English 9 provides an introduction to informational and literary genres and lays a foundation of critical reading and analytical writing skills. Through texts that range from essays, speeches, articles and historical documents to a novel, a play, poetry and short stories, students analyze the use of elements of literature and nonfiction. As they develop their writing skills and respond to claims, students learn to formulate arguments and use textual evidence to support their position. To hone their listening and speaking skills, students engage with a variety of media types through which they analyze and synthesize information, discuss material, create presentations, and share their work. English 9 supports all students in developing the depth of understanding and higher order skills required by the Common Core. Students break down increasingly complex readings with close reading tools, guided instruction and robust scaffolding as they apply each of the lesson’s concepts back to its anchor text. Students build their writing and speaking skills in journal responses, discussions, frequent free response exercises, and essays or presentations, learning to communicate clearly and credibly in narrative, argumentative, and explanatory styles. Throughout the course students are evaluated through a diversity of assessments specifically designed to prepare them for the content, form, and depth of the Common Core assessments. This course is aligned with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts. (APEX course approved through school year 2020)
