Core Courses
Course #081 – 8th Grade English
This course will focus on developing critical reading skills and improving upon each student's approach to writing as a process. Students will plan, draft, revise and edit writing with emphasis on multi-paragraph compositions and short research papers. Attention to audience, purpose, clarity, organization, support, and proofreading is stressed. 8th Grade English students will be introduced to a variety of systemic approaches to becoming effective writers. Vocabulary building skills, grammar and standard English conventions are presented as part of the reading and writing process. The course introduces students to literary analysis and expects students to respond critically to a variety of readings, including novels, plays, poetry, short literary works of fiction and nonfiction, and essays. Students will reflect upon the author's style, theme, content, structure, and use of literary elements and devices. This course is designed to develop an appreciation of literature and show the value and organizational structures of written and oral expression.
Course #071 – 7th Grade English
Heterogeneously grouped classes emphasize development of good independent work habits and positive peer interaction in conferencing, group presentations, and collaborative responses to writing and reading. The course includes both guided and independent study of a variety of readings, including novels, plays, short stories, poetry, mythology, essays, and non-fiction works. Students will be 4 asked to analyze a piece of work, make predictions, and give personal assessments of the reading. Students will also study a variety of young adult novels that explore personal ethics and decision-making. The writing process introduced in middle school emphasizes graphic organizers, proper form, and a clear ratio of concrete details to commentary. Our aim is to give students a method for planning, writing, and evaluating essays by using some simple guidelines. Vocabulary and grammar/usage is presented as part of the writing process.