-
English Department Staff
- Elizabeth Aracic - English 4, WISE. Website
- Jackson Avery - Journalism, Comp Gov, US Hist AP. Website
- Heather Cousins - English 1, Drama, Stagecraft. Website
- Linda Hora - English 2, English 3 AP. Website
- Amy Krochmal - English 1, English 4 AP. Website
- Morgan Leishman - English 1, English 2. Website
- Ann Marie MacVey - English 1, English 2, English 3. Website
- Anne Nastor - English 2, English 4. Website
- Adrianne Spencer - English 2, ELD, English 4 Literature, Film and Media. Website
- Colleen Williams - English 1, English 4. Website
English Courses
English 1English 1 focuses on the study of fiction and non-fiction/informational reading materials, including novels, short stories, plays, essays, poetry, and informational documents. There is an emphasis on the writing process, the development of listening and speaking skills, and vocabulary development.
Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 9
Preferred Previous Course of Study: n/a
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes
English 2
English 2 focuses on the more advanced study of fiction and non-fiction/informational reading materials, including novels, short stories, plays, essays, poetry, and informational documents. There is an emphasis on the writing process, the development of listening and speaking skills, and vocabulary.
Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 10
Preferred Previous Course of Study: English 1
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes
English 3
English 3 focuses on the advanced study of traditional and contemporary American Literature and nonfiction/informational reading materials. There is an emphasis on writing, including response to literature, and reflective writing. Students will also develop speaking, listening and vocabulary skills.
Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 11
Preferred Previous Course of Study: English 2
UC/CSU Approved? - YesEnglish 3 AP English Language & CompositionThe AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts—including images as forms of text— from a range of disciplines and historical periods. This course may be taken to satisfy the third year of English language requirement.
Units: 10Grade Level(s): 11Preferred Previous Course of Study: English 2
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes
English 4
English 4 focuses on the advanced study of world literature and non-fiction, and prepares students for the rigor of college-level reading and writing. The course includes extensive writing, analysis of text, and literary criticism, as well as the development of speaking, listening and vocabulary skills.
Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 12
Preferred Previous Course of Study: English 3English 4 Literature, Film and MediaLiterature, Film and Media Studies builds and extends the knowledge learned in English 3 and focuses on the study of reading, writing, language, and speaking and listening as outlined in the California Common Core State Standards. There is an increased attention on critical thinking, increasingly complex texts, information text and nonfiction integrating technology, and academic vocabulary. This course focuses on the role of media ‐ film, tv, news, media, and technology ‐ in the world today and uses seminal texts of literature to further analyze media and media influence. This course may be taken to satisfy fourth year of English language requirement.Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 12
Preferred Previous Course of Study: English 3UC/CSU Approved? - YesFocuses on the advanced study of world literature and non‐fiction, and prepares students for the rigor of college‐level reading and writing. The course includes extensive writing, analysis of text, and literary criticism, as well as the development of speaking, listening and vocabulary skills. WISE emphasizes real world, outside‐of–the‐classroom experience and is designed for the self‐motivated student. This course meets the needs of seniors interested in an alternative to the 8th semester of traditional English 4 curriculum. As the district’s mission statement encourages, this course offers students the opportunity to “excel in a global society.” (5 units per semester).Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 12
Preferred Previous Course of Study: English 3UC/CSU Approved? - YesEnglish 4 AP English Literature & CompositionIn the AP English Literature and Composition course, students devote themselves to the study of literary works written in, or translated into, English. Careful reading and critical analysis of such works of fiction, drama, and poetry provide rich opportunities for students to develop an appreciation of ways literature reflects and comments on a range of experiences, institutions, and social structures. Students will examine the choices literary writers make and the techniques they utilize to achieve purposes and generate meanings. This course may be taken to satisfy the fourth year of English language requirement.Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 12
Preferred Previous Course of Study: English 3UC/CSU Approved? - YesJournalism 1‐4Journalism students will expand their English/Language Arts and visual arts skills through creating and publishing the school newspaper. Students are required to write monthly assignments for the newspaper and other class projects. They practice varied forms of journalistic writing including news, features, and sports stories, as well as reviews and editorials. Students learn laws and ethical standards related to journalism. In the process of writing their stories, laying out newspaper pages, and designing advertising, students learn to use specialized software for word processing, page layout, and graphic design. This course is designed for students who are interested in refining their writing skills as well as exploring careers in journalism. This course may be offered as an ROP course. Pre‐Requisites: Journalism 1: English 1 and teacher approval; Journalism 2: Journalism 1 and teacher approval; Journalism 3: Journalism 2 and teacher approval.Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 1, 12
UC/CSU Approved? - YesEnglish Language Development (ELD)The English Language Development (ELD) program is for students who are not proficient in English. The ELD program helps students master English so they can be successful in their academic courses. There are three areas of instruction: Reading, Grammar and Writing, and Conversation and Vocabulary. Students take placement tests to see which level they need, and they take quarterly benchmark tests to assure they are ready for the next level. ELD Reading focuses on word analysis and vocabulary, reading comprehension and analysis strategies, and reading fluency. ELD Grammar and Writing teaches the conventions of English: syntax, verb tenses, sentence structure, and composition. ELD Conversation and Vocabulary focuses on students’ speaking and listening skills, as well as developing their knowledge of content area and academic vocabulary.Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 1, 12