English/Language Art Standards
The English / Language Arts Program of Golden Valley High School is designed to provide all students with the necessary skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, and oral communication to succeed in high school and beyond. The California English / Language Arts Standards serve as the basis for all classes. Instruction and assessment in all classes are based on these standards but not limited to them. The rigor and relevance of the curriculum in all classes—college preparatory, honors, and advanced placement—are aimed at preparing students for post-high school education and the world of work. In addition to completing the usual forms of class assessment, students in all classes are required to complete the department and district benchmark assessments.
Students must complete 40 credits (8 courses) in English to meet graduation requirements. Upon completion of the ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade courses, students may select from a variety of courses for the last 10 hours credit. All English classes meet approval requirements for the University of California and the State University systems.
The more independent learner may want to choose the honors or AP course work for completion of graduation requirements. Although guidelines exist for placement in honors and AP courses, any student may request placement in these classes in order to explore individual interests and challenge abilities.
The English Honors and Advanced Placement courses at Golden Valley are offered to all interested and qualified students. This high level, challenging program offers assignments that provide deeper and broader literary and writing experiences for self-motivated students.
Students who wish to enroll in the honors program must meet or exceed three of the four following requirements:
· Students must exhibit regular attendance, and complete all or most assignments.
· Students must earn an overall B average in 3 out of 4 quarters of their current English class.
· Students must have scored at the “Proficient” or “Advanced” level of the STAR English/Language Arts CST
· A recommendation from their current English teacher.
In addition, each student must write a “letter of intent” that discusses student’s meetingthe requirements for the honors program. The letter must be one page typed (12 point font), explaining why the student wants to be in the Honors English Program. The letter should demonstrate the student’s best composition skills -- including spelling, punctuation, and grammar. A student must submit this letter each year he/she wishes to be enrolled in the honors or advanced placement program.
Students in the program must be willing to complete additional independent reading and writing assignments.
Possible Career Objectives for the Student with English Training *
*Communication skills (writing, reading, and speaking) are required in all careersand essential for success in college.
A classic is classic not because it conforms to certain structural rules, or fits certain definitions (of which its author had quite probably never heard). It is classic because of a certain eternal and irrepressible freshness. - Edith Wharton
Unless otherwise indicated, all English classes are college preparatory rigor and UC approved. Honors and Advanced Placement classes also meet the criteria.
Students who elect honors and advanced placement classes should be aware that,--although the William S. Hart School District still awards the additional grade point for these classes and includes it in calculating a student’s grade point average-- universities and colleges in California and outside the state reserve the right to disregard the additional point in calculating a grade point average.
ENGLISH 9 A/B
ENGLISH 9 A/B Honors Grade 9
UC/CSU Approved 10 Credits
Prerequisite: No prerequisites
Prerequisite for Honors: Honors criteria met, teacher recommendation and student letter of intent
Ninth grade English / Language Arts Standards addressed through different literary genre and writing forms. Preparation for the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) is also presented. Benchmark assessments in reading, writing, and oral communication will chart students’ performance proficiency.
ENGLISH 10 A/B
ENGLISH 10 A/B Honors Grade 10
UC/CSU Approved 10 Credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 9 A/B
Prerequisite for Honors: C or better in English 9 Honors, Teacher recommendation and Student letter of intent
Tenth grade English / Language Arts Standards addressed through different literary genre and writing forms. Review for the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) is also presented. Benchmark assessments in reading, writing, and oral communication will chart students’ performance proficiency.
ENGLISH 10 A/B and MOD CIV A/B TEAM Grade 10
UC/CSU Approved 20 Credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 9 A/B
An exciting way for students to gain a fuller understanding and appreciation for world cultures and history is to incorporate relevant works of literature with the major developmental themes of humanity. This course is a yearlong approach to understanding major themes in human history and culture in this way. The curriculum for this course will cover the same content and standards as Modern Civilization A /B and English / Language Arts standards but will do so with an innovative, team-concept approach to teaching. Students enrolling in this course will be required to remain enrolled in their respective English and Modern Civilization course for the entire year.
ENGLISH 11 A/B
ENGLISH 11 A/B HONORS Grade 11
UC/CSU Approved 10 Credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 10 A/B
Prerequisite for Honors: C in English 10 Honors, teacher recommendation and student letter of intent
English 11 A/B will trace the major themes in American literature from the colonial period to the present. The course will additionally reinforce language and essay writing skills. In addition students will familiarize themselves with the PSAT and SAT tests. English 11 A/ B Honors is primarily for students who have not had a previous honors course and want to strengthen their skills before taking an advanced placement course. Upon completion with a B or better, students will be recommended for Advanced Placement Literature and Composition in senior year.
AP LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION Grade 11
UC/CSU Approved 10 Credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 10 Honors with a B or better, proficient or advanced skill levels in reading and writing, teacher recommendation and student letter of intent
The AP Language and Composition course places emphasis on American literature (aligned with both American History and AP American History courses). It focuses on the methods of expression within literature, emphasizes rhetoric and style in writing, and examines why authors use various forms to create expression. Students prepare and practice for the Advanced Placement exam through timed essay writing.
ENGLISH 12 A/B (Introduction to College Reading and Writing) Grade 12
UC/CSU Approved 10 Credits
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of English 11
English 12 A/B is designed for college / university –bound students. The course focuses on discussion skills, writing the college essay, note-taking, and study skills. Students will read and analyze literature of various genre—but especially nonfiction.
AP LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION Grade 12
UC/CSU Approved 10 Credits
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 11 Honors or AP Language and Composition with a B or better, Teacher Recommendation, and Student letter of intent
This course (offered in place of a student’s fourth year of honors English) will stress extensive reading and the analysis of literature under the demands of time limitations. Students prepare and practice for the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition exam.
BIBLE AS LITERATURE Grade 12
UC/CSU Approved 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of English 11
This semester course attempts to examine the historical and narrative books of both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible from a psychological, sociological, and historical point of view. It will be approached solely as a work of art –a collection of literary genre.
BRITISH LITERATURE A/B Grade 12
UC/CSU Approved 10 Credits
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of English 11
This is a one-year course. It begins with the Anglo-Saxon period and concludes with the Twentieth Century. British writers (male and female) who have made lasting contributions to the world of literature and who have influenced modern literature will be explored.
HUMANITIES Grade 12
UC/CSU Approved 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of English 11
This course is a single semester English class which examines the arts from around the world—different art forms, different cultures. The course will investigate great thinkers, great writers, great artists, and great composers. Students will measure the worth of humanity through the arts.
SHAKESPEARE I and SHAKESPEARE II Grade 12
(Each is a one semester class; Part I offered in the fall; part II, in the spring)
UC/CSU Approved 10 Credits
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of English 11
Each of the courses focuses on a different group of Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets. Assignments will include the areas of reading, performing, and writing. Interactive projects will be a part of this class. Themes, techniques, and historical significance will be emphasized.
LANGUAGE ARTS RELATED COURSES
(MAY BE TAKEN FOR ELECTIVE CREDIT ONLY)
The California English Language Arts standards are the basis for instruction and
assessment in all electives.
CAHSEE ENGLISH Grades 11-12
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Open only to juniors and seniors who have not passed the CAHSEE
CAHSEE English is a semester course designed to supplement a student’s regular English course by providing direct and focused instruction of the California Content Standards for Lang uage Arts for 11th and 12th grade students who have not passed the English portion of the CAHSEE. The course will emphasize the specific standards that need to be mastered in order to pass the CAHSEE. In addition, students will develop the stamina, confidence, and techniques and strategies needed to help them pass this high stakes test. The course will earn English credit, but may not take the place of the student’s regular grade-level English course.
CREATIVE WRITING Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: No prerequisites 5 Credits
This course offers young writers an opportunity to exhibit their talents in writing; gain experience in description, story form, and drama; and have their work evaluated by peers and the instructor. The ultimate goal: publication.
E.D.G.E. (Education Designed to Generate Excellence) Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: No prerequisites 5 credits
This course introduces students to skills and competencies required for high school and post high school (higher education and/or career) success. The course includes time management, understanding one’s learning style and how the brain works, study and test-taking strategies, and the use of technology (multimedia presentations, word-processing, internet searches, etc.)
LITERARY MAGAZINE Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: No prerequisites 5 Credits
The major areas of focus in this course are the following: the study of the art and application of advanced writing techniques in both formal and creative composition and the production of the Golden Valley literary magazine. Students will read, study, and analyze various genres for style and structure and then apply what they have learned in their own writing.
STRATEGIC READING WORKSHOP Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: No prerequisites 5 Credits
Strategic Reading Workshop is a course designed to provide students with multiple opportunities to participate in a series of literacy activities. These activities include reading a variety of texts from across the disciplines (heavy emphasis on expository reading), writing in response to reading experiences, learning to use specific strategies to support learning, and acquiring knowledge to support a basic understanding of language. Learning activities include direct i nstruction, reciprocal teaching, learning centers, and independent practice.
WRITING CHILDREN’S LITERATURE Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: No prerequisites 5 Credits
This course is designed to provide students with understanding of what makes
acceptable literature for children at differing stages of development. It also will give the
student an opportunity to try their hand at creating literature for children, and even
instruct students on marketing skills. Students are encouraged to include the finished
product in their academic portfolios.
UC APPROVED ELECTIVES
COMEDY AND SATIRE Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: No prerequisites 5 Credits
This course is designed to give the student a broader and more critical understanding of genres, how the two overlap, and how each is distinct. The goal is to develop in the student an understanding of human nature and the comedic and satiric techniques people have refined over the ages. Students will be engaged in reading, writing, discussion, and presentations.
CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONS Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: No prerequisites 5 Credits
This college-prep elective encourages students to employ all the skills of the regular English program with an added twist—to speak effectively. Students will practice all modes of speech writing and speech giving: persuasive, humorous, dramatic, and factual. Audience awareness and speaking style will be emphasized.
SPEECH Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: No prerequisites 5 Credits
Effective oral communication in different situations is critical to success in life. This course will enable students to be organized and articulate in oral presentations. Students will be required to develop and present several different types of speeches. Self-confidence will be enhanced.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
ELA I A/B (double block class) Grades 9-12
10-80 credits
English Learners at the BEGINNING CELDT LEVEL will begin to listen, read, speak, and write in English in order to communicate basic needs. Students will be exposed to American social and cultural practices.
ELA IIA/B (double block class) Grades 9-12
10-80 credits
Prerequisites: Demonstration of English Language Proficiency approaching this level based upon assessments and teacher recommendations.
English Learners at the EARLY INTERMEDIATE CELDT LEVEL will continue to develop listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in English at a higher level of difficulty. Emphasis will include academic language, developing paragraph writing, and increasing reading and fluency.
ELA III A/B (double block class) Grades 9-12
10-80 credits
Prerequisites: Demonstration of English Language Proficiency approaching this level based upon assessments and teacher recommendations.
English Learners at the INTERMEDIATE CELDT LEVEL will continue more emphasis in the areas of listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English. More emphasis will be placed on beginning literary analysis, refining paragraph writing, and introducing the essay format.
ELA IV A/B (one block class) Grades 9-12
5-40 credits
Prerequisites: Demonstration of English Language Proficiency approaching this level based upon assessments and teacher recommendations.
English Learners at the EARLY ADVANCED CELDT LEVEL are taught more critical listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills through selected English 9 curriculum. Emphasis is on developing more critical literary analysis skills and the structure and form of a well-developed English essay.
Last Modified:
March 16, 2009
