Academic Program Information
Graduation
Requirements
Students may graduate from
|
Subjects |
Credits |
|
|
|
|
English |
20 |
|
Math |
15 |
|
Science |
15 |
|
Social Studies |
15 |
|
Language |
5 |
|
Arts |
2.5 |
|
Technology |
2.5 |
|
P.E./Health |
10 |
|
|
|
|
Non-Elective |
85 |
|
Elective |
35 |
|
Total Credits Required |
120 |
|
|
|
|
Minimum Annual Course Load |
30 |
Full Year Courses:
9 periods per 6 day cycle - 7.5 credits
Science classes with two
or more lab periods per 6 day cycle – 7.5 credits
8 periods per 6 day cycle - 7 credits
6 periods per 6 day cycle - 5 credits
4 periods per 6 day cycle - 3 credits
3 periods per 6 day cycle - 2.5 credits
Semester Course:
One-half
the credit awarded for a full year course.
Course Requirement Notes
- The Physical Education requirement may be waived by a doctor’s certificate.
- The Social Studies requirement must include 5 credits of U.S. History
- The Principal may waive up to a total of 5 credits of the Arts, Technology or Language requirements when unusual circumstances occur due to schedule conflicts, accommodation of transfer students, or a student’s special educational needs (as defined by the student’s Individual Educational Plan). Waiving of a requirement(s) shall not reduce the total credits required for graduation.
Meeting the
Graduation Requirements
The Technology requirement can be met by passing a competency test or by earning 2.5 credits in one the following courses:
· Academic Computer Use
· Word Processing I
· Word Processing II
· Computer Aided Drafting & Design
· Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Graphics
· Engineering/Technology
· A+ Certification Program
· Computer Programming
· Competency Test
The Arts requirement can be met by earning 2.5 credits in one the following courses:
- All high school courses listed in the Art program
- All high school Woodworking classes
- High school Computer Aided Drafting & Design classes
- All high school courses listed in the Music program
The World Language requirement can be met by earning 5 credits in one the following courses:
- All high school language courses
- Combination of French 7 & 8 in middle school
- Combination of Spanish 7 & 8 in middle school
Course Selection Process
Course selection requires careful thought and should be a collaborative process between student, parents, and school. Decisions made each year may have important implications for course selections in subsequent years as well as for post high school plans. The following steps usually occur from January through early March.
- Program of Studies distributed to students in grades 8, 9, 10 and 11. The Program should be brought home so parents and students can together review course offerings.
- Students in grades 8 and 9 are eligible to select elective courses. English, Math, Social Studies, Science and Language teachers make the course recommendations for students based on their academic performance during the course of the year. Teacher recommendations are submitted directly to Guidance.
- Course counseling day for students in grades 10 & 11. Teachers make recommendations to students for the following year.
- Course recommendations for all students mailed to parents. Parents and student together review recommendations and return the recommendations to school within three days.
In the event there is a course recommendation conflict, the parent may call the guidance counselor to discuss their concern. If the parent still wishes to select a course other than the recommended course, and there is no prerequisite course, the parent may complete a form to initiate a course change.
Course
Changes
1) Student-initiated course additions/deletions in required courses may not be made after the first seven days of the class. Changes within seven days will be made only for valid reason and require written approval of parent and counselor.
2) A student may withdraw from an elective without penalty until the date of the first deficiency report of the year. This may be done by completing a "Drop/Add" form.
3) A student who wishes to withdraw from an elective after deficiencies are issued must complete a "Drop/Add" form. If the student is passing, no credit will be assigned and a “WP” grade for the course will be assigned. If the student is failing, a "WF" grade for the course will be assigned.
Extension school credit may be awarded to high school students for study completed outside of the regular school day. Extension school study may not be used to meet the minimum course load requirement and is not used in the calculation of Rank in Class. It is the student's responsibility to find an instructor for extension study. Students should be aware that faculty already carry a full teaching load and are not obligated to agree to an extension school request. Students wishing to pursue extension study should obtain an extension school contract from the guidance office. Extension school credit will not be granted without a completed extension school contract approved by the principal. Extension school elective credit will follow the guidelines established for awarding credit within the regular school curriculum.
Distance Learning
Independent Study
Independent study may be available to students who wish to undertake a course of study beyond existing course offerings. Independent study is to occur generally during the school day and conform to the regular semester calendar. Elective credit may be awarded for independent study in accordance with the guidelines established for awarding credit within the curriculum of the school. For example, five credits are awarded to a class that meets every day for one period, has assigned homework, tests, and a final exam. Independent study may not be used to meet the minimum course load requirement and is not used in the calculation of Rank in Class. It is the student's responsibility to find an instructor for independent study. Students should be aware that faculty already carry a full teaching load and are not obligated to agree to an independent study request. Students wishing to pursue independent study should obtain an independent study contract from the guidance office. Independent study credit will not be granted without a completed independent study contract approved by the principal.
Enrichment Courses
A course taken in excess of the minimum class load may be taken for enrichment purposes. The student may designate a course as an enrichment course through written request at any time prior to receiving the final grade. Courses designated as enrichment may not be changed back to traditional grading. (Required or prerequisite courses may not be designated as enrichment.) Performance in an enrichment course will be recorded in the same manner as a core subject but reported on a Pass (P) or Fail (F) basis. Grades of D minus and above are recorded as P, below D minus as F. A course average of P means full credit. An F indicates no credit.
Report Cards & Progress Reports
Report cards are sent home four times per year. Progress reports called “Interims” are mailed home on an as-needed basis midway between report cards. The following grades may be earned:
A = Excellent P = Passing
B = Good WP = Withdrawn Passing
C = Average WF = Withdrawn Failing
D = Poor I = Incomplete
F = Failing
Honor Roll
The Honor Roll at
The weighted grading system will be used and eligibility is determined as follows:
Honors:
All grades for a quarter must average (B) level 2 (2.8 points) with no grade lower than a (B-) level 2 (2.5 points)
High Honors:
All grades for a quarter must average (A-) level 2 (3.4 points) with no grade lower than a (B) level 2 (2.8 points).
In order to be eligible for Honor Roll, students must take at least half (50%) of their courses at the school. Outside courses will not be used to compute Honor Roll eligibility though passing grades must be obtained. Part-time students will not be included in the Honor Roll.
All graded courses are to be included in computing Honor Roll eligibility. Those subjects not included in the weighted grading policy (i.e.: art, industrial arts, etc.) will be averaged in as Level 2 courses. For example, a (B-) in art will be computed as 2.5 points.
An (F) in a course graded pass/fail, or carrying more than one course graded pass/fail, shall disqualify a student from the Honor Roll. A (P) will not be averaged in with graded courses.
Credit
Requirements for Determining Grade Status:
To be a member of the senior class, you must have earned a
minimum of 85 credits by the start of grade 12. To be a member of the junior
class, you must have earned a minimum of 55 credits by the start of grade 11.
To be a member of the sophomore class, you must have earned a minimum of 22.5
credits by the start of grade 10.
Home School
Home school courses completed through an accredited home schooling agency will be granted elective credit upon submission of an official transcript. Home school credit will not be granted in non-elective courses.
Art Work by Molly Nugent, Class of 2007
Rank in Class
Rank in Class (RIC) is determined by numerically ranking all* students' Grade Point Averages (GPA) in descending order with the highest GPA being assigned the RIC of one. In cooperation with institutions of higher education, only those courses emanating from the major subject areas of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language are included in the calculation of the GPA. Only credits earned in grades 9-12 are included in the calculation of the GPA. However, all courses and grades appear on the student’s transcript that is sent with an application.
The GPA is computed by using a weighted system. (GPA may also be calculated using a non-weighted system for those schools or colleges requesting a non-weighted RIC.)
1. WEIGHTED
GPA
The weighted GPA uses a system of quality points. Quality points earned for a course are equal to the factor from the quality point chart (table 1) times the credits assigned to the course. For example, an "A" earned in a Level II, one semester, 2.5 credit course equals 9.25 quality points (3.7 x 2.5 = 9.25).
Quality points are then divided by the total number of credits carried. The resulting quotient is the GPA.
Formula: Quality Points = GPA
No. of Credits Carried
2. NON-WEIGHTED
GPA
The non-weighted GPA does not consider course level and uses a formula in which the grade of each credit-awarding course is multiplied by the credit assigned to the course. The products are summed and divided by the total number of credits carried. The resulting quotient is the GPA. Letter grades are assigned numbers according to the chart in table 2.
Formula: Grade x Course Credit = Course Grade Point
Total of Grade Points = GPA
Total of Credits Carried
*In determining RIC, all full time students (except foreign exchange students) at a given grade level are included. Exception to the policy will be granted when it is so stated in a special needs student's Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Table
1 QUALITY POINT CHART
Grades
A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F
I 4.5 4.2 4.0 3.7 3.4 3.1 2.8 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.7 1.4 0
Course Levels II 4.0 3.7 3.4 3.1 2.8 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.1 .85 0
III 3.4 3.1 2.8 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.1 .85 .57 .28 0
(When calculating the GPA, quality points are carried to 3 decimals.)
Table
2 NON-WEIGHTED GRADE CONVERSION CHART
Grades
A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F
4.0 3.7 3.4 3.1 2.8 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.1 .85 0
Levels Program
The four main curriculum areas from which graduation requirements emanate -- language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies -- may be offered in three levels of difficulty. The appropriate level for a course is indicated with the course description. Courses with no level indicated are Level II courses.
LEVEL I (Advanced)
Level I is the most advanced level and all honors courses fall within this level. Courses at this level prepare students to meet the demands of the most rigorous colleges and universities. Level I courses are taught at an accelerated pace and in greater depth with an increased emphasis on student independence. These courses are designed for the talented, highly motivated student.
LEVEL II (Standard)
Level II is the standard level of difficulty at which most subjects are taught. All college preparatory (C.P.) and most elective courses fall within this level. Some Level II courses are geared to meet the needs of students preparing for formal education or training beyond high school while others are more oriented to the world of work.
LEVEL III (Basic)
Level III courses are less rigorous than Level II courses
and are designed to prepare students for the world of work or provide
remediation in academic skill areas.
Grade Point
Average/Rank in Class (GPA/RIC) Guidelines
1. Courses taken at other schools by LMHS students, including Dual Enrollment courses, will be considered Level II courses. Exceptions may be made in cases where the transcript clearly indicates that the courses are honors level and approximately equal in academic rigor to our Level I courses.
2. Courses taken at other schools by LMHS students, including Dual Enrollment courses, that are substantially similar in title and/or content to courses at LMHS will not be awarded LMHS credit.
3. Courses taken by transfer students prior to enrollment at LMHS, including Dual Enrollment courses, will be considered Level II courses. Exceptions may be made in cases where the transcript clearly indicates that the courses are honors level and approximately equal in academic rigor to our Level I courses.
4. Home study courses will not be included in the calculation of GPA.
5. The calculation of GPA includes only those credits earned in grades 9 through 12.
6. Students must be full time at LMHS (carrying a minimum of 30 credits) for both the junior and senior year to be eligible for the academic distinctions of Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Summa Cum Laude.
7. In cooperation with institutions of higher education, only those courses emanating from the major subject areas of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language are included in the calculation of the GPA. However, all courses and grades appear on the student’s transcript that is sent with an application.
8. Courses awarding fewer than 2.5 credits will not be included in the calculation of GPA.
9. Subjects repeated are counted both times (if credits are attempted/carried) and figured as separate courses.
10. The GPA includes only courses that are graded in the traditional method of A, B, C, etc. Courses graded pass/fail or credit/no credit are not included in GPA.
11. RIC is computed at the end of the eleventh grade (sixth semester) and after the first and second quarter of the senior year.
12. The GPA is found by dividing the sum of the quality points by the number of credits attempted/carried (not only credits earned). Thus, a subject failed gets zero grade point value (quality points), yet the credit assigned to the course is counted in the total credits for the divisor.
13. In instances when the GPA is calculated before the end of a school year, the impact on the cumulative GPA will reflect the portion of the year completed at the time the calculation is made.
14. RIC is determined by assigning the highest GPA a rank of number one; the second highest the rank of number two; etc. In cases where more than one student has the same numerical GPA (carried to three places), those students with the same GPA will share the same rank position.
Example: Student No. 1 4.18 Rank 1
Student No. 2 4.17 Rank 2
Student No. 3 4.09 Rank 3
Student No. 4 4.09 Rank 3
Student No. 5 4.08 Rank 5
Student No. 5 in the example would have the rank of fifth in class, indicating that there are four students who rank higher.
Incomplete
Grades
A grade of ‘I’ (incomplete) may only be issued under extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control when s/he is unable to submit all work during the normal course time. This grade may not be awarded simply for missing an important test. An incomplete must be made up within two weeks after grades close unless the teacher grants an additional extension of one week. Any additional extension must receive the written approval of the Principal. Failure to make up the required work within the specified time limit will result in a change of grade from ‘I’ to whatever the adjusted grade is with a zero averaged in for the missing work.
Failed Courses
A course with a final grade of ‘F’ will not receive credit. The course may be repeated the following year or, in certain circumstances, repeated during the summer in an approved summer school program. A full-year course may be repeated for credit in an approved summer school program only when a grade of ‘D-’ or higher has be earned in at least two of the five marking periods (four quarters plus final exam) of the year. A half-year course may be repeated for credit in an approved summer school program only when a grade of ‘D-’ or higher has been earned in one of the two marking periods.
Final Exams
Grades 9 - 12 will conduct final exams for all classes. Semester courses will have comparable final exams administered during class time the last week the class meets. Students with excessive tests in one day at mid-year can request alternative schedules. All full-year courses will have exams scheduled during 4 days set aside at the end of the school year for testing purposes.
Final exams should assess student mastery of major course content and skills. Exams should be consistent with the goals and objectives of the course. The value of a comprehensive exam shall be 20% of the final grade, and the evaluation procedure should be clearly communicated to the students in each class. School policy forbids releasing any student in a course having a final exam from taking that exam regardless of the student's average except for seniors as noted below.
Students in courses having final exams who are not present for exams and who do not secure an excuse from the principal must receive a grade of "F" for the examination. Written excuses will be honored where, in the opinion of the principal, an extenuating circumstance exists. In such cases, an alternative make up period in July or August under the supervision of the guidance department will be utilized for exam administration. NO STUDENT SHALL BE PERMITTED TO TAKE AN EXAM EARLY!
Exemption
from a Final Exam for Students in Grade 12
The purpose of an exemption from a final exam is to reward seniors for high achievement during their senior year and to provide incentive for seniors to continue their high achievement after their post graduate plans have been determined. The exemption is subject to the following criteria:
- The student must have an A- average (avg. of 4 quarters) in the course with no quarter lower than B+.
- The teacher must agree with the exemption. If a teacher agrees to an exemption, the exemption applies to all eligible seniors in that section. Teachers are expected to inform students at the beginning of the course, as part of the explanation of their grading policies, whether or not students in the course will be eligible for an exemption.
- A student who qualifies for an exemption may still take a final exam for the purpose of improving his/her grade.
- The exemption only applies to full-year courses and not to semester-length courses.
The Massachusetts Higher Education Coordinating Council has
implemented minimum admission standards for admission into any
Students entering 4-year institutions will be required to complete:
Four years of Level I or II English
Three years of Level I or II Mathematics (4 years recommended)
Three years of Level I or II Science, two with labs
Two years of Social Studies (including U.S. History)
Two years of a single Foreign Language (3-4 years recommended)
Students for whom English is a second language may waive the foreign language requirement. See your counselor for more information or to answer questions.
National Collegiate Athletic Association Eligibility
If you plan to participate in a college athletic program, you will need to meet the academic eligibility requirements established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Each of the three college athletic divisions has different eligibility requirements that are very specific. Detailed information regarding eligibility requirements is available in the guidance office. The NCAA recommends that students begin the process of establishing NCAA eligibility in grade 11. Students may get additional information at the NCAA web sites www.ncaa.org and www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
HIGH SCHOOL
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Course offerings beyond those required for graduation are dependent upon course enrollment and availability of staff. Students, therefore, are urged whenever possible to list alternative courses to their first choice. A passing grade must be earned in any course used to meet a prerequisite. In some cases, the Department Chair and Principal may waive prerequisites.
ART
The high school art program uses various media to advance the development of each student's potential in the area of visual arts. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the elements and principles of design and on the use of observation, investigation and interpretation as a means to create visual expression. Students are encouraged to critique their work as well as the work of other artists.
Foundation of Art is recommended to the beginning high school art student. The student will develop an understanding of the language of art through instruction, exploration and discovery of the elements and principles of design. After completing the Foundation course, all students should have a defined knowledge of experience that can be applied to future art courses.
FOUNDATION OF ART
510 / 500 Alternate Days / Full Year 2.5 / 5 Credits
Foundations of Art is designed for beginning art students to establish the fundamental techniques and methods required for further study in the visual arts. Students will expand their visual awareness through investigation, observation and drawing delineation. As they develop sound technical skills from direct observation, they will continue to evaluate their work based on the elements and principles of design: line, shape, color, space, form, value, texture and pattern, emphasis, contrast, unity, and rhythm.
Students will demonstrate
their knowledge of an effective use of space by accomplishing the design and
construction of a 3-dimensional work.
Experimentation with a variety of medium in drawing, painting and
construction will be explored. Such applications may include: charcoal, pastel,
ink, conte crayon, colored pencils, acrylic, gouache, watercolor, oil paint,
collage and printmaking.
Included in the foundation course are materials and techniques in applying color theory. Properties and effects of light and color will be explored as well as perceptual effects of color, color relationship, and color contrast principles. Students will experiment with invented images as they pursue color as a means of visual expression and communication.
Artwork by Molly Nugent, Class of 2007
DRAWING AND PAINTING
505 / 504 Alternate Days / Full
Year 2.5 / 5
Credits
Prerequisite: Foundation of Art
Drawing is the core of the visual arts program. In the first semester, each student is exposed to observational drawing from traditional subject matter such as still life, landscaping, portraiture, architectural perspective, interior exterior, to advancing into working from the skeleton and muscle structure to drawing the human form. Technical skills of composition, value, line, tone, texture, perspective, and proportion are explored in depth. Instruction takes place on both individual and group levels. In the second semester, students are introduced to the techniques and principles of paint handling, color theory, canvas preparation, and digital photography for evidence to train students to look, investigate, and remember with the purpose of using their own references. Traditional painting techniques such as alla prima, impasto, and glazing will be introduced. Practical studio exercises designed to increase the student’s technical and conceptual repertoire will be accompanied by lectures on the historical context and applications of various studio techniques.
ADVANCED DRAWING AND PAINTING
507 / 508 Alternate Days / Full Year 2.5 / 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting
This course provides an essential assessment of the process and content of drawing and painting. Advanced Drawing and Painting focuses on the risk-taking required in developing personal characteristics and empowering individual direction. Emphasis is placed on the quality and breadth of the student’s productions as well as the ability to critically assess one’s own artwork and that of peers. This course is recommended for the highly motivated student interested in further developing their creativity.
STUDIO 3-D ART DESIGN
Need number
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art
This course explores the basic 3-dimesnional concepts and materials. Through the use of the elements and principles of design students will create a series of basic sculptural projects. Rooted in the procedure is the development of communication skills in a visual formation. Projects will address perceptual and conceptual problems through the use of materials such as wire, clay paper, fabric, cardboard and string.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND DARKROOM SKILLS: BLACK & WHITE
509 Semester 2.5 Credits
Limited class size requires permission of instructor Daily
Grades 11 & 12
No prerequisite
Students will acquire the basic skills necessary for using and understanding a manual camera. They learn how to take photographs while being conscious of composition and light. Students will learn how to roll film, develop negatives and enlarge them to photographs. Photo journals and portfolios will be required for evaluation of assignments. Cameras will be lent to students on a contractual basis.
INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHY
538 Semester 2.5 Credits
Limited class size requires permission of instructor Daily
Grades 11 & 12 Prerequisite: Photography and Darkroom Skills
Students will continue with the skills previously learned in Photography and Darkroom Skills. They will begin to experiment with the camera and work with multiple negatives and images. Art room computers may be used to scan in photographs or to create digital images that can be manipulated in photo imaging software. Photo journals and portfolios will be required for evaluation and assignment.
PRE AP STUDIO ART
571 Full Year 5 Credits
Prerequisite:
Advanced Drawing & Painting
Pre Advanced Placement Studio Art Drawing Portfolio, Two Dimensional Design and Three Dimensional Design prepares students with the strategies and tools they need to engage in high-level learning and to develop the skills required for AP Studio Art. Students in Pre-AP Studio Art may focus on one of the following three portfolios:
1) Drawing Portfolio concentrates on light and shade, quality of line, composition, rendering of form, manipulation of surfaces, and illusion of depth through an array of techniques and medium. This portfolio will demonstrate risk taking, originality, expressiveness, and creative problem solving.
2) Two Dimensional Portfolio concentrates on the elements of design such as line, pattern, illusion of space and motion, value and color. Students will use two dimensional representation, advanced photography, digital photography, collage, and mark marking. Students will also focus on using computer technology in Photoshop programs along with other art tools and methods.
3) Three Dimensional Portfolio concentrates on issues in depth and space. Elements such as mass, volume, form, plane, light, and texture are expressed through subtractive, additive, and fabrication methods. This includes architectural models, sculpture, models, apparel, three dimensional fiber arts, ceramics, and wire work.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDIO ART
542 Full Year 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Pre AP Studio Art and/or permission of instructor.
The College Board’s Advanced Placement Studio Art program sets a national standard for performance in the visual arts. Each year, college and university professors and high school art teachers review and score thousands of Advanced Placement portfolios through juried evaluation. Many colleges and universities will grant college credit for outstanding work.
The AP Studio Art course is designed for the highly motivated art student who has had prior art experience in art classes and is prepared to dedicate substantial time and energy to the development of higher level art skills. AP Studio Art requires students to complete 29 works of art consisting of five works with a sense of development in art, twelve concentration works committed to a particular artistic concern or theme, and twelve breadth works of art in an array of experiences in the formal, technical, and expressive means available to the student.
WOODWORKING I
600 / 608 Year/Semester* 5/2.5 Credits
Woodworking I is a beginning level woodworking class. Emphasis is on learning to use woodworking machines properly and safely. Students will build projects both from prepared plans and from their own designs. Students will:
· Learn common wood joints
· Read plans
· Apply various finishes
· Create a material list
· Learn measurement techniques
· Complete Lathe projects
· Computer numerical control project – Learn CAD/CAM Software
*First semester only.
WOODWORKING II
601 / 609 Year/Semester 5/2.5 Credits
Prerequisite: Woodworking I
Woodworking II is an intermediate level woodworking class that builds on the skills learned in wood I. Students will:
· Learn intermediate level wood joints – Dovetail, Finger
· Design projects
· Make cabinets with drawers
· Design lathe projects
· Use the Internet as a source for woodworking projects – 3D
· Computer numerical control project – CAD/CAM Software
WOODWORKING III/IV
602 / 610 Year/Semester 5/2.5 Credits
Prerequisite: Woodworking II or instructor's permission
Woodworking III/IV are advanced level woodworking classes. This course is for students who have completed wood I and II and have interest in expanding their skill to a higher level. Students will:
· Cut complex wood joints – dovetail, finger
· Design cabinets for special purposes
· Make advanced level lathe projects
· Learn advanced measurement techniques
· Sharpen tools
· Learn advanced finishing techniques
· Computer numerical control project – 3D
· Design and build a jig
Note: All Woodworking classes meet the Arts graduation requirement
ENGLISH
POLICY STATEMENT
The English Department seeks to encourage the development of reflective, articulate individuals who respect a diversity of ideas and modes of expressions equal to how they value their own.
Thus, the writing program views the process of writing as the evolution of thought and mature expression. The literature program aspires to extend the capacity of experience through an enlargement and refinement of that imaginative sympathy through which students gain increased grasp of the realities of human existence. The program aspires to deepen insight into the way in which human beings think and feel and behave and affect one another.
The course of studies for grades 9-10 consists of basic courses prescribed for all students. The goal pursued by students at this level is the able and practical use of communication skills. Writing, reading, speaking, and listening are the basic skills that are developed at increasing levels of sophistication and difficulty.
The elective program is predicated upon the belief that through individual choice, the participant becomes defined. Students from grades 11 - 12 are encouraged to make meaningful selections that will satisfy their own interest, maximize their growth, and add to the learning climate of the program. The program underscores personal responsibility and a commitment to one's own thoughts and perceptions.
To underscore the department's commitment to writing, all 11th and 12th grade students must elect one writing course except those taking the honors sequence, American Literature and Humanities. These courses incorporate writing in their curriculum.
ENGLISH 9 (Level II)
001 Grade 9 Full Year 5 Credits
The ninth grade English course is designed to transition students to high school through an appropriately challenging curriculum that develops their understanding of literature, strengthens their analytical and creative writing skills and prepares them to be thoughtful, articulate speakers. The course is organized thematically; students will read approximately twelve books from a wide variety of genres, as well as selected short fiction, essays, and poetry. All major writing assignments will be prepared using a workshop format during which students will write multiple drafts and benefit from peer and teacher feedback. Research techniques will be addressed, and s