English I: Into. to Literature & Composition
Introduction to Literature and Composition covers literature study, reading, writing, and language. Students explore literature from around the world, including the following genres: short story, poetry, memoir, autobiography, drama, and epic. They read examples of informational writing, such as a letter, Web site, magazine article, newspaper article, speech, editorial, and movie or book review. Along the way, they acquire and practice reading skills and strategies that are directly applicable to these literary and informational reading materials. In addition, students develop and practice writing and language skills. They employ the writing process to create narrative, expository, and persuasive compositions. They also learn to create and evaluate media presentations and oral presentations and to fine-tune their listening skills.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards and is aligned to state standards. (back)

English II: Critical Reading & Effective Writing
Critical Reading and Effective Writing offers a balanced curriculum that develops both academic and life skills. Concepts are presented in creative and lively ways that reinforce learning goals and engage students. Literary selections include short fiction and poetry from around the globe, Shakespearean and modern drama, and contemporary novels. Nonfiction selections feature historical correspondence, diaries, logs, and famous courtroom arguments. Life reading skills target forms, applications, and work-related communication. Throughout both semesters, students build active reading strategies as they question, predict, clarify, and evaluate events and ideas presented in text.

The writing program builds confidence in young writers by targeting control of organization, effective sentences, and word choice. Students compose using the writing process. Grammar review and vocabulary development are included in every unit.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards and is aligned to state standards.. (back)

English III: American Literature
American Literature is a general studies program in literature and composition, organized as a survey of American literature. It can stand alone as a complete year of general study in English without a specific prerequisite, but its modular design allows flexibility in how the program is used in the classroom; teachers may use a single unit, lesson, or activity to supplement regular class content. American Literature expands upon and deepens understanding of literary and communication skills covered in Critical Reading and Effective Writing, including reading, writing, language appreciation and aesthetics, listening and speaking, viewing and representing, and research.

Within these general topic areas, special emphasis is placed on writing expository, research, and creative compositions; honing critical and analytic skills through close readings of literary, historical, expository, and functional documents; using context strategies and an understanding of etymology to build vocabulary; and practicing communication skills in online discussions.

Reading selections cover a variety of genres and voices in literature and expository prose. Students read a survey of American literature from colonial to contemporary eras. They are encouraged to respond critically and personally to these works and to use them as a context for thinking about the unique and universal aspects of culture. They learn and practice skills for workplace communication in special activities. Finally, students practice gathering, evaluating, synthesizing, presenting, and documenting information in a unit dedicated to writing research reports.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards and is aligned to state standards. (back)

English IV: British & World Literature
British and World Literature offers a survey of British literature that illustrates the origins of English-language literature and reflects its reach beyond the British Isles. The course is standards-based. Each activity correlates to state standards in six core areas: reading, writing, language (appreciation and aesthetics), listening and speaking, viewing and representing (including media literacy), and research. The course gives students meaningful practice in fundamental literacy skills while introducing them to classics of British and world literature. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to think and respond independently, critically, and creatively to the subject matter, whether it's a work of literature, a piece of nonfiction writing, or a media work. The course emboldens students to approach these works — both on their own terms and within a larger context — while providing them with the tools and encouragement they need in order to do so.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards and is aligned to state standards. (back)