Achievement focus: careful examination of literature, including non-fiction and fiction, drama, and poetry stressing critical thinking; independent reading; projects involving written and oral presentations; study of grammar, usage, and mechanics reinforcing language communication and application to writing development; study of vocabulary; successful development and completion of a showcase writing portfolio, including a literary analysis, a problem-solution essay with research, two creative pieces, and a reflection.
Skills and Attitudes Leading to Student Success:
- Enjoys reading, writing and working with language
- Understands the writing process
- Demonstrates mature use of vocabulary in writing and speaking
- Demonstrates mastery of the well-developed expository paragraph
- Reads independently at or above grade level
- Exhibits critical reading skills (inference and interpretation)
- Reads and comprehends challenging literature
- Is able to read and comprehend reading assignments of 25-30 pages per night, depending on the work studied
- Demonstrates proficiency in mechanics, usage and grammar
- Has above-average organizational skills
- Assumes ownership of regularly assigned homework
- Is able to engage in collaborative small group discussions and activities