English
ENGLISH 9
1 High School Credit
All 9th grade students will be following a Regents curriculum based on four standards established by the New York State Education Department. Studies concentrate on writing and speaking skills. Emphasis is placed on explanatory writing leading to expression, analysis and social interaction. Students are also given practice in oral expression through speeches and discussions. Elements of literature are introduced in short story, drama, novel and poetry units. The critical elements of the research paper are introduced. An interdisciplinary Research Project with Global Studies, a demonstration speech and two book reports are requirements at this level.
ENGLISH 10
1 High School Credit
All 10th grade students will be following the Regents curriculum based on New York State’s four standards. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the comprehensive state assessment in 11th grades.
Studies further develop writing and speaking skills with the goal of more advanced writing in the areas of expression, analysis and social interaction. Oral communication is incorporated through drama, speeches and book reports. World literature, short stories and poetry reinforce literary elements introduced in 9th grade. Outside readings are important to the course.
A minimum of two book reports based on outside readings are required at this level.
ENGLISH 10 HONORS
1 High School Credit
English 10 Honors is an accelerated class that requires students to think deeply and richly about all genres of literature including poetry, short stories, novels, and dramas. While the course places a heavy emphasis on a variety of writing skills in preparation for the Common Core English Regents Exam in English 11, it also introduces students to concepts that will be addressed more thoroughly in the English 11 Honors class. Students should expect a rigorous, challenging, active experience in the course. Students will also be required to complete two book reports and a research project.
Letter of Intent Required
Please note that this deadline changes each year. Check with your teacher for more information
To be considered for placement in English 10 Honors, the student must have a 90 overall average in English. There are 20 openings each school year and placement will be determined by a letter of intent and overall ELA grade. Applications that are late, or incomplete, will not be considered. Once selected, students will receive an acceptance letter with a summer curriculum project
ENGLISH 11
1 High School Credit
Final Exam - NYS Regents Common Core English
English 11 focuses on the study of American literature. The development of reading skills and ideas relative to the student’s world are emphasized. Composition, vocabulary, grammar, usage and speech skills are further developed. Communication skills such as reading, writing, speaking and listening are stressed in preparation for the Regents English Exam taken in June.
ENGLISH 11 HONORS
1 High School Credit
Final Exam - NYS Regents Common Core English
English 11 Honors focuses on the rigor of the Common Core Standards to prepare students for college and beyond. American literature is read closely, analyzing important themes that students can apply to their daily lives. In addition, students will explore the historic backdrop of the literature and gain insight from non-fiction and historical documents. Students research a topic of interest for each unit and present their findings as an enrichment opportunity for themselves and their classmates. Creative writing is incorporated to offer students an outlet for self expression and creativity. Presentations are an important component of every unit, helping students to polish their public speaking skills. This class requires a good deal of independent reading and is designed for motivated learners.
Letter of Intent Required
Please note that this deadline changes each year. Check with your teacher for more information
To be considered for placement in English 11 Honors, the student must have a 90 overall average in English. There are 20 openings each school year and placement will be determined by a letter of intent and overall ELA grade. Applications that are late, or incomplete, will not be considered. Once selected, students will receive an acceptance letter with a summer curriculum project.
ENGLISH 12
1 High School Credit
The course presents the history of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon Period to the 20th Century. The emphasis is on obtaining mastery of the New York State Standards through reading, writing, speaking and listening. Critical elements reinforce information and understanding, literary response and expression, and critical analysis and evaluation. Social interaction is recognized as a key to success in a comprehensive world. A term paper is required.
ACE ENGLISH 12
1 High School Credit
College Credit Available: ENG101 College Composition 1 & ENG105 Writing in the Humanities
This is a two-semester course that may be taken for school credit, Accelerated College Enrollment credit or college credit. To be considered for placement in ACE English 12, the student must have a 90 overall average in English 11 and an 85 on the English regents exam. Applications that are late, or incomplete, will not be considered. Once selected, students will receive an acceptance letter with a summer curriculum project.
Students are required to read several novels and plays, write 6 – 8 short papers per semester, write 2 major research papers, make several oral presentations and evaluate poetry. A summer reading project is required.
Letter of Intent Required
Please note that this deadline changes each year. Check with your teacher for more information
CREATIVE WRITING
.5 High School Credit
The purpose of this class is to allow students to explore and develop many areas of creative expression. This will be accomplished by opening students up to the creative process. We will incorporate free-writing techniques to stimulate free flow of thought. We will analyze other works to evaluate structures and themes to help us develop poems, short stories and plays.
ACE PUBLIC SPEAKING: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
.5 High School Credit
College Credit Available: SPE 108 Public Speaking
Description: Develops listening and organizational skills and the ability to present messages effectively in public speaking situations. Primary instructional strategies are theory-model-practice and evaluation.
PUBLICATIONS
.5 High School Credit
Publications is a semester-long, half-credit (every other day) class that produces the school yearbook. Members of the staff are expected to have a high level of maturity and the ability to work independently. Students will be responsible for the production, design, and publication of the school yearbook. This production-based course requires both in class and after school time. This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the team to exercise their creativity, while developing new skills in computer design, photography, copywriting, and project management. Creating the yearbook is a fun process and the end result of all the effort is a product the students can be proud of.