Language Arts Course Descriptions

English Language Arts

It is important to foster student ability to read and think critically.  All students will  receive instruction that prepares them to read and think critically; each will practice strategies for developing those abilities. Our goal each year is to help students improve their reading and writing by writing routinely over extended time frames, proficiently read and comprehend literature, and use language that concisely and precisely expresses ideas in writing and speech. English Language Arts Standards

Seventh Grade Focus

The seventh grade focuses on reading and writing for narrative and informational texts. Students will read various kinds of fictional and nonfictional texts.  They will receive instruction for the elements of literature and literary devices used in fictional texts. For informational texts, students will use close reading strategies, (AVID Strategies) to determine the author’s purpose, and to determine central ideas; they will write responses, such as essays, that explain, argue, and research topics presented in all texts.

Eighth Grade Focus

The eighth grade focuses on reading and writing for narrative and informational texts.  Students will read various kinds of fictional and nonfictional texts.  For informational texts, students will use close reading strategies, (AVID Strategies) to make inquiries for research; they will write responses, such as essays, that explain, argue, and research topics presented in all texts.