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About Our Department |
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The English curriculum is based on the premise that literacy skills are critical to developing independent learners. To that end, the English curriculum provides basic, developmental, and enrichment opportunities for all students in the areas of language, composition, and literature. |
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Department Members |
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Course Descriptions |
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FRESHMAN ACADEMY - As part of the small learning community structure of the freshman year, the English Department offers English 1, Extended English 1 and Honors English 1. Students identified as needing skills reinforcement in reading and writing also take Literacy Seminar to support necessary skills across all content areas. ENGLISH 1 - 1 year, 1 credit, Fr. - English 1 integrates the study of language, grammar, composition and literature. Students have the opportunity to practice the writing process and to develop skills in reading and library use. EXTENDED ENGLISH 1 - 1 year, 1 English credit + 1 elective credit, Fr. -This double period English course is designed to support the most at-risk reader. Students will be immersed in a standard English pro- gram emphasizing vocabulary acquisition, fluency, grammar, writing, and communication skills. Importance is placed on intensive reading strategies in order to accelerate reading growth toward grade level profi- ciency. Prerequisite: For
students reading significantly below grade as determined by standardized reading test scores and recommendation. ACADEMIC STRATEGIES 1 - 1 year, 1 elective credit, Fr - This course will develop and strengthen aca- demic reading strategies and skills necessary for success in all content areas. Students will improve in the areas of comprehension, Project C.R.I.S.S. strategies for learning, writing development, content area sup- port strategies (i.e. notetaking, highlighting, and study strategies), academic vocabulary and fluency. Cri- teria: Standardized reading test scores, district reading scores. For students reading below grade level and in need of academic strategy development. ENGLISH 2 - 1 year, 1 credit, Soph. - Course work includes the study of language, grammar, composition and literature. The principles of expository writing receive special emphasis. Readings include fiction, non- fiction, drama, and poetry. ACADEMIC STRATEGIES 2 - 1 year, 1 elective credit, Soph. - This course will develop and strengthen academic reading strategies and skills necessary for success in all content areas. Students will improve in the areas of comprehension, Project C.R.I.S.S. strategies for learning, writing development, content area support strategies (i.e. notetaking, highlighting, and study strategies), academic vocabulary and fluency. Admission to this course is through department chair and guidance counselor recommendation. Criteria: Standardized reading test scores, district reading scores, academic performance in freshman year coursework. For students reading below grade level and in need of academic strategy development. HONORS ENGLISH 1 and 2, - 1 year, 1 credit - Honors courses are offered at these grade levels to stu- dents with exceptional ability and interest in English. All courses integrate the study of language, composi- tion and literature. Course content is enriched, rigorous and rapidly paced, designed to prepare students to take Advanced Placement tests as juniors and seniors. Placement in English Honors courses depends upon test scores and teacher and department chair recommendations. ENGLISH 3 - 1 year, 1 credit, Jr. - English 3 combines the study of language, grammar, composition and American literature. Language study includes experiences that will prepare students for the ACT and SAT college-entrance tests. Students read selections from representative American authors, as well as write a formal research paper. AMERICAN STUDIES - 1 year, 2 consecutive periods, 2 credits, Jr. - American Studies is an interdisci- plinary, team-taught course for juniors in which students can earn one English credit and one U.S. History credit. This course explores the relationship between history and literature, providing students a diverse experience in the culture, history, and literature of our country. Curriculum emphasis will be on the use of primary source documents, such as letters, articles, and novels, but students will also learn from sources such as art, music, and field trips. A project and presentation approach encourages studentsí creativity and responsibility for their own learning. Note: Students enroll in American Studies in place of English 3 and U.S. History. ENGLISH LANGUAGE AP - 1 year, I credit, Jr. - English Language AP prepares juniors for the Advanced Placement Language exam. It focuses on language analysis, using both fiction and non-fiction pieces as well as research and current events. Students who take this class can expect a rigorous and demanding experience that requires them to read and write from a critical and ana- lytical standpoint. All students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exams. Prerequisite: Honors English 1 and 2 or teacher and department chair recommendation. READING/WRITING SEMINAR - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Soph., Jr., Sr. - Reading/Writing Seminar is a workshop class for students who want additional experience and opportunities with reading and writing projects of their own choice. Students will keep a portfolio of their writing projects. Students will read established authors and will experiment with these writing styles. The teacher, who will serve as a mentor/facilitator, will spend class time conferencing with individual students. Throughout the semester, there will be frequent opportunities for students to work together to dis- cuss their reading and writing. In the JUNIOR YEAR students may choose from the following courses to supplement their work in English 3. PRIME TIME NOVEL - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Jr., Sr. - This course will apply traditional literary analysis and modern technology to the study of both novels and television dramas. Discovering relationships between print and non-print texts, students in this class will discuss use of the Inter- net as a research tool, and how values present in novels and on TV reflect everyday life. JOURNALISTIC WRITING I-VI - 1 semester, 1/2 credit, Soph., Jr., Sr. - Students will learn the role of a free press and learn to write for a varied audience and purpose through a survey of journalistic writing techniques. Students will read a variety of newspapers and publications, write frequently, and conduct research, and practice editing skills. Students in journalism will apply the skills learned by contributing to the Echo. This class may be repeated multiple times. Students who repeat the class will continue to practice and master skills necessary for reporting and writ- ing for publications. In addition, they will become familiar with layout, design, and photography, all necessary elements of an effective publication. Student must be enrolled in or have completed one semester of Journalistic Writing to be considered as
an editor for the Echo. Prerequisite: C average in English courses or teacher recommendation. CREATIVE WRITING - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Jr., Sr., - The purpose of this course is to write short fiction, non-fiction and poetry. In order to help students write, a wide variety of contemporary short stories and poems are read and critiqued. The goal is to help students produce publishable writ- ing. Prerequisite: C average in English courses or teacher recommendation. YEARBOOK PUBLICATION 1 & 2 - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Soph, Jr., Sr. -This hands-on course provides students with the opportunity to experience the process in which a professional publica- tion of the Aries is created. Students will learn and expand their basic knowledge of creating a yearbook through an online program. Other aspects addressed within this course include desktop publishing, writing copy, headlines and captions, layout design, digital photography, and a review of all yearbook-specific terminology. Students will also focus on teamwork, meeting deadlines, learning how to incorporate the theme into story ideas, and implementing the theme creatively throughout the book. Prerequisite: Must have Teacher Recommendations, C or better in Eng- lish courses. Must take Yearbook 1 to take Yearbook 2 unless given Teacher
Rec. In the SENIOR YEAR students may choose from the following group of courses. PRIME TIME NOVEL - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit - See description on previous page. SENIOR ENGLISH - 2 semesters, 1/2 credit each, Sr. - This course is designed for seniors who desire a fourth year of English in a course that emphasizes practical life communication skills. In Semester 1, all reading, writing, and media activities center on the human quest for self. In Se- mester 2, the focus is on the human quest for a place in the world. Students may enroll for either semester or for both. INDEPENDENT LITERATURE - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Sr. - Students enrolled in this class will select their own reading material from an approved reading list. After establishing personal read- ing goals, students will read, confer with the teacher and participate in small group discussions. In addition, students will keep reading response journals and write essays about their books. WORLD LITERATURE - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Sr. - This course provides students with an intro- duction to contemporary world literature. Students read fictional works by modern African, Asian and European writers. The course is designed for students with average or better backgrounds in English. MAJOR BRITISH WRITERS - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Sr. -This course is a study of representative British writers from the 14th to 20th centuries, including works by Chaucer, Shakespeare and Hardy. It is designed for students with average or better backgrounds in English. CREATIVE WRITING - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Sr. - See description above. SENIOR COMPOSITION - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit - Senior Composition provides concentrated in- struction and practice in expository writing and written argument for students with average or better backgrounds in English. This course is recommended for students in a college preparatory program. JOURNALISTIC WRITING - 1 year, 1 credit - See description above. HUMANITIES H - 1 year, 1 credit (in English or Social Studies), Sr. - Humanities is an interdis- ciplinary honors course which offers an integrated study of literature, philosophy, cultural history, art and music. The seminar approach emphasizes inquiry and the assimilation of knowledge. Discussions, projects and compositions encourage students to pursue independent thought. Criteria for selection: Grade point average and teacher or department chair recommenda- tion. ENGLISH LITERATURE AP - 1 year, 1 credit - This senior-level course is designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition examination. The course integrates the study of language, advanced composition and British literature. All students are ex- pected to take the Advanced Placement exam. Prerequisite: English Language AP or teacher and department chair recommendation. ELL Course Descriptions All Courses 1/2 credit per semester Graduation Requirement: See individual courses Fees: See Course Description The ELL program is available to students who demonstrate limited English Language proficiency. Student placement will be determined by teacher recommendation, ACCESS exam and local as- sessments. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels are offered for students who need to develop fluency in English. The courses are designed to develop skills in speaking, writing, listen- ing, and reading. NEWCOMER ENGLISH and LANGUAGE SKILLS - 1 year, 1 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr., - These two blocked courses are for entering English Language Learners. The two courses are offered for students who need to develop basic English language proficiency and fluency. Newcomer English and Language Skills are designed for students to acquire skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. ENGLISH ELL 1 and ENGLISH ELL 1 LANGUAGE SKILLS - 1 year, 1 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr., - These two blocked courses are for beginning English Language Learners. The two courses are offered for those students who possess a basic comprehension and fluency of English, and are developing their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. ELL I Language Skills - 1 year, 1 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr., - Students focus primarily on read- ing and writing projects prompted by the various readings in class. Students engage in sustained silent reading, classroom reading, class discussion and paired reading. Students are given writing assignments to further their writing skills learned in ELL I. This class runs in conjunction with ELL I and cannot take the place of English 1 ELL. ENGLISH ELL II - 1 year, 1 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr., - This course is for intermediate English Language Learners who have developed comprehension and conversational English. This course expands on their existing language skills, with emphasis placed on writing and formal speaking. Also, it provides opportunities for continued practice and refinement of skills for academic purpos- es. ENGLISH ELL II LANGUAGE SKILLS - 1 year, 1 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr., - This course ex- pands on studentsí existing language skills, with emphasis placed on literacy through independent reading and guided reading instruction. Students learn about and are exposed to various litera- ture genres throughout the year. This class runs as an additional tutorial for ELL II, and cannot take the place of the ELL II English course. ELL 3 - 1 year, 1 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr., - This course is for advanced English Language Learners. It is an English class whose goal is to mainstream the students into regular English classes for the following year. It is a combination of literature, writing, grammar, and speaking and listening skills that are aligned with the English I curriculum. STRETCH KEYBOARDING ELL - 1 year, 1 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr. - This yearlong course is for English language learners who are interested in building their technology skills. Keyboarding is a necessity for ALL people in todayís computerized society! In this course, emphasis is placed on basic keyboarding techniques (including the proper touch system) applicable to computer equipment that students will be using at East and in the business world. Students will begin learn- ing word processing skills using the Windows operating system and Microsoft Word software. Students will develop efficiency (speed and accuracy) at the computer as they learn to key re- ports, personal letters, outlines, title pages, works cited pages, etc. In addition, students will learn to use the Internet to search for information quickly and effectively. The
development of language skills is infused throughout the course. A variety of skill-building software is also used to assist students in attaining higher keyboarding speeds and increased accuracy. COMPUTER APPLICATIONS ELL - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Soph., Jr., Sr.- This semester-long course is for English language learners who are interested in continuing to develop their pro- ficiency on the computer. Students will learn Microsoft Excel (spreadsheet), Microsoft Access (database), and Microsoft PowerPoint (presentation) software. The course is also designed to enhance studentsí English language skills. Prerequisite: Stretch Keyboarding ELL. ***This course fulfills a semester of the math requirement for graduation*** CONSUMER ECONOMICS ELL - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Soph., Jr., Sr. - This semester-long course is for English language learners who are interested in learning to manage their money. Topics include budgeting, investing, renting or buying a home, writing checks and reconciling a checkbook, using credit cards wisely, completing income tax forms and more! Additional life skills include researching and preparing for a career, writing a letter of application, completing an appli- cation form, and preparing for an interview. The class is designed to assist students to transition into an adult world and to make sound decisions. Further development of language skills (read- ing, writing, speaking) is also stressed. ***This course fulfills the consumer education graduation requirement*** Pre-Algebra ELL - 1 year, 1 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr., - Pre-Algebra ELL is designed to increase studentsí computational skills and to provide experience in the solution of mathematical problems involving practical application while preparing students for Algebra 1. This course will also stress basic mathematical reasoning while expanding the studentsí mathematical language. Students successfully completing this course may enroll in Algebra with department recommendation. Prerequisite: Currently enrolled as a Newcomer, ELL1 and/or 1st year in District. Biology ELL - 1 year, 1 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr., - This course is designed to address the needs of English Language Learners with a moderated pace to compensate for language limi- tations and to strengthen vocabulary acquisition. This course includes a survey of the major processes common among all living things. Relationships between structure and function are emphasized. The three domains of life are compared and contrasted in terms of these common processes. Lab work is an integral part of this course. Physical Science ELL - 1 year, 1 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr., -This is an introductory course in laboratory skills designed to give students a broad science background. Emphasis is given to practical applications of scientific knowledge. The pace is moderated to compensate for lan- guage limitations and to strengthen vocabulary acquisition. Selected topics from chemistry and physics are explored through lab activities and discussions while astronomy and earth science topics are studied through a weekly silent reading project. A major goal of the course is to have students gather the information and skills needed to make intelligent and informed decisions on science-related issues facing our society. The development of problem-solving and organizational skills is also an important component of this course as well as
written and verbal displays of sci- ence-related knowledge in the English language. U.S. HISTORY ELL - 1 year, 1 credit, Jr., Sr. - U. S. History ELL is designed for students with limited English proficiency. This course, which is required for graduation, seeks to examine the relationship between the past and the present. By examining the political, social and economic roots of our society we can better understand the current developments that affect our lives. This course fulfills the US History graduation requirement. WORLD GEOGRAPHY ELL - 1 year, 1 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr. - In addition to activities and practices that will strengthen English skills, students will focus on exciting discoveries of the world and its cultures. They will learn how human beings interact with their physical surroundings and how this interaction explains the diverse and challenging world. Students will work intensively on map, globe, reading, speaking and writing skills. This course fulfills the global education require- ment. HEALTH ELL - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr. - Health ELL has the same curriculum as the regular Health Education course. The course focuses on providing students factual information in order for students to make healthy life decisions. This course includes the study of individual growth and development, protection and promotion of health and wellness, hazards of drugs, alco- hol and tobacco, diseases, mental health, CPR and AED training. The ELL section delivers infor- mation in a modified format to facilitate the development of the English language as well as a thor- ough understanding of health and wellness. Upon successful completion of this course students will have met the health education requirement. DRIVER EDUCATION ELL - 1/2 year, Soph., Jr., Sr. - This course consists of both the class- room and behind-the-wheel phase of Driver Education. Upon successful completion of the course the student will have met the State of Illinois requirements to obtain a drivers license. The course will be delivered in a modified format suitable for ELL studients and prepare them in the physical, social, and cognitive aspects of the driving task. Additional information and require- ments can be found in the main portion of the driver education course description. FOODS 1 ELL - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr., - This course is designed for students in the process of learning the English language. Although very similar to our regular Foods 1 course, this course is modified to fit the needs of ELL students. Students learn skills needed for food pre- parartion in career areas and for personal use. They prepare and sample various foods, discuss the nutritional value of foods, examine personal nutritional needs. Topics covered include fruits, pasta, milk, eggs, cheese, salads, quick breads, pastries and cookies. INTRODUCTION TO ART ELL - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr., - This course is de- signed for students in the process of learning the English language. Although very similar to our regular Introduction to Art course, this course is modified to fit the needs of ELL students. Intro- duction to the basic fundamentals of the visual arts through the study of the elements and princi- ples of design. Students will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of media, application of design, as well as basic drawing, and both 2D and 3D design. Studio areas covered: clay, draw- ing, painting, graphic design, printmaking, photography and sculpture. INTRODUCTION TO SPEECH ELL - 1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Fr., Soph., Jr., Sr., - This course is designed with the English Language Learner in mind. Students will build and expand their com- munications skills and vocabulary. The class incorporates individual, partner and group work that explore a variety of speech activities. The highlights include Job Interviewing, a Radio/TV News report and speeches that focus on the following topics: Personal Narratives, Cultural Celebrations, Demonstration and Persuasion. The class is interactive and is adapted to meet the needs of the students. Students must have completed ELL English 1 in order to take this course. |
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