Winthrop High School English Language Arts
MCAS Educational Plan
Any student “at risk” for the 10th Grade English Language Arts MCAS should follow
the following educational plan.
9th Grade
 College Prep English Language Arts 9th grade
 Study Skills Class
 After school MCAS prep courses
10th Grade
 College Prep English Language Arts 10th grade
 Elective- Shakespeare
 MCAS Prep (offered as an in school class)
 After school MCAS prep courses
11th Grade
 College Prep English Language Arts 11th grade
 Elective- Global Literature/Public Speaking
 After school MCAS prep courses (if failed MCAS in junior year)
The English Language Arts Department has had to cut out many electives which
were formerly offered. Therefore, students should be exposed to as much reading
as possible in all subjects.
In 9th grade, these students should attend the Study Skills class which will help
them develop organizational skills and encourage them to focus on reading and
writing skills that are consistent with MCAS standards.
In the English Language Arts department the electives recommended are
“Shakespeare” which will be a challenge for students, but will also expose them to
analyzing and further comprehension of the English language.
The other elective “Global Literature/Public Speaking” provides students “at risk”
with even more exposure to reading skills, comprehension and analysis of novels,
plays, and other literature.
The MCAS prep classes (in and out of school) will provide test taking strategies, as
well as, familiarizing students with the MCAS test format. All MCAS English
Language Arts strands will be covered, however, due to the smaller size of these
classes, attention and focus can be spent on specific topics that the particular
students struggle with.
Students must familiarize themselves with the expectations of Winthrop High
School, as well as the MCAS in order to receive full academic credit and score
competently on the assessment in the English Language Arts. These classes will
reinforce knowledge and build on skills necessary to pass the MCAS exam.