ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
ENGLISH

Students will demonstrate the acquisition of a body of knowledge by:

  • Integrating and applying research skills and the use of a variety of technology tools to papers, projects, oral presentations and career decisions.
  • Reflecting and responding to the various literary genre through writing assignments and tests and quizzes, which demonstrate thoughtful analysis and grammatical correctness.
  • Presenting reflective oral responses both individually and cooperatively.
Students will communicate effectively by:
  • Actively listening to obtain knowledge and with a respect for differences in opinions and ideas.
  • Writing clear and concise forms of expression in a thoughtful manner.
  • Participating in class discussions and presentations to demonstrate knowledge.
Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and to work cooperatively and independently to solve problems by:
  • Defining the problem accurately.
  • Collecting, organizing and analyzing information.
  • Identifying and evaluating appropriate strategies.
  • Selecting, implementing and evaluating a plan of action expressed through writing assignments, class discussions and presentations, and other projects.
  • Drawing logical, in-depth conclusions.
Students will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the rights and responsibilities necessary to learn, live and work in a culturally diverse and democratic society by:
  • Recognizing and acknowledging that personal words, actions and choices affect a larger community. With this in mind, students will contribute to this atmosphere by:
  • Being on time to class
  • Attending class regularly
  • Abiding by classroom rules and expectations for conduct and respect
  • Being prepared with all necessary materials
  • Listening attentively
  • Completing all assigned work with integrity
  • Meeting assignment deadlines
  • Expressing opinions appropriately without prejudice or bias
  • Helping others who need assistance

GRADE LEVEL COURSES

bulletENGLISH 9 #292
1 Credit
The major objective of this course is to improve literal, critical and creative abilities within the context of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Novels, drama, short stories, essays and non-fiction will be addressed.
Prerequisites:

  • Completion of 8th Grade English
  • English Department placement
  • Consideration of R.I. State Assessment Scores in Writing and Language Arts
  • Consideration of Reading Scores
bulletHONORS ENGLISH 9 292H
The major objective of this course is to improve literal, critical and creative abilities within the context of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Novels, drama, short stories, essays and non-fiction will be addressed. Those students in English 9 who wish to have Honors on their transcript must meet the following Honors English criteria:
  • Grade 8 teacher recommendation
  • Grade 8 writing sample
  • English Department placement
  • Consideration of R.I. State Assessment Scores in Writing and Language Arts
  • Consideration of Reading Scores
bulletENGLISH STANDARDS 9 #293
1 Credit
This course objective is to develop and reinforce reading, writing, listening and speaking within the context of the novel, drama, short story, poetry, and non-fiction. Writing studies will be used to reinforce and expand essay, creative and personal writing.
Prerequisites:
  • Completion of 8th Grade English
  • English Department placement
  • Consideration of R.I. State Assessment Scores in Writing and Language Arts
  • Consideration of Reading scores
bulletENGLISH 10 #202
1 Credit
This course objective is to improve literal, critical, and creative abilities within the context of the language arts. Novels, drama, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction will be addressed. Writing will include essays, creative writing, and MLA research papers. Informal and formal speaking will be taught.
Prerequisites:
  • Completion of English 9
  • English Department placement
  • Consideration of R.I. State Assessment Scores in Writing and Language Arts
  • Consideration of Reading scores
bulletHONORS ENGLISH 10 202H
This course is for students who have mastered the language arts skills taught previously and who can use these skills effectively. This course objective is to improve literal, critical, and creative abilities within the context of the language arts. Novels, drama, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction will be addressed. Writing will include essays, creative writing, and MLA research papers. Informal and formal speaking will be taught.
Prerequisites:
  • Final grade of B or better in English 9
  • Writing sample
  • Teacher recommendation
bulletENGLISH STANDARDS 10 #203
1 Credit
This course objective is to develop and reinforce reading, writing, listening, and speaking within the context of the novel, drama, short story, poetry, and non-fiction. Writing studies is used to reinforce and expand essay, creative and personal writing abilities. Short formal and informal speaking techniques are addressed.
Prerequisites:
  • Completion of English Standards I or
  • English Department placement
  • Consideration of R.I. State Assessment Scores in Writing and Language Arts
bulletENGLISH 11 #212
1 Credit
The objective of this course is to improve student ability in appreciating and comprehending classic and contemporary American literature. Critical essay writing, MLA research papers, outlines and seminar discussion are emphasized.
Prerequisites:
  • Completion of English 10
  • English Department placement
  • Consideration of R.I. State Assessment scores in Writing and Language Arts
bulletADVANCED PLACEMENT – Language and Composition #271
1 Credit – Grade 11
This Advanced Placement English course is an option for juniors who have superior skills in reading and writing. Students will read “complex texts with understanding and will write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers.”
The course will follow the curriculum designated by the College Board for AP English-Language and Composition. The class will prepare students for the AP exam that is given in May that all students are required to take. Successful performance on this test often results in credit given by many colleges and universities.
This course meets the basic English requirement for students in the 11th grade. Students can be dropped from the course if their effort falls below an acceptable level as judged by the teacher and/or their grade falls below a B.
Prerequisites:
  • Completion of Honors English 10 with a B or higher
  • Writing sample
  • Teacher recommendation
  • Reading score at or above grade level
bulletENGLISH STANDARDS 11 #213
1 Credit
The objective of this course is to continue to develop and reinforce reading and writing through American literature.
Prerequisites:
  • Completion of English Standards 2
  • English Department placement
  • Consideration of R.I. State Assessment Scores in Writing and Language Arts and local reading tests
  • Consideration of Reading scores
bulletENGLISH 12 #222
1 Credit
This course objective is to improve student ability to appreciate and comprehend major themes in British and World Literature. Seminar discussion, critical essays, resume writing and MLA research papers are a significant segment of this curriculum. Formal and informal public speaking techniques will be addressed. Students will spend two to three hours per week in preparation for class. As part of the grade 12 curriculum, students will be required to complete and pass their senior exhibition in order to graduate.
Prerequisites:
  • Completion of English 11
  • English Department placement
  • Consideration of RI State Assessment Scores in Writing and Language Arts
bulletADVANCED PLACEMENT LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION #272
1 Credit – Grade 12
This Advanced Placement English course is an option for seniors who have superior skills in reading and writing. Students will read, discuss and analyze the novels, plays, poetry and essays of both classic and modern literature. Students will be expected to participate in discussion and write critical papers in which they demonstrate their close study of the text and ability to articulate their ideas. As part of the grade 12 curriculum, students will be required to complete and pass their senior exhibition in order to graduate.
The course will follow the curriculum designated by the College Board for AP English. The class will prepare students for the AP exam that is given in May which all students are required to take. Successful performance on this test often results in credit given by many colleges and universities.
In addition, AP English students may participate in Rhode Island College’s (RIC) Early Enrollment Program (EEP). Students who choose to enroll in this optional program can earn three college credits. These credits are accepted by numerous colleges nationally. The cost (approximately $120.00 for three credits) may vary from year to year at RIC’s discretion. This course meets the basic English requirements for students in grade 12. Students can be dropped from the course if their effort falls below an acceptable level as judged by the teacher and/or their grade falls below a B.
Prerequisites:
  • Completion of AP Language and Composition with a B- or above
  • Writing Sample
  • AP Language and Composition teacher recommendation
  • Reading score at or above grade level
  • English Department placement

ENGLISH ELECTIVES

bulletREADING #912
.5 credits – Semester Course -Grades 9-12
This program is designed specifically for students who have demonstrated significant difficulty in one or more of the five areas of reading: phonics, phonological awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and/or comprehension. Current reading research is reflected in the instructional techniques used in this course. Students are provided a personal literacy plan which guides intensive intervention from a reading specialist in a small group setting. Formal and informal assessments are given throughout the semester to measure progress and the effectiveness of targeted instruction. Students for the course will be recommended by the Reading Specialists.
bulletFUNDAMENTALS OF LITERACY #260
1 Credit – Grades 9-12
This course is designed to provide an intensive approach to help students effectively use the English language in a variety of forms for many purposes. Students explore literary genre, improve grammatical and writing skills, research topics of interest and improve oral/aural communication skills. This class is closely aligned with the regular education curriculum and the America’s Choice Literary program. Placement in this class is based on IEP Team recommendation/Department Head approval. As part of the grade 12 curriculum, students will be required to complete and pass their senior exhibition in order to graduate.

bulletINTERDISCIPLINARY LANGUAGE ARTS 2 #911
1 Credit – Grades 9-12
This course is designed to provide remedial instruction in the application of ELA skills including reading, writing, vocabulary and critical thinking. Students will learn and understand how to use these skills and apply them across the curriculum. This class fulfills the English requirement. Placement in this class is based on IEP Team recommendation/Department Chair approval. As part of the grade 12 curriculum, students will be required to complete and pass their senior exhibition in order to graduate.

bulletCREATIVE WRITING #233
.5 Credit - Semester Course – Grades 9-12
Creative Writing Class will provide aspiring and/or novice writers the space and time to experiment and explore the craft of writing. Students will be expected to produce at least one piece of writing a week or the equivalent to a piece that may be a continuation of a work in progress. Students must be willing to read their work aloud as part of a writers’ workshop of “critical friends” ready to receive and administer warm or cool feedback. Student will attempt a myriad of writing techniques and exercises designed to inspire. Local published authors will be invited to speak about their vocation. Students will read a number of contemporary and classic works to analyze those elements that distinguish a particular genre. The text Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg will provide a framework. Students will be encouraged to compile their works into a Literary Magazine.
bulletPERFORMING ARTS #265
.5 Credit – Semester Course - Grades 9-12
This class will survey the history of the Performing Arts Genre, covering the origination of the theater to the present time including the media and the use of performance skills. Students are expected to read from a variety of sources including nonfiction background information, articles, scripts and on-line excerpts. Time will be devoted to developing acting skills including body movement, voice projection, creative dramatics, pantomime, and improvisation. The culminating activity will be to work individually or cooperatively to develop, write, and perform a performance.