Port Allegany Jr/Sr High School Counselor

English

ENGLISH COURSES

English 9                                                                        year                                      1 credit

     Using a thematic approach, students will read a variety of literature including poetry, short story, novel and drama.  Students will write narrative, argumentative and informative pieces. Conventions will focus on the practical application of the English language in writing and speaking.  Word meaning, usage, vocabulary, literary concepts and other writing conventions are taught throughout the year.  Students will be required to read independently.  Students will conduct research projects.

 

English 10                                                                                 year                                     1 credit

     Students will study a variety of genres of literature based on a thematic approach.  The main text of the course has an integrated approach to literature and language combining reading, analysis, writing, grammar, vocabulary acquisition, and cross-media.  A writer’s workshop approach will be used for all writing pieces:  narrative, argumentative and expository/informative. Students will have and independent reading expectation each quarter.  Students will also research an independent topic.

 

English 11                                                                          year                                   1 credit

     Students study poetry, nonfiction, short stories, drama, and the novel by American authors.  Emphasis is on reading, writing and speaking through an integrated text.  The historical development of American literature and language is traced from the early Colonial American works to contemporary American literature and examines the impact of American society on writing. While developing the characteristics of effective writing, students are provided a guided research experience that contains all standard research components.  Writing and reading skills are emphasized.  Independent reading throughout each grading period is required for this course that may be assessed in literacy quizzes (i.e. Accelerated Reader), reports papers, and other means to determine proficiency.

 

English 12                                                                        year                                  1 credit

     Students will study poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, and novels by British and world authors.  This course offers an overview of British literature as it reflects period history and the impact that society and the author have on each other. There is an emphasis on the development of the English language and a review of grammar, mechanics, usage, and style. Students will write in a variety of situations including a research project.  There are independent reading requirements every marking period.  Requirements and assessments may vary each quarter and are not limited to Accelerated Reader, report, reaction paper, or speech.

COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH COURSES

English 9 CP (College Preparatory)                                          year                                1 credit

     Through a variety of literary works, students will express their understanding of literary concepts in rigorous analysis of writing styles, themes and content.  Students will write argumentative, narrative, and informative essays that will include focus on purpose, audience, style, conventions and content.  Literature will include short story, poetry, novel, nonfiction, drama and Shakespeare.  Students will be required to read independently.  Students will conduct formal research utilizing an MLA style to write a paper.

 

English 10 CP (College Preparatory)                                         year                                1 credit

     The course will build upon the College Preparatory English 9.  Students will study all genres of literature in a thematic and integrated approach for literature.  Literature will include short story, poetry, novel, nonfiction, drama, and Shakespeare.  Emphasis in the course will be placed upon writing/responding to literature, vocabulary acquisition, and independent skill development in various areas.  A Writer's Workshop will be utilized for guided assignments such as:  narrative responses, persuasive paper(s), and critical analysis of setting, character, author purpose, and/or theme.  An expectation for writing a guided research paper will be expected of each student.  Students will also create and investigate topics associated with the novel study as assigned.  Students will have a variety of independent reading projects per quarter as well as a regular reading requirment.

 

English 11 CP (College Preparatory)                                       year                                1 credit

     Students study poetry, nonfiction, short stories drama, and the novel by American authors.  The historical development of American literature and language is traced from the early Colonial American works to contemporary American literature and examines the impact of American society on writing.  Writing, reading, listening and speaking skills are emphasized in style, tone as well as content using an integrated text.  Students will complete a guided research project that attempts to prepare them for the independent research conducted their senior year.  Independent reading throughout each grading period is required for this course that may be assessed in literacy quizzes (i.e. Accelerated Reader), reports, papers, or other means to determine proficiency.

 

English 12 CP (College Preparatory)                                        year                              1 credit

     Students will study poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, and novels by British and world authors.  This course offers an overview of British literature as it reflects period history and the impact that society and the author have on each other. There is an emphasis on the development of the English language as it relates to the literary/social/historical issues. Students are expected to develop a critical view.  Students will review/use grammar, mechanics, usage, and style in a variety of writing, speaking, and listening situations.  The research process is utilized through a student-driven project. Some outside reading is required.  The scope of the class is designed to help the student prepare for college level work. There are independent reading requirements every marking period.  Requirements and assessments may vary each quarter and are not limited to Accelerated Reader, report, reaction paper, or speech.

 

Composition I (Dual Enrollment)                                               year                            1 credit

     This a College-in-High-School dual-enrollment course offered in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and is open to all students in 11th or 12th grade who have successfully attained the proficient level on the Keystone Lieterature exam.  This course is aligned with the Pitt/Bradford's ENG 0101 (described as "focus[ing] on the writing process and on the kinds of writing common in the academic disciplines").  In additino to developing the appropriate analysis, writing, grammar usage, and component that meets the district's requirements.  There are independent reading requirements every marking period.  (Grades 11-12)  To be eligible, students must score Proficient or Advance on the Keystone test.

 

Honors English

Remedial English

Senior High Remedial English (Grades 10-12)                        semester                   1 credit

     This remedial course is intended for students who have not attained the basic level of proficiency as measured by the passing grade used at our school.  Students may elect to take this semester course to attain credit for one full course credit.  This remedial course is equipped to bolster students’ reading and writing proficiencies at the grade levels 10-12. Students will use a specific core text, novels, and other material chosen by the teacher.  The course will utilize assessment and PSSA skill material.  The PSSA skill development will integrate anchor skills.  It is important to note this course is aimed at remediation in one full-year course; it is not intended to act as compensation for failing other grade levels in English.  A student may elect to take this course only once.  Students are required to do the daily work and perform any writing projects that would be required during the regular full-year course.  Independent reading will also be required.  This expectation will need to be maintained along with your regular English teacher.  A discussion about Accelerated Reader requirements needs to occur prior to due dates!  (This course is not allowed to replace a College Prep English requirement.)

 

Keystone Literature Remedial (Grades 11-12)                      semester                   .5 credit

     This remedial class will offer students instruction, review and practice of the eligible content for the Keystone test in Literature.  The class is designed for students who do not demonstrate proficiency on the Keystone test in Literature.

 

Project-Based Assessment -- Literature (Grades 11-12)       semester                   .5 credit

     Students who do not score proficient/advanced on the Keystone Literature Exam have the opportunity to take a project based assessment.  This project, if passed, will meet the graduation criteria from Pennsylvania Department of Education.  Please see your school counselor for more information.

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