Course Offerings - Grade 9

Academic Literacy I -Course No.: 2054

GRADES: 9 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0

Academic Literacy I aids students who are functioning below their grade level in reading as measured on standardized tests. Instruction is provided in specific reading skills. The program provides group and individualized instruction in comprehension, vocabulary, and the areas of content reading. This course receives graduation credit, but does not count toward the English requirement.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

English Learner (EL) English I, II, III, IV - Course No.: (see below)

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: EL 2, 3, and 4 are Writing Intensive.

English Learner Classes are offered to students whose native language is not English. Students are evaluated by the EL staff and are placed in the appropriate level of EL and support based upon the test scores, school performance, and the recommendation of parents, teachers, and counselors.
Each level of EL is two semesters and students may move to the next level or exit the program upon attaining language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

EL English 1 2043 – This is an English class for students for whom English is a new language. The focus of this class is on vocabulary development as well as basic reading, writing, speaking and listening skills necessary for academic success. Students also learn about the history and culture of the United States through authentic materials.
EL English 2 2045 – This is an English class for English language learners who have completed EL 1 or who have a comparable level of English language proficiency. The focus of this class is on further developing the student’s listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Academic vocabulary and grammar development, reading strategies, literary interpretation, and basic research techniques, as well as descriptive, narrative, persuasive, and expository writing are emphasized.
EL English 3 2051 – This is an English class for English language learners who have completed EL 2 or who have a comparable level of English language proficiency. The focus of this class is on developing the complexity of the student’s listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasis is on academic vocabulary and discussion, literary interpretation/analysis, advanced research techniques, and writing expository, narrative, and persuasive essays.
EL English 4 2053 - This is an English class for English language learners who have completed EL 3 or who have a comparable level of English language proficiency. The focus of this class is on strengthening the student’s listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Strong emphasis is placed on academic discussion, literary interpretation/analysis, and writing expository, narrative, and persuasive essays.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

English Learner (EL) Support - Course No.: 2052

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: This course does NOT count toward the English requirement but may be repeated for grade and credit.

English Learner (EL) Support aims to develop basic reading, writing, and speaking skills. Students learn about American culture and society and share their experiences and backgrounds. Instructional methods are informal and adapted to individual needs. EL Support assists students who can succeed in regular English classes as well as those in EL Class.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

Freshman Literature and Composition - Course No.: 2066

GRADES: 9 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Writing Intensive

Freshman Literature and Composition offers an integrated, inquiry-based approach to reading, writing, speaking, and research, with critical thinking underpinning all of these strands. Students enjoy analytical and persuasive writing experiences in a variety of modes. They also practice literary interpretation through a variety of critical lenses. Freshman Literature and Composition fulfills the first year English requirement. Some students are required to take Literacy I in addition to Freshman Literature and Composition.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

Freshman Literature and Composition Honors - Course No.: 2068

GRADES: 9 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Writing Intensive

Freshman Literature and Composition Honors meets the needs of students whose interests and abilities warrant an especially rigorous course of study. It offers an integrated, inquiry-based approach to reading, writing, speaking, and research, with critical thinking underpinning all of these strands. Students enjoy analytical and persuasive writing experiences in a variety of modes. They also practice literary interpretation through a variety of critical lenses. Freshman Literature and Composition Honors fulfills the first year English requirement.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

Journalistic Writing - Course No.: 2073

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Extended Study Option; Writing Intensive

Journalistic Writing: School Newspaper (Drops of Ink) offers a workshop forum for students who are interested in developing and maintaining the highest standards of journalistic writing. It also provides an opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and perform a service to the school and community by maintaining a news website and producing a student magazine every quarter. Students learn to recognize news, plan an issue, interview, research, develop photo features, write maturely, and create layout and design. Desktop publishing tools such as InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator are integral parts of this course. Some after-school work is expected. Students who apply for and are appointed to editor positions, at the discretion of the Faculty Adviser, will assume additional responsibilities and receive Honors credit. Acceptance into the class is based on submitting an application. The Extended Study Option allows students to re-enroll in this course for grade and credit. Seniors earn an English graduation credit for this course (all others earn an English elective credit).

PREREQUISITE: Placement (and fulfillment of application)