English

INSTRUCTORS: Kathy Johnson |Kelly Schaad | Nancy Shadle | Connie Gibson | Barb Malicky | Angie Rusher | Kari Reinhart

ENGLISH
Grade 7-8
Full Year
Required

The junior high school program deals with all aspects of basic grammar, vocabulary, spelling skills, reading and comprehension, creative writing, and literature. Seventh grade initiates the elements which are expanded in the eighth grade. Students will complete reading comprehension activities through Accelerated Reader program.

STUDY SKILLS
Grade 7 - Two Non-Consecutive Quarters
Grade 8 - One Quarter
Required

The junior high reading courses are designed to reinforce reading skills taught in the elementary grades. Focus will be on vocabulary development, correct use of vocabulary in written work, comprehension of material read, increased reading rate, improving organization, listening, and library skills.

ENGLISH 9
Grade 9
Full Year - 10 Credits
Required

This course focuses on writing and reading. Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure are reviewed in the context of writing. The focus is on the process of writing and writing for different audiences and different purposes. The literature studied is a combination of classic and contemporary. Students will complete reading comprehension activities through the Accelerated Reader program.

ENGLISH 10
Grade 10
Full Year - 10 Credits
Required

This course consists of composition and literature. The literature section includes the reading and discussion of various novels such as Night, Lord of the Flies, Julius Caesar, Fallen Angels, Mythology, and A Separate Peace. The combination of these areas is designed to provide the student with the appreciation for a wide variety of literature as well as the confidence to write in various genres. The students will also be required to complete a three-week research unit. In this unit, they will combine with Computer Application II students to create a power point presentation. Students will complete reading comprehension activities through the Accelerated Reader program.

ENGLISH 11
Grade 11
Full Year - 10 Credits
Required

This course consists of the reading of various American authors and the learning of various composition styles such as poetry, short stories, vignettes, dramas, editorials, scripts, etc. The course requires writing a research paper as well as creating a portfolio of work that the student puts together over the year. The student is expected to work toward the proficiency of his/her own writing voice and style as well as gain an appreciation of the writing styles of a multitude of classic and modern American authors. A unit on ACT test preparation for English will be presented prior to the April ACT test. Students will complete reading comprehension activities through the Accelerated Reader program.

ENGLISH 12
Grade 12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Required

This course consists of reading a variety of novels and studying English literature. The students will also work on personal, essay, and research writing. A unit on ACT test preparation for English will be presented. Students will complete reading comprehension through the Accelerated Reader program.

AP ENGLISH
Grade 12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Required
Prerequisite: Application and interview

Students will critically analyze and study a variety of classic and contemporary literature in preparation for the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Exam. This exam may allow students to receive college credit for the course. Because the class is rigorous, students should have very good reading and writing skills. Students need to apply for admission to the class during the spring semester of their junior year by submitting a required essay, a piece of writing from a class other than English, and teacher recommendations. After a student interview with the AP English teacher, the top 18-20 students will be chosen as members. Summer reading and writing are mandatory. A unit on ACT test preparation for English will be presented. Students will complete reading comprehension activities through the Accelerated Reader program.

CREATIVE WRITING
Grades 10-12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Elective
Prerequisite: Application, Minimum of B average in English for two prior semesters, and a Good attendance record

This course focuses on different aspects of journalistic writing including news reporting, editing, advertising, and newspaper publication. This class will produce and publish the school newspaper. This course may be taken more than once.

YEARBOOK
Grades 11-12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Elective
Prerequisite: Application & Minimum of B average for two prior semesters

This class will completely design the yearbook and take all candid pictures used in the yearbook. Attention to detail and accuracy are needed qualities. Students will learn to do layouts and to write the copy for the 130+ page yearbook. Students must be willing to devote extra time to meet deadlines and to take the necessary pictures at sporting events and organization meetings. This course is limited to a maximum of two juniors, and they may retake the course their senior year.