LANGUAGE ARTS DEPARTMENT
READING AND WRITING WORKSHOP I (235)
Grade 9
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
The Reading and Writing Workshop will focus primarily on building the reading comprehension
and fluency skills a student needs to be successful at the high school level. This will be a
structured course in reading using standardized assessments to determine a student’s reading
level throughout the course. Writing skills will also be taught using the structured writing
process. This is a required course for students what did not score at the Proficient level or above
on the 8th grade PSSA Reading assessment. Participation in this course will be in lieu of an
elective class during the freshman year.
ENGLISH 9 (005)
Grade 9
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
English 9 prepares students to become competent in their reading, writing, speaking, listening,
and thinking skills, with specific emphasis on comparing and contrasting. Students will become
proficient in language, usage, and the writing process. Students will be exposed to a wide
variety of literature in genres such as fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students will also learn the
necessary research and communication techniques to deliver a research presentation.
ADVANCED ENGLISH 9 (305)
Grade 9
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
Prerequisite: a grade of 80% or above in English 8, Grade 8 English teacher recommendation,
and an average score of Proficient or above on the most current 4Sight, PSSA, or equivalent
standardized test.
English 9 Advanced prepares students to excel in their critical reading, writing, speaking,
listening, and thinking skills, with specific emphasis on comparing/contrasting and synthesizing
literary genres and fine arts. The course will examine both modern and classical literature
(fiction, nonfiction, and poetry) that addresses a greater understanding of both past and present
societies. Students will master the conventions of writing. Students will also develop the
necessary research and communication techniques to write a research paper and deliver a formal
presentation.
READING AND WRITING WORKSHOP II (225)
Grade 10
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
The Reading and Writing Workshop II will focus on continuing to build primarily reading
comprehension and fluency skills. The course will build on a student’s existing reading skills to
include more advanced reading strategies with an emphasis on writing about reading. This will
be done through continuing use of the structured writing process. Progress will be measured
using standardized assessments of a student’s reading level as well as benchmark assessments
designed to gauge progress in mastering Pennsylvania’s Assessment Anchors and Eligible
Content for Reading. A student is eligible for this course if he/she demonstrates a reading level
at least one year below his/her grade level or scores below the proficient level on a standardized
benchmarking assessment.
ENGLISH 10 (025)
Grade 10
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
English 10 prepares students to become proficient in their reading, writing, speaking, listening,
and thinking skills, with specific emphasis on cause and effect relationships. Students will
develop analytical skills through interpretation and criticism of a variety of world literature in
genres such as fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students will become competent in analyzing
fiction and nonfiction for use of diction and syntax to achieve a particular tone. Students will
analyze and interpret various literary elements focusing on plot, character, conflict, tone, and
theme. Students will also develop research methods necessary for writing a research paper.
ADVANCED ENGLISH 10 (325)
Grade 10
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
Prerequisite: a grade of 80% or above in English 9 or Advanced English 9, Grade 9 English
teacher recommendation, and an average score of Proficient or above on the most current 4Sight,
PSSA, or equivalent standardized test.
In English 10 Advanced students will excel in reading, writing, and speaking for purpose and
effect, emphasizing use of language. This course will enhance students’ critical thinking skills
through examination of literary criticism and analysis of cause and effect relationships. Students
will develop analytical skills through interpretation and criticism of a variety of world literature
in genres such as fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students will become competent in analyzing
fiction and nonfiction for use of diction and syntax to achieve a particular tone. Students will
explore themes of individualism and integrity in a variety of world literature. Students will
develop research methods necessary for writing a research paper.
READING AND WRITING WORKSHOP III (245)
Grade 11
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
The Reading and Writing Workshop III will focus on improving the student’s reading and
writing skills in preparation for the PSSA assessments in the spring of 11th grade. The course
will utilize a variety of instructional resources to develop skills in reading comprehension,
fluency and analyzing text. In writing, emphasis will be placed on using the writing process
including prewriting, drafting and revision. Progress will be measured using standardized
benchmarking assessments to gauge a student’s progress in mastering Pennsylvania’s
Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content for Reading. A student is eligible for this course if
he/she scores below the proficient level on a standardized benchmarking assessment.
ENGLISH 11 (055)
Grade 11
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
In English 11, students will develop analytical skills through interpretation and criticism of
classic American literature. There will be emphasis on the writing process, including prewriting,
drafting and revision. Students will compose work in a variety of modes such as informative,
persuasive, and analytical. To improve their writing, students will learn various aspects of
grammar, emphasizing form, structure, and usage. While developing an awareness of style,
students will work towards achieving a mature voice. Students will develop and employ
inductive and deductive reasoning in producing a research paper and presentation.
ADVANCED ENGLISH 11 (355)
Grade 11
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
Prerequisite: a grade of 80% or above in English 10 or Advanced English 10, Grade 10 English
teacher recommendation, and an average score of Proficient or above on the most current 4Sight,
PSSA, or equivalent standardized test.
In English 11 Advanced students will analyze how American literature has reflected the
historical and social events of American history. Students will master analyzing fiction and
nonfiction for use of diction and syntax to achieve a particular tone. To strengthen their writing,
students will develop personal style and voice. Students will compose work in a variety of modes
such as informative, persuasive, and analytical. To improve their writing, students will learn
various aspects of grammar, emphasizing form, structure, and usage. Students will develop
research methods necessary for producing a research paper and presentation connecting
American literature and a historical event or time period.
AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION (165)
Grade 11
1.0 credit (W)
5 IPW
Prerequisite: please see AP eligibility criteria on page 6.
1 year
This course is a year-long course designed to help students become skilled readers of prose
written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts and to become skilled writers
who can compose for a variety of purposes. Through reading and writing in this course, students
should become aware of the interactions among a writer’s purpose, audience expectations, and
subjects, as well as the way generic conventions of the language contribute to effective writing.
Students are expected to process, analyze, synthesize, and communicate orally and in writing.
The course focuses on grammar and punctuation review, syntactical strategies, literary elements,
rhetorical devices and strategies, diction and style, paragraph structures and development,
literary analysis, and AP exam practice. As students progress through the course, they will
become aware of their own composition process through self-assessment and evaluations by
peers and the instructor. These skills will allow students to read critically and effectively in
different modes in the college classroom and beyond. This course prepared students to take the
AP examination in Language and Composition in May of their junior year.
READING AND WRITING WORKSHOP IV (255)
Grade 12
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
This is a required course for all 12th grade students who do not score at the proficient level or
above on the 11th grade standardized assessments or require supplemental course work in
reading, writing, and speaking. Seniors taking Workshop IV will prepare for standardized test
retakes, develop research and composition skills necessary for successful completion of college
level coursework, and polish their speaking and presentation skills. This mandated course will be
in lieu of other electives. Students must satisfactorily pass the PSSA retest or this course with a
final grade of 70% or above to graduate. Students will receive an elective credit for the
successful completion of this course.
ENGLISH 12 (085)
Grade 12
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
English 12 students will demonstrate mastery of reading critically, writing effectively, and
communicating orally. Students will use analytical skills through interpretation and criticism,
focusing primarily on British literature. Writing assignments will be a combination of reflective
and expository essays. Students will demonstrate control of organization, conventions, style, and
voice in writing. The Senior Project is the culmination of the past four years of research, writing,
and communication skills and encompasses a detailed process throughout the senior year. The
steps include selecting a topic, writing a thesis, conducting research and taking notes, outlining,
writing the research paper, and delivering a formal presentation.
ADVANCED ENGLISH 12 (385)
Grade 12
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
Prerequisite: A grade of 80% or above in AP English Language and Composition, Advanced
English 11 or English 11, Grade 11 English teacher recommendation, and an average score of
Proficient or above on the most current 4Sight, PSSA, or equivalent standardized test.
Students in English 12 Advanced will demonstrate mastery of reading critically, writing
effectively, and communicating orally. Students will use analytical skills through interpretation
and criticism, focusing primarily on drawing parallels between British and world literature.
Writing assignments will be a combination of reflective, expository, and literary critique essays.
Students will demonstrate advanced control of organization, conventions, style, and voice in
writing. The Senior Project is the culmination of the past four years of research, writing, and
communication skills and encompasses a detailed process throughout the senior year. The steps
include selecting a topic, writing a thesis, conducting research and taking notes, outlining,
writing the research paper, and delivering a formal presentation.
AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (155)
Grade 12
1.0 credit (W)
5 IPW
Prerequisite: please see AP eligibility criteria on page 6.
1 year
Students in this course are engaged in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative
literature. Through close reading of selected literary works, they will develop critical standards
for interpreting the effects writers create by means of the artful manipulation of language. To
achieve these goals, students study individual works and their characters, action, structure, and
language. They consider large-scale literary elements such as form and theme, and smaller-scale
elements such as figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. The writing assignments
focus on the critical analysis of literature and include expository, analytical, and argumentative
essays. The Senior Project is the culmination of the past four years of research, writing, and
communication skills and encompasses a detailed process throughout the senior year. The steps
include selecting a topic, writing a thesis, conducting research and taking notes, outlining,
writing the research paper, and delivering a formal presentation. This course prepares students to
take the AP examination in Literature and Composition in May of the senior year.
JOURNALISM I (135)
Grades 10, 11, 12
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
Students will learn the aspects of student publications. Students will study the various types of
articles: news, sports, feature, and editorial. In addition, students will produce eight to ten
newspapers in class that will be published and put online for the student body and the public.
Students will also examine the field of journalism in terms of ethics and the laws that govern
press both in high schools as well as in the public domain. Students will learn skills in managing
the newsroom and will have the opportunity to serve as editors-in-chief, sports editors, news
editors, feature editors, and layout editors. In order to understand the world of journalism and its
import, students must be aware of the world around them. Therefore, they will be expected to
know current events and will be tested regularly on their knowledge of the latest media reports.
Because it is important that newspapers communicate in an articulate manner, students will be
expected to know and practice rules of the language, and the study of mechanics and conventions
will be reinforced and tested. Students will explore the history of journalism and study its effect
on modern day media. Students will be expected to complete outside readings for the mid-term
portfolio and final grade.
JOURNALISM II (138)
Grades 11,12
1.0 credit
5 IPW
Prerequisite: Journalism I passed with a 70% or higher.
1 year
Students will develop ideas for articles for on-line publication as well as print version. Students
will serve as editorial board members managing and assuming responsibility for proofreading,
editing, and publication of both publications. Students will also complete outside reading and
discuss such topics as ethics of modern day journalism, gathering news in the digital age etc.
Grades will be assessed through demonstration of acceptance of responsibility, involvement in
the publication process; submission of articles, management and direction of staff, photography,
editing, and layout. Taught Concurrently with Journalism I.
CREATIVE WRITING I/II (225)
Grades 11, 12
1.0 credit
5 IPW
1 year
Creative Writing is designed to encourage student writers with a special talent and/or interest in
writing to develop their writing abilities and skills and to develop an interest in the writing of
both their peers and professional writers. The workshop atmosphere requires the student writers
to participate in the creative process by composing their own short stories, dialogues, poems, and
non-fiction from both individual and teacher-generated topics. Students will read their writing to
their classmates who will respond orally and in writing. Peer responses along with teacheroriented evaluations will enable the student writers to review their writing in order to produce a
number of completed pieces of creative fiction and non-fiction.
ETYMOLOGY (285)
Grades 9,10,11,12
0.5 credit
5 IPW
semester
Etymology is a one-semester course designed to significantly improve the vocabulary of students
through the study of Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes and words derived from those
elements. Emphasis will include comprehension of new words, appreciation of good usage and
precision in choosing the appropriate word for a specific purpose.
PUBLIC SPEAKING (215)
Grades 9,10,11,12
0.5 credit
5 IPW
semester
The emphasis is on the fundamentals of effective oral skills and the communication process.
Students will prepare, research, and present informative, persuasive, demonstration, and
entertainment speeches. Students will learn how to deliver an effective oral presentation. In
addition, students will learn how to evaluate other speakers.
SAT PREPARATION (010)
Grades 11, 12
0.5 credit
5 IPW
semester
The foundation of a student’s preparation for the SAT and college is a rigorous curriculum of
English, mathematics, science, history, and other academic subjects. The SAT Preparation
course enables students to review concepts learned in school, apply these concepts by taking
practice SATs, and allow students to become familiar with test directions and question types.
The course will be taught by Language Arts and Mathematics teachers.
AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE (115)
Grades 11, 12
0.5 credit
5 IPW
semester
Students in this course are introduced to the works of African American authors and artists
throughout the course of American History. Through close readings of selected literary works,
students will enhance and increase their development of literary and analytical skills as well as
exploring a multitude of opinions regarding African American identity in America. Reading
selections will include fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry. Authors will vary from the
canonical Langston Hughes to the lesser-known Jupiter Hammon. Writing assignments will
include the modes of exposition, literary analysis, narration, and description. There will be
assignments of a more creative nature as well.