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English Courses

Course: Academic Study Skills
Category: G W
Credits: 5
Grade Level: 7-12
Prerequisite: Director Approval
Overview: This one semester course helps the students to develop skills necessary to being a successful student. Topics include time management, study skills, test taking, and communication.
Course Essentials: 1. Discover most effective method of achievement in both academic and non-academic pursuits.
2. Develop a time management priorities.
3. Utilize memory devices.
4. Describe an approach to reading assignments that increases comprehension.
5. Organize and maintain class materials.
6. Improve listening skills necessary for lectures.
7. Give examples of various note taking devices for both lectures and textbooks.
8. Identify and compose various test questions requiring different test taking techniques.
9. Demonstrate brainstorming techniques for increased creativity.
10. Describe the ways personal relationships affect academics.
11. Recognize the importance of health and academics.
12. Become acquainted with and identify all forms of learning resources.
13. Identify and locate material referenced in the computer search and Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature.
14. Develop an action plan for research projects.

Course: Adv. English 9 A,B/English 9 A,B
Category: P G W
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 9
Overview: This required two semester course develops proficiencies in the fundamentals of reading and writing, with emphasis upon comprehension and mastery of syntax, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage in written communication. Students utilize the steps of the writing process to complete written assignments including unified, organized paragraphs.
Course Essentials: 1. Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development: Students apply their knowledge of word origins to determine the meaning of new words encountered in reading materials and use those words accurately.
2. Writing Strategies Students write coherent and focused essays that convey a well-defined perspective and tightly reasoned argument. The writing demonstrates students' awareness of the audience and purpose. Students progress through the stages of the writing process as needed.
3. Reading Comprehension Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. They analyze the organizational patterns, arguments, and positions advanced. Read a variety of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama; recognize sequence of events and identify major concepts; periods and their historical, political, and social contexts.
4. Literary Response and Analysis: Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. They conduct in-depth analyses of recurrent patterns and themes.

Course: Adv. English 10 A,B/English 10 A,B
Category: P G W
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 10
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 9B/Required
Overview: This required two semester course develops proficiencies in the fundamental skill areas of reading and writing, with emphasis upon comprehension and mastery of syntax, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage in written communication.
Course Essentials: 1. Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development - Students apply their knowledge of word origins to determine the meaning of new words encountered in reading materials and use those words accurately.
2. Writing Strategies Students write coherent and focused essays that convey a well-defined perspective and tightly reasoned argument. The writing demonstrates students' awareness of the audience and purpose. Students progress through the stages of the writing process as needed.
3. Reading Comprehension Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. They analyze the organizational patterns, arguments, and positions advanced. Read a variety of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama; recognize sequence of events and identify major concepts; periods and their historical,  political, and social contexts.
4. Literary Response and Analysis: Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. They conduct in-depth analyses of recurrent patterns and themes.

Course: Adv. English 11 A,B/English 11 A,B
Category: P G
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 11
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10B
Overview: This two semester course examines American literature. The student receives guidance in continued mastery of vocabulary, grammatical, and composition skills through direct applications. Attention is given to the progression of skills implicit to composition including unified, organized essays utilizing the steps of the writing process to complete written assignments.
Course Essentials: 1. Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development - Students apply their knowledge of word origins to determine the meaning of new words encountered in reading materials and use those words accurately.  
2. Writing Strategies Students write coherent and focused texts that convey a well-defined perspective and tightly reasoned argument. The writing demonstrates students' awareness of the audience and purpose and progression through the stages of the writing process.
3. (Genres and Their Characteristics) Students combine the rhetorical strategies of narration, exposition, persuasion, and description to produce texts of at least 1,500 words each. Student writing demonstrates a command of standard American English and the research, organizational, and drafting strategies outlined in Writing Standard 1.0.
4. Literary Response and Analysis Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. They conduct in-depth analyses of recurrent themes.

Course: Adv. English 12 A,B/English 12 A,B
Category: P G
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 11
Overview: This two semester course examines classical and modern authors from Britain and other areas of the world. The course emphasizes critical analyses and comparisons/contrasts of authors, including their style, character development, thematic development, and their lasting effects and contributions to literature. Students continue to perfect writing, vocabulary, grammatical, and testing skills.
Course Essentials: 1. Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development - Students apply their knowledge of word origins to determine the meaning of new words encountered in reading materials and use those words accurately.  
2. Writing Strategies Students write coherent and focused texts that convey a well-defined perspective and tightly reasoned argument. The writing demonstrates students' awareness of the audience and purpose and progression through the stages of the writing process.
3. Writing Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics) Students combine the rhetorical strategies of narration, exposition, persuasion, and description to produce texts of at least 1,500 words each. Student writing demonstrates a command of standard American English and the research, organizational, and drafting strategies outlined in Writing Standard 1.0.
4. Literary Response and Analysis Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. They conduct in-depth analyses of recurrent themes.

Course: American Lit. and Comp. A,B (Eng 11)
Category: P
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 11
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10
Overview: This two semester, college preparatory elective course allows students to critically analyze American literary themes and eras through novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and essays written prior to 1866 (A) and from 1887 to present (B). Preparation and development of the written essay and the development of critical reading skills is emphasized.
Key Assignments: ESLR Assignments
Projects Essays- 5 paragraph essays
Research Assignment with Rubric for Grading
Historical Investigations
Course Essentials: 1. Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development: Students apply their knowledge of word origins to determine the meaning of new words encountered in reading materials and use those words accurately.
2. Writing Strategies: Students write coherent and focused texts that convey a well-defined perspective and tightly reasoned argument. The writing demonstrates students' awareness of the audience and purpose and progression through the stages of the writing process.
3. Writing Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics): Students combine   the rhetorical strategies of narration, exposition, persuasion, and description to produce texts of at least 1,500 words each. Student writing demonstrates a command of standard American English and the research, organizational, and drafting strategies outlined in Writing Standard 1.0.
4. Reading Comprehension: Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. They analyze the organizational patterns, arguments, and positions advanced.
5. Literary Response and Analysis: Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. They conduct in-depth analyses of recurrent themes.

Course: Business English
Category: G W
Credits: 5-10
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10
Overview: This elective course, which can be taken in one or two semesters, emphasizes guidelines to follow in preparing original business correspondence and forms with attention to a variety of formats and purposes.
Course Essentials: 1. Practice appropriate business style, tone, and organization in writing business letters.
2. Practice correct organization and appearance of letter formats.
3. Write letters of request, including:  inquiries, orders, reservations.
4. Write replies, including: acknowledgments, follow-ups, confirmations, remittances, order acknowledgments, stopgaps, inquiry replies, referrals, and refusals.
5. Write credit and collection letters.
6. Write letters for claims and adjustments.
7. Write sales and public relations letters.
8. Write social business letters, including: congratulations, sympathy, appreciation, invitation, and announcement.
9. Write employment correspondence, including: resumé, application, follow-up, reference and recommendation, and introduction.
10. Write in-house correspondence.
11. Write faxes & e-mail.
12. Write news releases.
13. Write informal and formal business reports.
14. Write newspaper ads.
15. Fill out a variety of business forms.
16. Use correct spelling, grammar, syntax, capitalization, punctuation, usage, and sentence structure.

Course: Composition-Advanced
Category: P
Credits: 5-10
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10
Overview: This college preparatory, elective course, which can be taken in one or two semesters, discusses a variety of writing methods, as well as creative expression through varied poetic forms. The study of literature and composition are integrated. Students participate in writing, selecting, editing, designing, laying out, proofreading, and producing a student writing publication.
Course Essentials: 1. Writing Strategies: Students write coherent and focused texts that convey a well-defined perspective and tightly reasoned argument. The writing demonstrates students' awareness of the audience and purpose and progression through the stages of the writing process.
2. Writing Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics): Students combine the rhetorical strategies of narration, exposition, persuasion, and description to produce texts of at least 1,500 words each. Student writing demonstrates a command of standard American English and the research, organizational, and drafting strategies.

Course: Composition-Intermediate
Category: P
Credits: 5-10
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10
Overview: This college preparatory, elective course, which can be taken in one or two semesters, examines the development of an essay using a variety of methods, as well as creative expression through varied poetic forms. The study of literature and composition are integrated. Students participate in writing, selecting, editing, designing, laying out, proofreading, and producing a student publication.
Course Essentials: 1. Writing Strategies: Students write coherent and focused texts that convey a well-defined perspective and tightly reasoned argument. The writing demonstrates students' awareness of the audience and purpose and progression through the stages of the writing process.
2. Writing Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics): Students combine the rhetorical strategies of narration, exposition, persuasion, and description to produce texts of at least 1,500 words each. Student writing demonstrates a command of standard American English and the research, organizational, and drafting strategies.

Course: Creative Writing A,B/Creative Writing
Category: P G
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10B
Overview: This elective course, which can be taken in one or two semesters, examines techniques which extend the range of opportunity for written self-expression through literary genres, including poetry, short stories, short plays, and journal writing, using various forms and subject matter.
Course Essentials: 1. Provided examples of certain types of essays the students will examine and identify the techniques used in prose and poetry.
2. Various texts will be developed according to their purpose and audience.

Course: Critical Thinking
Category: G
Credits: 5
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10B
Overview: This one semester, elective course practices evaluating information from a variety of mediums. Emphasis on data gathering, distinguishing fact from opinion, and determining the reliability of sources. In addition, students will be required to research a topic, develop their own opinion and use the writing process to clearly articulate their perspective.

Course: English 7
Category: Jr. H.S.
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 7
Prerequisite: Required
Overview: This two semester course develops proficiencies in the fundamental skill areas of reading and writing, with emphasis upon comprehension and vocabulary development, mastery of syntax, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage in written communication. Students read samples of short stories and novels. The course includes an introduction to drama.
Course Essentials: 1. Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development: Students use their knowledge of word origins and word relationships, as well as historical and literary context clues, to determine the meaning of specialized vocabulary and to understand the precise meaning of grade-level-appropriate words.
2. Reading Comprehension (Focus on Informational Materials): Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. They describe and connect the essential ideas, arguments, and perspectives of the text by using their knowledge of text structure, organization, and purpose. In addition, by grade eight, students read one million words annually on their own, including a good representation of grade-level-appropriate narrative and expository text (e.g., classic and contemporary literature, magazines, newspapers, online information).
3 Literary Response and Analysis: Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. They clarify the ideas and connect them to other literary works.
4. Writing Strategies: Students write clear, coherent, and focused essays. The writing exhibits students' awareness of the audience and purpose. Essays contain formal introductions, supporting evidence, and conclusions. Students progress through the stages of the writing process as needed.
5. Writing Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics): Students write narrative, expository, persuasive, and descriptive texts of at least 500 to 700 words in each genre. The writing demonstrates a command of standard American English and the research, organizational, and drafting strategies outlined in Writing Standard 1.0. Using the writing strategies of grade seven outlined in Writing Standard 1.0, students.
6. Written and Oral English Language Conventions: Students write and speak with a command of standard English conventions appropriate to the grade level.

Course: English 8
Category: Jr. H.S.
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 8
Prerequisite: Required
Overview: This two semester course develops proficiencies in the fundamental skill areas of reading and writing, with emphasis upon comprehension and vocabulary development, mastery of syntax, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage in written communication. Students read samples of novels, myths, and poetry.
Course Essentials: 1. Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development: Students use their knowledge of word origins and word relationships, as well as historical and literary context clues, to determine the meaning of specialized vocabulary and to understand the precise meaning of grade-level-appropriate words.
2. Reading Comprehension (Focus on Informational Materials): Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. They describe and connect the essential ideas, arguments, and perspectives of the text by using their knowledge of text structure, organization, and purpose. In addition, students read one million words annually on their own, including a good representation of narrative and expository text (e.g., classic and contemporary literature, magazines, newspapers, online information).
3. Literary Response and Analysis: Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. They clarify the ideas and connect them to other literary works.
Structural Features of Literature: 3.1 Determine and articulate the relationship between the purposes and characteristics of different forms of poetry (e.g., ballad, lyric, couplet, epic, elegy, ode, sonnet).
4. Writing Strategies: Students write clear, coherent, and focused essays. The writing exhibits students' awareness of audience and purpose. Essays contain formal introductions, supporting evidence, and conclusions. Students progress through the stages of the writing process as needed.
5. Writing Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics): Students write narrative, expository, persuasive, and descriptive essays of at least 500 to 700 words in each genre. Student writing demonstrates a command of standard American English and the research, organizational, and drafting strategies outlined in Writing Standard 1.0.
6. Written and Oral English Language Conventions: Students write and speak with a command of standard English conventions appropriate to this grade level.
7. Listening and Speaking Strategies: Students deliver focused, coherent presentations that convey ideas clearly and relate to the background and interests of the audience. They evaluate the content of oral communication.
8. Speaking Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics): Students deliver well-organized formal presentations employing traditional rhetorical strategies (e.g., narration, exposition, persuasion, description). Student speaking demonstrates a command of standard American English and the organizational and delivery strategies outlined in Listening and Speaking Standard 1.0.

Course: Film Studies
Category: G
Credits: 5-10
Grade Level: 7-12
Prerequisite: Director Approval
Overview: This course, which can be taken in one or two semesters, examines the various elements of film including screenplay, acting, cinematography, editing, and sound. Students examine the ways cinema must combine all these elements to function as a single work of art. Students analyze cultural implications inherent in the production of film and in the marketing of film.
Course Essentials: 1. Study the progression of film technology
2. Study the elements of film such as the camera, sound film, special effects and projection.
3. Explain the elements of cinematography such as lighting, framing and shooting for the edit.
4. Compare and contrast the art of film to the other arts.
5. Demonstrate the relationship between art and technology
6. Compare and contrast the different film shots and techniques.
7. Explore symbolism in film.
8. Develop a comprehensive vocabulary to describe cinema.
9. Survey film history and theory
10. Read film critiques and synthesize knowledge of film as art when critiquing others’ films.
11. Experience a wide variety of films from various periods of its development.
12. Increase your awareness of the human condition through exposure to a variety of attitudes toward life.
13. Compare diversity of foreign cultures through film
14. Interpret a script and create a storyboard
15. Define the roles of director, cinematographer, sound recordist, editor and continuity assistant.
16. Define the role of the actor and the relationship between actors and directors.

Course: Genre Studies
Category: G
Credits: 5-10
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10B
Overview: This one semester, elective course discusses a variety of literature styles and genres. The student will study and analyze a variety of forms including Children's Literature, Modern Novels, Non-Fiction Literature, Science Fiction, Short Stories, and Sport Literature. The student can concentrate on one or two genres or study a wide range.
Course Essentials: 1. Reading Comprehension (Focus on Informational Materials): Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. They analyze the organizational patterns, arguments, and positions advanced.
2. Written and Oral English Language Conventions: Students write and speak with a command of standard English conventions.

Course: Journalism
Category: P G
Credits: 5-10
Grade Level: 7-12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10B or Director Approval
Overview: This course, which can be taken in many different semesters, is designed to instruct, assist, and advise students in the theory and practice of journalism, both in print and broadcast journalism. The course emphasizes acquisition of the following skills: news gathering, writing, editing, design, and production.
Course Essentials: 1. Evaluate literary subjects through systematic application of research techniques, including bibliography, literary biography, and literary history.
2. Use methods of compiling information; structure approach to accommodate the scientific method; devaluate the role of the writer in the writer/audience relationship.
3. Familiarize self with the sources available for research (reference books, magazines, newspaper files, television documentaries, filmstrips, brochures, experts in the field, community surveys, journals, computer-linked data bases).
4. Use an assortment of stylistic devices, appropriate context, and clear exposition to accomplish the controlling purpose.
5. Use appropriate research procedure: isolation and definition of research problem; formulation of controlling purpose; identification of data sources; data collection, assembly and classification.
6. Write research paper using the following steps:
A. Select and limit the topic.
B. Prepare the working outline.
C. Collect data and record on note cards.
D. Refine the working outline.
E. Write a first rough draft based on the paper's controlling purpose.
F. Revise the first draft.
G. Write a final draft.
H. Write appropriate footnotes.
I. Compile the bibliography.
J. Type final copy following revisions and proofreading.

Course: Reading and Research
Category: P
Credits: 5
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10B
Overview: This one semester, college preparatory, elective course allows the student in the develop techniques of research investigation. Emphasis is given to use of the library and its resources, gathering materials, and writing research papers. Students acquaint themselves with professional journals and periodical sources.

Course: Reading Development A,B
Category: W
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 7-12
Prerequisite: Director Approval
Overview: This two semester course develops proficiencies in the fundamentals of critical reading skills in comprehension, speed, word analysis and vocabulary.
Course Essentials: 1. Improve comprehension at various levels:
A. Literal (grasping information as stated)
B. Interpretive (formulating ideas, conclusions, opinions)
C. Applicative (integrating information with personal experience)
D. Critical (synthesizing, analyzing, evaluating)
2. Read, identify and infer: details, sequence, main ideas, cause and effect relationships.
3. Read and draw conclusions and predict outcomes.
4. Read and identify and infer the author's purpose and point of view.
5. Read and follow written directions.
6. Read and locate answers to written questions (true/false, multiple choice, completion).
7. Read and interpret figurative language.
8. Read and identify character traits.
9. Read and identify opinions and evidence for opinions.
10. Read and distinguish fact from opinion.
11. Read a selected variety of literary forms and genres.
12. Analyze literary elements through discussion, short-answer, and essay questions.
13. Read and identify the following elements:  setting, theme, plot, conflict, mood, tone, climax, conclusion, and character.

Course: Readings in American Literature A,B
Category: P
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10B
Overview: This two semester, college preparatory, elective course examines the major periods of American literary thought. Students explore American culture at various historical periods.

Course: Readings in English Literature A,B
Category: P
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10B
Overview: This two semester, college preparatory, elective course examines English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the 20th century. English literary forms of poetry, the novel, short story, essay, and drama are critically analyzed.

Course: Readings in World Literature A,B
Category: P
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10B
Overview: This two semester, college preparatory, elective course examines World literature through fiction and non-fiction works, with emphasis on the important components of the characteristics of the "Classics."
Course Essentials: 1. Reading Comprehension (Focus on Informational Materials): Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. They analyze the organizational patterns, arguments, and positions advanced.
2. Literary Response and Analysis: Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. They conduct in-depth analyses of recurrent themes.

Course: Shakespeare
Category: G
Credits: 5
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10B
Overview: This one semester, elective course focuses on the drama and poetry of William Shakespeare. Course may consist of a close reading of one specific work or a survey of several works. Possible topics of discussion include the conventions of Shakespeare's theatre, modern stage and screen interpretations, and the "re-imagining" of Shakespeare's plots by other playwrights and novelists.
Course Essentials: 1. Read selections from Shakespeare’s comedies, tragedies and histories. Become familiar with conventions of drama, Elizabethan theater and historical/philosophical contexts during the 1700’s. Students develop original works based on analyzing literary elements and devices that Shakespeare used.

Course: Speech and Debate
Category: G
Credits: 5-10
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Director Approval
Overview: This course, which can be taken in many different semesters, develops an understanding of the techniques or writing and methods of delivery of various forms of speech and critical debate. In addition to studying famous speeches, students will write and deliver their own speeches, in a variety of forms, in a non-threatening setting.
Course Essentials: 1. Listening and Speaking Strategies: Students formulate adroit judgments about oral communication. They deliver focused and coherent presentations of their own that convey clear and distinct perspectives and solid reasoning. They use gestures, tone, and vocabulary tailored to the audience and purpose.
2. Speaking Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics): Students deliver polished formal and extemporaneous presentations that combine the traditional rhetorical strategies of narration, exposition, persuasion, and description.

Course: World Lit. and Comp. A,B (Eng 12)
Category: P
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10B
Overview: This two semester, college preparatory, elective course examines World literature from the Classical to the Modern period, with emphasis given to the stimulation of awareness of world issues and ideas. Students read novels representative of world events by major writers of various nationalities. Themes include justice, truth, greatness, and man's search for identity.
Course Essentials: 1. Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development - Students apply their knowledge of word origins to determine the meaning of new words encountered in reading materials and use those words accurately.
2. Writing Strategies Students write coherent and focused texts that convey a well-defined perspective and tightly reasoned argument. The writing demonstrates students' awareness of the audience and purpose and progression through the stages of the writing process.
3. Writing Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics) Students combine the rhetorical strategies of narration, exposition, persuasion, and description to produce texts of at least 1,500 words each. Student writing demonstrates a command of standard American English and the research, organizational, and drafting strategies outlined in Writing Standard 1.0.
4. Reading Comprehension Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. They analyze the organizational patterns, arguments, and positions advanced.
5. Literary Response and Analysis Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. They conduct in-depth analyses of recurrent themes.

Course: World Mythology
Category: P
Credits: 5-10
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Mastery of English 10B
Overview: This elective course, which can be taken in one or two semesters, evaluates legend and mythological literature from various world cultures.
Course Essentials: Read selections from Norse, Greek, Roman, mythology. Become familiar with conventions of ancient historical/political contexts within each work and to how it relates to that culture. Students develop original works based on analyzing literary elements and devices used in mythology.

Course: Writing Workshop-Level A
Category: W
Credits: 5
Grade Level: 7-12
Prerequisite: Director Approval
Overview: This one semester course develops proficiencies in the fundamental skill-areas of writing, with emphasis upon vocabulary development and mastery of syntax, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage in written communication. Students master identifying elements of and writing complete sentences.
Course Essentials: Vocabulary Skills
1. Identify 240 new words.
2. Identify multi-meaning words.
3. Recognize antonyms.
4. Identify synonyms of words used in short phrases.
5. Identify correct use of homonyms in context.
6. Identify word meaning through knowledge of root words in context.
7. Utilize prefixes and suffixes to change word meaning.
8. Identify idioms, slang, colloquialisms, and foreign words used in context.
9. Utilize a dictionary to determine correct word meaning.
10. Utilize a thesaurus to improve word choice in writing.
 
Writing and Composition Skills
1. Refine cursive writing skills to communicate thoughts effectively.
2. Spell 200 identified words in dictated sentences.
3. Identify misspelled words in context of a sentence.
4. Identify types of nouns: singular, plural, common, proper, possession.
5. Identify case and agreement of pronouns.
6. Identify action and being verbs and verb tense.
7. Capitalize correctly in written communication.
8. Punctuate correctly in written communication.
9. Identify and use correct grammatical usage and good sentence structure.
10. Identify and use the declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentence pattern.
11. Identify the elements of and write simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences using correct sentence structure.
12. Identify and avoids run-on sentences and sentence fragments.
13. Write daily in a journal of individual writing.

Course: Writing Workshop-Level B
Category: W
Credits: 5
Grade Level: 7-12
Prerequisite: Director Approval
Overview: This one semester course develops proficiencies in the fundamental skill-areas of writing, with emphasis upon vocabulary development and mastery of syntax, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage in written communication. Students master identifying elements of and writing complete, unified, and organized paragraphs. Students utilize the steps of the writing process to complete written assignments.

Course: Writing Workshop-Level C
Category: W
Credits: 5
Grade Level: 7-12
Prerequisite: Director Approval
Overview: This one semester course develops proficiencies in the fundamental skill-areas of writing, with emphasis upon vocabulary development and mastery of syntax, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage in written communication. Students master identifying elements of and writing unified, organized compositions. Students utilize the steps of the writing process to complete written compositions.