SY 2014-2015
COURSE TITLE:
English Grade 9
PREREQUISITE:
N/A
DESCRIPTION:
Instruction is aligned with the Virginia SOL and extends students’ skills in
writing, reading, and speaking. The writing of paragraphs and informal
essays encourages improvement in specific composing skills. Students
study commonly confused words, parts of speech, sentence structure,
usage, and punctuation to increase accuracy in speaking and writing.
Students learn library skills in preparation for oral or written research
products. Teachers review and practice activities to reinforce the skills
tested on the Grade 11 SOL writing and reading tests.
Students read a variety of literature and apply literary terms to the
discussion of the works. Vocabulary lessons are based on activities in the
literature anthology. Speaking opportunities center on dramatic readings
and specific group activities, as well as individual assignments.
MAIN TOPICS:
STRAND
Writing
Literature
Oral Language
Research
Vocabulary
CREDIT INFO:
MAIN EMPHASES
Focus on single and multi-paragraph writings of various types
including narrative, literary, expository, and technical writings; focus
on supporting details, purpose, specific vocabulary, and sentence
structure; review of grammar, usage, and mechanics; editing for
correct mechanics and usage
Reading in a variety of genres and print materials; analysis of literary
selections; application of literary terms
Dramatic readings; critique of oral presentations; formal and informal
oral presentations with focus on speech design, vocabulary, audience,
purpose, and communication skills
Focus on research process; note-taking, citing sources, and
paraphrasing; use of traditional and technology-based sources; practice
Internet safety; creation of a variety of individual and group products;
including two research papers
Development of vocabulary through reading and writing activities
This course provides one of the credits required for the Standard or
Advanced Studies Diploma
SY 2014-2015
COURSE TITLE:
English Grade 9 Academic
PREREQUISITE:
N/A
DESCRIPTION:
Instruction is aligned with the Virginia SOL. Students engage in a variety
of activities designed to extend and improve their skills in writing,
reading, and speaking. Students practice composing skills through the
writing of paragraphs and multi-paragraph essays. The study of parts of
speech, elements of sentence structure, usage, spelling, and punctuation,
increases accuracy in students’ speaking and writing. Teachers review
and practice activities to reinforce the skills tested on the Grade 11 SOL
writing and reading tests.
Literature includes extensive readings in a variety of genres, as well as the
application of literary terms to analyze authors’ meanings and styles.
Students learn and practice library skills through the preparation of
research products. Students increase their vocabulary through the study of
words encountered in reading and content presentations. Students practice
oral skills through various group and individual assignments, including
dramatic readings.
MAIN TOPICS:
STRAND
Writing
Literature
Oral Language
Research
Vocabulary
CREDIT INFO:
MAIN EMPHASES
Focus on single and multi-paragraph writings of various types for
specific audiences and purposes; focus on central idea and
organization; use of vivid nouns, verbs, and modifiers; review of
grammar, usage, and mechanics; editing for correct mechanics and
usage
Reading in a variety of genres; application of associated literary terms;
literary analysis
Dramatic readings; critique of oral presentations; formal and informal
oral presentations with focus on speech design, vocabulary, audience,
purpose, and communication skills
Focus on research process: note-taking, citing sources, and
paraphrasing; use of traditional and technology-based sources;
creation of a variety of individual and group products; including two
research papers
Development of college-preparatory vocabulary through reading and
writing; practice in SAT-type questions
This course provides one of the credits required for the Standard or
Advanced Studies Diploma
SY 2014-2015
COURSE TITLE:
English Grade 9 Honors
PREREQUISITE:
N/A
DESCRIPTION:
Instruction is aligned with the Virginia SOL and challenges students to
respond in a fluent, effective, and analytical manner. Students improve
specific composing skills through frequent and varied writing
assignments. The study of grammar and usage increases accuracy in
speaking and writing. Students receive instruction in library and research
skills for the preparation of oral and written research products. Teachers
review and practice activities to reinforce the skills tested on the Grade 11
SOL writing and reading tests.
Students read a wide variety of literature and are expected to interpret
authors’ styles and meanings. Through the study of words encountered in
readings and content presentations, students increase their vocabulary.
Students practice oral skills through various individual and group
activities, including dramatic readings.
MAIN TOPICS:
STRAND
Writing
Literature
Oral Language
Research
Vocabulary
CREDIT INFO:
MAIN EMPHASES
Focus on single and multi-paragraph writings of various types for
specific audiences and purposes; development of a thesis with
supporting details and an effective introduction and conclusion; use of
vivid nouns, verbs, and modifiers; variety of sentence structure;
review of grammar, usage, and mechanics; editing for correct
mechanics and usage
Extensive reading in a variety of genres; application of associated
literary terms; literary analysis and critiques
Dramatic readings; critique of oral presentations; formal and informal
oral presentations with focus on speech design, audience behavior, and
communication skills
Focus on research process: note-taking, citing sources, and
paraphrasing; use of traditional and technology-based sources; practice
Internet safety; creation of a variety of individual and group products,
including two research papers
Development of college-preparatory vocabulary through reading and
writing; practice in SAT-type questions
This course provides one of the credits required for the Standard or
Advanced Studies Diploma
SY 2014-2015
Course: 9th Grade English
Teacher: Mr. Wheelbarger
Phone Number: 571-252-1900 (THS)
E-mail: brandon.wheelbarger@lcps.org
Classroom: #403
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to the 2014/15 school year! Below you will find some general information about the course
and what we will be studying this year. You will also find some policies and expectations. Please take
some time to read through everything. The best way to contact me with questions is through email. I
look forward to working with each and every one of you, and together we can make this a great year!
Required Materials
 3-ring binder or Pocket folder
 Composition notebook/journal
 Writing utensils
 Paper
Provided Resources
 The Language of Literature by McDougal Littell. This is the school’s literature textbook in which
the students may not write in. Each student will obtain one of these books, bring it to class,
secure it in a locker, and take it home to complete assignments or study.
 Thematically-related novels, articles, stories, and poems not found in the textbooks will be used
to supplement the textbook.
 The library offers books and computer access for researching, reading self-selected works, word
processing, and creating media.
 I also have books the students may choose to read that must remain in the classroom.
*The student is responsible for all school property including Mr. Wheelbarger’s books. If something is
lost or destroyed, the student is financially responsible for replacing that material. *
Help and Additional Assistance
 Assistance will be available for help before school starting at 8:00 a.m.
General Policies and Procedures
 Rules are located in the THS handbook/agenda that each student will receive. Failure to follow
these rules will result in the consequences listed in the handbook.
SY 2014-2015
Grading Policy
 Students are graded on a point system. The point value of the assignment will reflect the type of
assignment. For example, a homework grade might be 5 points, while a test could be 100 points.
 It will be critical for students to turn work in on time or on the specified due date. With that
said, the students will be notified of all major assignments and/or tests at least one week or
more before they are due. Late assignments will be penalized according to the late work policy
(attached).
 If a student is sick or absent on the day an assignment is due, they should be ready to turn it in
the next time they have English class. Individual situations will be the only reason students
might receive more time. (i.e., a death in the family). However, it is up to the student to
communicate any such circumstances. With that said, extensions will not be granted for
sporting events, tournaments, or other activities.
Assignment Formats
 In order to receive credit on an assignment, the student’s name and class period must be in the
upper right hand corner
 All handwritten assignment must be legible and written in blue or black ink
 All typed formal assignments need to be double-spaced using size 12 point font, one-inch
margins, black ink, and Times New Roman.
Curriculum Guide
*This is just an outline, and is subject to change. There will be other supplementary assignments and
materials as well.*
English 9A
-Short Stories
-Grammar
-Fundamentals of
Writing
English 9H
-Short Stories/ Fiction
Novel
-Grammar
-Fundamentals of
Writing
Second Quarter
-Poetry out Loud
-Romeo and Juliet
-Sonnets
Third Quarter
-Speeches
-Non-fiction
-Novel (OMAM)
Fourth Quarter
- Mythology/Odyssey
-Public Speaking
-Assigned Essays
-IRP
-Journals
-Poetry out Loud
-Romeo and Juliet
-Sonnets
-Dramatic Performance
-Speeches
-Non-fiction
-Novel (TKAM)
-Socratic Seminars
-The Odyssey
-Public Speaking
-Assigned Essays
-IRP
-Journals
-Honors Assessment
First Quarter
Throughout the Year