In Grade 9, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) Oral Expression and Listening which requires effective preparation strategies and listening critically to comprehend a speaker's message; (2) Reading for All Purposes which requires analyzing and comparing increasingly complex literary elements in traditional and contemporary works of literature and informational texts; (3) Writing and Composition of literary, narrative, informational and persuasive texts using proper grammar, usage, and mechanics; (4) Research and Reasoning which requires collecting, evaluating, and analyzing a variety of informational materials for accuracy, relevance, and effectiveness. Students will

This rigorous course is designed for students with high proficiency in English. Quantity and quality of work is greater than the general Language Arts 9 class. Emphasis is placed on a more comprehensive study of literature and writing. Students in this course will read and analyze short stories, poetry, drama, nonfiction and the novel. Students will be strongly encouraged to think critically and creatively both in discussion and compositions. Students will be expected to implement and demonstrate more sophisticated writing as they complete various assignments.

In Grade 10, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) carefully gathering and organizing information influences on audience; active listening is critical to operating in groups; (2) reading in order to develop new ideas; to understand literacy, persuasive and informational texts; and to determine literary and historical influences; (3) engaging an audience through stylistic devices, organizational patterns and effective revision/editing; (4) using valid and accurate research to answer questions, propose solutions, or share findings while employing reasoning skills. These concepts and associated skills are aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards for language arts, inco

In this foundation course, students develop and strengthen analytic and inquiry skills, exploring 2-4 relevant issues chosen by the student. Students learn to consider an issue from multiple perspectives, evaluate the strength of an argument and make logical, fact-based decisions. They will question, research, explore, pose solutions, develop arguments, collaborate and communicate using various media.

The second course in the AP Capstone experience allows students to design, plan and conduct a year-long research-based investigation of a topic of individual interest. Through this inquiry and investigation, students demonstrate the ability to apply scholarly understanding to real-world problems and issues. Students further the skills developed in AP Seminar by understanding research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing analyzing and synthesizing information to build, present and defend an argument.

In Grade 11, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) Evaluating oral communication; (2) Critical, close reading in a variety of American literary and informational texts; (3) Developing a personal style of writing through revision and refinement; and (4) Pursuing self-designed research tasks. These concepts and associated skills are aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards for language arts, incorporating 21st century skills and postsecondary and workforce readiness competencies.

This course engages students in becoming skilled readers of a wide variety of prose and image based selections. These pieces, representing an assortment of periods, disciplines and rhetorical context, furnish students multiple opportunities to work with the rhetorical situation, examining the authors’ purposes as well as the audiences and the subjects in the text. Through close reading and frequent writing, students develop their ability to work with language and text with a greater awareness of purpose and strategy, while strengthening their own composing abilities. Course readings feature visual media, expository, analytical, personal and argumentative texts, from a variety of authors and

This course is designed for students considering either higher education or immediate employment after graduation. Course emphasis is on strengthening communication skills. This is done through conventional English assignments, résumé preparation, business correspondence, employment communication and technical writing. Additionally, students will read and analyze novels, write essays, deliver presentations and prepare projects.

Completion of AP Seminar and/or A.P. English Language and Composition is recommended A.P. Literature and Composition engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of literature. The approach to close reading involves the experience of, the interpretation of, and the evaluation of literature. Writing assignments focus on the critical analysis of literature and include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays. The goal of writing assignments is to increase students’ ability to explain clearly, cogently, even elegantly, what they understand about literary works and why they interpret them as they do. Since reading and writing stimulate and support one another, they are t

This course is designed for students who have a desire to read. Its intent is to enhance reading ability and develop interest, no matter what the student’s individual reading level may be. The course allows for self-selection of materials in order to promote lifelong reading habits. Students will be expected to complete all reading and writing assignments.

Teacher permission for Sophomores This course is designed for students to explore the techniques and power of various forms of mass communication, including: movies and music. We will also discuss the role of advertising and media manipulation.

This course will provide a study of the mythologies of ancient cultures as well as an analysis of how those ancient tales resonate in modern thought, literature and social issues. Assignments will include reading of myths of the Greeks and Romans, reading analysis of representative Greek literature, research projects, discussions and analysis of selected films. Student understanding and learning will be demonstrated through discussion, written assignments, projects and tests.