creative writing and connections to real-life situations and problem solving.  The study of language targets usage, mechanics and strategies for vocabulary development integrated into literature and composition components.  Listening and speaking skills are developed throughout the course.

Reading I (Elective paired with Reading II — see criteria)        Grade:  9
906254        Credit:  1
Reading I (Elective) is designed to help students to improve their skills in reading, comprehending and responding to a range of materials using a variety of strategies for different purposes.  It helps students to develop productive habits and attitudes fostering life-long literacy and language growth.  This developmental reading course is required for freshman students enrolled in Reading II — formerly Essentials of English  (block scheduled).  Prerequisite:  The student's reading scores fall below the 40th percentile on the most recent norm-referenced test; the student did not pass the Language Arts section of the eighth grade LEAP exam; the student is recommended by his previous language arts teacher; the student's parent/guardian approves in writing of the placement in Reading I and II.  This course is not recommended for Limited English Proficient (LEP) students.

Reading II (Formerly Essentials of English)    Grade:  9
906284        Credit:  1
Reading II (formerly Essentials of English) provides opportunities for selected students to strengthen their literacy skills prior to enrolling in the required courses for high school graduation.  While maintaining the core of English I, the course focuses on enabling students to develop fluency in reading and writing.  Each student in Reading II who has earned a final average of 75% in the course wil be allowed to take an English I proficiency test.  Those who pass the proficiency test will be given credit for English I.  Those students who attain a passing score in Reading II, but who do not pass the proficiency test will acquire an elective credit in Reading.  Prerequisite criteria: The student’s reading scores fall below the 40th percentile on the most recent norm-referenced test; the student did not pass the Language Arts section of the eighth grade LEAP exam; the student is recommended by his previous language arts teacher; the student’s parent/guardian approves in writing of the placement in Reading I and II.  This course is not recommended for Limited English Proficient (LEP) students.

English II        Grade:  10
904154    Regular    Credit:  1
904155    Honors    Credit:  1
904157    Gifted    Credit:  1 (LHS)
90415M    Multi-Sensory    Credit:  1
English II is a comprehensive English course, offering a study of literature, composition, and language, including speaking and listening.  The literature component encompasses reading, comprehending, and responding to various genres — short stories, poetry, novels, non-fiction, drama, as well as spoken and visual texts.  The course offers supportive strategies for reading and responding to texts.  The composition component emphasizes the writing process to develop various modes of writing for different purposes and audiences.  Students must locate, select, and synthesize information from a variety of sources in order to gain and present knowledge.  The language component integrates usage, mechanics, and strategies for vocabulary development into the composition and literature components.  Listening and speaking skills are developed throughout the course.

English III        Grade:  11
904204    Regular    Credit:  1
904205    Honors    Credit:  1
904207    Gifted    Credit:  1 (LHS)
90420M    Multi-Sensory    Credit:  1
English III is a comprehensive English course of literature, composition, and language study, including listening and speaking.  Students read and respond to literature from various genres and cultures — including written, spoken and visual texts — with American authors as the common focus.  Study is arranged in thematic, chronological, or interdisciplinary units.  The course offers supportive reading strategies for a variety of purposes.  The composition component focuses on the writing process in literary analysis, creative and expository writing.  Students utilize research tools, resources and techniques for creating products and communicating knowledge.  The language component integrates usage, mechanics, and strategies for vocabulary development.  Listening and speaking skills are fostered throughout the course.  

English III         Grade:  11
904206    AP    Credit:  1
English III AP focuses on interpreting works from various genres, critical thinking, and developing a mature writing style.  Writing assignments varying in form and purpose are designed for greater insight into literary works.  Students learn how to discover meaning in literature, justifying their own interpretations and comparing them to those of others.  Tasks include such strategies and techniques as close reading, reader response, discussion, literary analysis and expository and creative writing.  A literary research paper may be required.  Students are expected to complete summer reading assignments.  

English IV        Grade:  12
904254    Regular    Credit:  1
904255    Honors    Credit:  1
904257    Gifted    Credit:  1 (LHS)
90425M    Multi-Sensory    Credit:  1
English IV is a comprehensive English course of literature, composition, and language study, including listening and speaking.  Students read and respond to literature from various genres and cultures — including written, spoken and visual texts — with British authors as the common focus.  Study is arranged in thematic, chronological, or interdisciplinary units.  The course offers supportive reading strategies for a variety of purposes.  The composition component focuses on the writing process in literary analysis, creative and expository writing.  The course emphasizes student use of research tools, resources and techniques for creating products and communicating knowledge.  The language component integrates usage, mechanics, and strategies for vocabulary development.  Listening and speaking skills are fostered throughout the course.

English IV        Grade:  12
904256    AP    Credit:  1
English IV AP prepares the high school senior for a college-level curriculum.  The course focuses on interpreting works from various genres, critical thinking, and developing a mature writing style.  Writing assignments, varying in form and purpose, are designed for greater insight into literary works.  Students learn how to discover meaning in literature, justifying their own interpretations and comparing them to those of others.  Tasks include such strategies and techniques as close reading, reader response, discussion, literary analysis and expository and creative writing.  A literary research paper may be required.  Students are expected to complete summer reading assignments, and they are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement exam.

LEAP 21 ELA Remediation    Option 2
906062    ELA 8.5    Credit:  .5
This remedial English course is designed for students who have not passed the Grade 8 LEAP 21 exam and are precluded from enrolling in English I.

GEE 21 ELA Remediation    Grades:  10-12
906092        Credit:  .5
906102        Credit:  1
This remedial course targets the language arts skills of reading, writing and research that are needed for students to be successful in the GEE 21 in English.  Note: Only one Carnegie Unit of remedial courses may count toward graduation requirements.

Creative Writing    Grades:  10-12
906304    Regular    Credit:  1
906307    Gifted    Credit:  1 (LHS)
Creative Writing is a workshop class that integrates writing, reading, speaking, listening and visually representing.  Students are led through daily writing exercises.  They read and respond to one another’s work.  They publish their works by creating portfolios, entering writing contests, making booklets, contributing to school displays, and participating in community poetry readings.  Enrollment is based on teacher recommendation and submission of a portfolio of previous work.

Mythology        Grades 10-12
906324        Credit:  .5 (CHS)
Mythology is a literature-based course that analyzes story elements, structure, archetypes and symbols in myths from many cultures, as well as the influence of mythology on literature, film, and popular culture.  Reader-response strategies and composition skills are integrated in the study of mythology.

Shakespearean Studies    Grades 10-12
906344        Credit: .5 (CHS)
This elective course focuses on the poetry and plays of William Shakespeare in various adaptations.  Class activities reinforce the English Language Arts standards by developing aural/oral, reading, writing, and research skills.

Individualized Reading    Grades:  11-12
906354        Credit:  1
Individualized Reading is an elective course designed for students who are reading at or above grade level.  The course focuses on independent reading and allows students to propose their own reading goals and selections, explore diverse genres, and respond to reading through writing and oral discussion.  Students should be sufficiently self-directed and focused to read independently for an entire class period.

Bible as Literature    Grades:  10-12
906684    Regular    Credit:  .5
906687    Gifted    Credit:  .5
906694    Regular    Credit:  1
906697    Gifted    Credit:  1
Bible as Literature provides an opportunity for students to develop an understanding and appreciation of the importance of the Bible in the cultural heritage of the Western world.  Through the study of imagery, symbolism and allegory, students gain insight into the biblical allusions that permeate literature.  Through analysis of plots, characters, themes and styles characteristic of biblical literature, students develop awareness of the Bible as a rich literary source used by major writers of the world.  The course is recommended for the mature junior or senior student with strong reading ability.

African-American Literature    Grades:  10-12
906604        Credit:  .5
African-American Literature offers selections in fiction, poetry, drama and non-fiction.  The course is designed to develop insights into the richness of African-American literature and culture.  The literature is explored in the context of the unique experiences of African-Americans, their issues, struggles and triumphs.  (The course is paired with African-American History.)

Publications I (Yearbook)    Grades: 10-12
906504    Yearbook I    Credit:  1
906874    Video (YB I)     Credit:  1
Publications I (Yearbook) is a one-year course that introduces the student to the fundamental journalistic procedures required for the successful publication of a high school yearbook.  Course content includes planning for book coverage, page design/layout, graphics, typography, writing, editing, photography, or videography, public relations, finance, advertising, ethics, and legal issues. Technology is integrated throughout the course.  Enrollment is based upon application and teacher recommendation.

Publications II (Yearbook)    Grades:  11-12
906514    Yearbook II    Credit:  1
906894    Video YB II    Credit:  1
Publications II (Yearbook) reinforces those skills acquired in Publications I (Yearbook).  The student assumes greater responsibility in the planning, designing and financing of the yearbook for successful publication.   Prerequisite:  Publications I (Yearbook).

Publications I (Newspaper)    Grades:  10-12
906374        Credit:  1
Publications I (Newspaper) is a newspaper publication course focusing on the basics of newswriting, interviewing, layout and design with an emphasis on modern computer-based desktop publication.  Enrollment is based on teacher recommendation and writing samples.  Work on the newspaper mirrors real-life publication experiences, including deadlines and selling of advertisements.

Publications II (Newspaper)    Grades:  11-12
906384        Credit: 1
Publications II (Newspaper) reinforces skills learned in Publications I.  Second-year students commonly hold editorial, management and circulation positions.  Second-year students assume leadership in all areas of newspaper production.  Prerequisite:  Publications I (Newspaper).

Journalism I (Newspaper)    Grades:  10-12
906454        Credit:  1
This is a total newspaper publication course focusing on the basics of newswriting, interviewing, layout and design with an emphasis on modern computer-based desktop publication.  Admission is based on teacher recommendations and on writing submissions.  Work on the school newspaper mirrors real-life publication experience with adherence to deadlines and the selling of advertisement. Journalism is taught by a teacher certified in journalism.

Journalism II (Newspaper)    Grades:  11-12
906464        Credit:  1
Journalism II (Newspaper) reinforces skills learned in Journalism I.  Second-year students commonly hold editorial, management and circulation positions.  Second-year students assume leadership in all areas of newspaper production.  Journalism is taught by a teacher certified in journalism.  Prerequisite:  Journalism I (Newspaper).

Science Fiction    Grades: 11-12
906554        Credit:  .5
906564        Credit:  1
As an English elective, this class explores the literary genre of science fiction. The class activities are geared to reinforce the English Language Arts standards by developing aural/oral, reading, writing and research skills.

Multisensory Language Study Skills (Elective)    
        Grades:  9-12
906724    MSL Study Skills I    Credit:  .5
906734    MSL Study Skills I    Credit:  1
906744    MSL Study Skills II    Credit:  .5
906754    MSL Study Skills II    Credit:  1
906764    MSL Study Skills III    Credit:  .5
906774    MSL Study Skills III    Credit:  1
906794    MSL Study Skills IV    Credit:  1
These elective courses are designed to provide students with a multisensory, structured language approach and strategies to support reading comprehension and written expression across the curriculum.