Bainbridge High School
9 English Honors and Enrichment Option Overview
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Going Beyond: Honors and Enrichment
In 9th Grade English, students and teachers collaborate to further extend students’ growth and learning.
Beyond the required coursework, all students have the option to enhance, deepen or expand their knowledge
and skills in every unit. Students go beyond the required coursework by: adding complexity or depth,
executing assignments with creativity or skill, moving through the material at an accelerated pace, and/or
pursuing individualized learning goals with heightened autonomy and choice. All students are encouraged to
consider pursuing Honors in English 9. Any 9th grade student choosing to complete an Honors Designated
assignment can be eligible to receive extra credit, even if Honors isn’t earned for the whole semester.
The following are the requirements for Honors:
1) Students show a ready willingness to grow as writers. This means any or all of the following: taking an
active role in selecting and monitoring areas for growth, conferencing with the teacher before and after
writing assignments are due, and revising as necessary (according to the process established by your
teacher).
2) Students show a willingness to grow as readers, including being open to different genres and styles of
literature and reading analytically (reading with depth and insight--making connections within the text as
well as to other texts we have read throughout the year). Students will read like writers, noticing elements of
craft in the texts we read, appreciating possibilities in language, and analyzing authors’ choices.
3) Students show a willingness to grow as speakers and listeners. They might take leadership roles in large
and small group discussions, offer thoughtful insights, solicit the thoughts and opinions of their peers, and
actively work to further inquiry. Being an active participant isn’t about always being “right,” it’s about
being thoughtful, reflective, informed, curious, and open to other points of view.
4) Students earn 3-4 Honors Designations on assignments over the course of the semester. Honors
Designated options for assignments will be clearly described within each unit of study (see below for some
general examples). If students apply for a designation on an assignment but don’t receive one, they should
try another option or resubmit the assignment.
5) Students seeking Honors will submit a reflection assignment at the end of the semester that clearly
communicates their growth in both reading and writing and how they have met the honors criteria. At any
point students may withdraw their application, for any reason, without penalty. Any 9th English student who
chooses not to apply for Honors may still submit special accomplishments or outside enrichment to the
teacher for extra points.
6) Students earn a C (73% or above) in 9 English for the semester.
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Examples of Honors Designation Assignments in English 9:
 Challenge Reads: Read an extra book and/or select a challenge option within a unit.
 Advanced Writing Assignments: Write the assigned class paper at the Honors level.
 Honors Projects: Create your own project, or choose one of the Honors Designated projects within a
unit.
*By the end of each semester you need to have successfully earned 3-4 (depending on the number of units in
the semester) Honors Designations.
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9 English Honors Option Application
Spring 2015
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Semester: __________________________
Return form by: February 9th
If you are interested in pursuing Honors for the current semester noted above, you must complete the
following form and return it to your 9 English teacher by the due date indicated above. Also, you must meet
with your teacher by mid-term of each semester to discuss your progress. You are under no obligation to
complete Honors once you submit this document.
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Step One: Complete and sign checklist below and turn in this form to your 9 English teacher.
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I have read the 9 English Honors Option Overview (reverse side) and I fully understand the
expectations for the 9 English Honors Option.
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I understand it is BHS policy that students must earn a C (73%) or above in order to receive Honors
credit.
O
I have reflected on my workload and priorities and feel this is an appropriate personal challenge.
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O
I have talked with my parents about what the Honors Option entails.
Step Two: Why do you want to pursue Honors in English 9? Please write a paragraph to explain your
choice. Type or handwrite this paragraph and attach it to your completed application.
Parent Signature: _________________________________
Student Signature: _______________________________
Student’s Printed Name:_____________________________
Class Period: _______