English Language Arts Department

The goal of the English Language Arts program is to develop literate, thoughtful, reflective, curious, and independent scholars capable of decoding, deciphering, and negotiating complex, information-rich contexts.

English 7

This yearlong course focuses on developing students’ knowledge and skills in the critical ELA components of reading, viewing, writing, speaking, and listening. Through examination of a particular theme--choices--students work to construct and create knowledge and refine specific skills and strategies related to different aspects of literature, art, composition, and oration. The curriculum is guided by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and is framed by the SpringBoard education program. Texts may include various fiction and non-fiction poems, articles, books, film excerpts, art, and music selections. Student products include narrative, argument, and expository pieces, as well as theatrical performances; however, emphasis is placed on non-fiction evidence-based writing. Over the course of the year, students read with deeper comprehension, view contexts through a broader lens, write with greater specificity and mechanics, listen with greater acuity, and become accustomed to speaking in front of an audience. The tools they acquire prepare them for the eighth grade, secondary school, higher education, and beyond.

English 8

This yearlong course focuses on deepening students’ knowledge and skills in the critical ELA components of reading, viewing, writing, speaking, and listening. Through examination of a particular theme--challenges--students further construct and create knowledge and refine specific skills and strategies related to different aspects of literature, art, composition, and oration. The curriculum is guided by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and is framed by the SpringBoard education program. Texts may include various fiction and non-fiction poems, articles, books, film excerpts, art, and music selections. Student products include narrative, argument, and expository pieces, as well as theatrical performances; however, emphasis is placed on non-fiction evidence-based writing. Over the course of the year, students read with deeper and broader comprehension, view contexts through multiple lenses, write with greater specificity and style, listen with greater reflection, and gain proficiency speaking in front of an audience. The tools they acquire prepare them for secondary school, higher education, and beyond.

UPDATED: September, 2018