FCAT Reading Skills

9th Grade Intensive Reading

This DIRECT INSTRUCTION course is a double block created for students who are not fl uent readers and need an intense level of additional support on reading skills necessary to pass the FCAT. Using SRA Reach, Rewards, Impact, and Reasoning and Writing materials, the class provides direct instruction in decoding, word analysis, fl uency, systematic vocabulary development, and reading comprehension. The WISE software program provides a computerized supplement for independent practice. Placement is based on previous FCAT level and individual fluency assessment.

10th Grade Intensive Reading

This Scholastic READ 180 program is a double block created for students who are not yet fl uent readers and need additional support on reading skills necessary to pass the FCAT. The course utilizes whole group and small group individualized instruction, as well as independent learning opportunities through computer assisted instruction, audio books and independent reading. The READ180 program is wide-ranging; building fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Placement is based on previous FCAT level and individual fl uency assessment.

11th Grade Intensive Reading

This SOAR III course is a single block created for fl uent students who need a less intense level of additional support on literacy skills necessary to pass the FCAT. The course uses thematic text sets in a literature circle format to develop and build literacy strategies and comprehension skills. Students work on vocabulary and critical thinking skills while reading both fi ction and non-fi ction material. The WISE software program provides a computerized supplement for independent practice. Placement is based on previous FCAT level and individual fl uency assessment.

11th/12th Grade Intensive Reading

This course is a double block created for students who are not fl uent readers and need an intense level of additional support on reading skills necessary to pass the FCAT. At the beginning the class uses Rewards materials for decoding and fl uency building. In addition, the class uses a variety of fi ction and non-fi ction, including Newsweek magazine and Impact to provide practice with vocabulary, reading comprehension, and test taking skills. The WISE software program provides a computerized supplement for independent practice. Placement is based on previous FCAT levels and individual fl uency assessment.

2010-2011 English Curriculum

English I

This course provides instruction in the fundamentals of grammar, writing and vocabulary, and literature (including nonfi ction), poetry, and drama. Reading and writing strategies are based on FCAT power benchmarks as assessed on the 9th grade FCAT reading test. These strategies will be used to enhance higher level thinking skills. ** All students testing below grade level (levels 1&2) on the 8th and 9th grade FCAT Read will also be placed in an Intensive Reading class.

English I Honors

This course provides advanced instruction in the fundamentals of grammar, writing and vocabulary, and literature (including nonfi ction), poetry, and drama. Reading and writing strategies are based on FCAT power benchmarks as assessed on the 9th grade FCAT reading test. These strategies will be used to enhance higher level thinking skills. Students in this course should expect outside reading and writing assignments.

English II

This course continues to incorporate reading and writing skills developed in English 1. Students will be exposed to world literature through various projects, papers, presentations, and readings. Emphasis will be placed on literatures of various cultures (fi ction and nonfi ction) as well as a variety of genres. Additionally, students will complete intensive practice activities reinforcing power benchmarks needed to succeed on the FCAT Writes exam (given in February) and FCAT Reads (given in March). ** All students testing below grade level (levels 1&2) on the 9th and 10th grade FCAT Read will also be placed in an Intensive Reading class.

English II Honors

This course continues to incorporate higher level reading and writing skills developed in English 1. Students will be exposed to world literature through various projects, papers, presentations, and readings. Emphasis will be placed on literatures of various cultures (fi ction and nonfi ction) as well as a variety of genres. Additionally, students will complete intensive practice activities reinforcing power benchmarks needed to succeed on the FCAT Writes exam (given in February) and FCAT Reads (given in March). Students in this course can expect outside reading and writing.

English III

This course continues to incorporate higher level reading skills through a survey of American Literature. Writing exercises become more extensive with emphasis on multi-paragraph essays as well as documented papers, position papers, and research papers. SAT and college preparation become more focused. ** All students testing below grade level (levels 1&2) on the 9th and 10th grade FCAT Read will also be placed in an Intensive Reading class.

English III Honors

This course continues to incorporate higher level reading skills through a survey of American Literature. Writing exercises become more extensive with emphasis on multi-paragraph essays as well as documented papers, position papers, and research papers. SAT and college preparation become more focused. Students in this course can expect outside reading and writing.

AP English Language & Composition

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the semantic, structural, and rhetorical aspects of the English language. The course is designed to develop fl exible writers who are able to write in various modes for a variety of purposes. Based on the results of the Advanced Placement exam, college credit may be awarded by participating colleges and universities.

English IV

In this course the primary emphasis on writing is critical analysis of literature and refi ning composition skills. Writing assignments include an extensive research paper that pairs with the Senior Summit class. Additional writing projects include the college essay as well as extensive SAT practice. The literature is a survey in British literature and the course prepares students for college programs.

English IV Honors

AP English Literature & Composition

Students study and discuss great works of literature from various genres and periods. Designed to develop the students’ understanding of style, subject, and audience, frequent reading and writing assignments focus on the critical analysis of literature. Based on the results of the Advanced Placement exam, college credit may be awarded by participating colleges and universities.

Journalism

Journalism I/Newspaper

This course is an introduction to publications. Students will be introduced to journalistic media, desktop publishing, layout and design, and photo editing. Students will learn journalism skills including interviewing, reporting on a variety of events, editing for accuracy, and photo journalism. The students will be on the yearbook staff. Students will be expected to work in teams as well as individuals. Students should be aware that some assignments include activities that are outside of school hours.

Digital Design IV / Yearbook

Students will work on all aspects of the school yearbook. This yearbook is a team project that captures school life in a photo-journalism publication including news, sports, features, business and advertising. Students will apply their desktop publishing and photo manipulation skills. Participation in this course will require students to be available beyond the school day.

Digital Design V / Yearbook

These second/third year yearbook students will take on leadership positions in the editorial and publishing staff. Students should be comfortable delegating tasks, supporting the efforts of fi rst-year staff members, meeting deadlines, and assuming leadership responsibilities. Students should be aware that many assignments take place after school hours.