Language Arts Curriculum Grades 9-12
Curriculum Guides
- English 9
- English 10
- English 10 Sample Writing Rubrics
- American Studies Reading & Writing Calendar, Grade 11
- English 12
- Summer High School Reading Lists
Coursework Descriptions
English 9
This is a year-long, two semesters, one credit class. The work in this course emphasizes the reading, writing, speaking, listening, and literacy skills students need for future success in high school and beyond.
English 10
This is a year-long, two semesters, one credit class. The work in this course emphasizes writing essays, understanding our language and how people use it, practicing the speaking and listening skills necessary for effective communication, and reading literature.
American Studies - English 11
American Studies is a year-long class that combines American literature and history. This class requires two periods from a team of an English teacher and a history teacher. American Studies takes a thematic approach focusing on ideas important in American history, literature, and culture.
English 12
This year-long course emphasizes writing skills useful in college and work after high school.
Honors American Studies - English 11
This course is for students who want the best preparation for college-level work. Students will study American history and American literature on a college level. Students may choose to take the AP U.S. History test in May, but are not required to do so. This class requires two periods from a team of an English teacher and a history teacher.
Advanced Placement English
This is a year-long, comprehensive course in literature, language, and writing especially designed for those students who wish to be competitive on the college level. It also prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination in English literature, which is encouraged but not required. Enrollment may be limited to the most qualified students. Prerequisite: Teacher Permission.
Background Information
The first learning goal the State of Washington has established for students is what our English classes are about: "Read with comprehension, write with skill, and communicate effectively and responsibly in a variety of ways and settings." The primary purpose of our classes is to help students reach this goal.