Course Offerings - Grade 9

Academic Literacy I -Course No.: 7078

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 English Class - Course No.: 

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

Our 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 7030 – 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. PREREQUISITE: Placement

EL English 2 7031 – 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.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

EL English 3 7032 – This is an English class for English language learners who have completed English 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.

PREREQUISITE: Placement

English Learner Literacy -Course No.:  7037

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. Global Scholar Course

EL Literacy is designed to help English language learners who are identified by standardized tests and departmental evaluation. The course uses high interest/appropriate level materials to teach students literacy strategies related to content reading, while enhancing acquisition of academic English.This course receives graduation credit, but does not count toward the English requirement.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

English Learner Support -Course No.: 7038 

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.

EL Support class is for all levels of EL students. It provides them with academic support to enable them to succeed in their core academic classes. Students receive assistance with the development of cognitive academic language as well as with reading and writing skills. Instructional methods are adapted to individual needs.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

Freshman Literature and Composition - Course No.: 7066

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. Freshman Literature and Composition fulfills the first year English requirement.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

Freshman Literature and Composition Honors - Course No.: 7068

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. Freshman Literature and Composition Honors fulfills the first year English requirement
PREREQUISITE: Placement

Journalistic Writing - Course No.: 7014 

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

Journalistic Writing: School Newspaper (The Scratching Post) 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 producing a student newspaper on a consistent basis.  Students learn to recognize news, plan an issue, interview, do research, develop photo features, and create layout and design.  Desktop publishing tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign are integral parts of this course. Some out of class work is needed. Students who apply for and are appointed to the Editor-in-Chief and Copy Editor positions, at the discretion of the Faculty Advisor, will receive Honors credit. Seniors earn an English graduation credit for this course. All others earn an English elective credit.
PREREQUISITE: Placement (and fulfillment of application)