Grade 9 English - 0900, 0920 
     Middle level English classes integrate reading, literature study, writing, researching, speaking, and thinking skills. This course provides a thematic approach to the study of literature.   Novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and non-fiction are used to develop various themes, which are often integrated with other subject areas.  A core of classic literature is balanced with contemporary and culturally diverse selections, and reading workshops also offer students opportunities for self-selected reading.  In ninth grade there is a greater emphasis on understanding the craft of literature.
    Four thematic or interdisciplinary units will be taught, including Reality: A Matter of Perception and Relationships: Portraits from Life.  Core novels to be read by all students include To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet or Julius Caesar, plus Lord of the Flies, A Separate Peace or Great Expectations.  A process approach to writing is used, and students write in narrative, informative, and persuasive modes.  Formal composition skills are taught, and students also participate in writing workshops using self-selected writing topics.  Writing assignments will include personal narratives, literary character sketches, informational and literary analysis essays, persuasive essays, and a research paper.
     Language study is integrated with reading and writing, and oral communication skills are taught and applied in context, with students giving a persuasive speech integrating technology.  Students apply research skills to the completion of an "I Search" or a researched thesis paper with in-text documentation of sources.
    The course of study includes variations in materials, tasks, and assessments for honors level classes.

0970, 0980, 0990 English
    These courses are designed to meet the needs of special education students.

Core Reading: 
*To Kill a Mockingbird 
*Romeo and Juliet or 
  Julius Caesar 
*Lord of the Flies or 
 Great Expectations or 
 Separate Peace 

Core Writing: 
*Portfolio Letter of 
  Introduction 
*Samples of Persuasive 
  Writing 
*Literary Analysis 
*Literary Researched Paper (H) 
*Curriculum based Research 
  Paper (S/B)