English I is the first level of high school literature and
language that focuses on skills such as writing, speaking, reading, and
listening to prepare students for entry into a post-secondary program or
occupation. This is a class where students can come to not only analyze
literature but also have their voices be heard. The class places emphasis on
group discussions and also encourages students to try new things, be creative,
and experience stories/topics through multiple viewpoints. The classroom is also designed with
peer-to-peer procedures in mind (i.e. students working together to achieve a
common goal).
English I looks at a wide variety of texts of the duration of the
class. This includes, but is not limited to, short stories, poetry, fictional
stories, non-fictional stories, historical events such as the Holocaust, and more.
English I also focuses on improving student writing, using MLA format, and the
importance of properly citing information (both to avoid plagiarism and prove
their arguments). In this class students are expected to keep a portfolio of
all of their writing assignments. Before handing in the final copy of each
writing assignment, students MUST create a rough draft and go through a round
of peer editing. Despite everything that students must achieve in this class, above
all else, students are expected to be themselves, be engaged, and have a little
fun while learning about literature.
