In English 11, students examine the belief systems, events, and literature that have shaped the United States. Starting with the Declaration of Independence, students explore how the greatest American literature tells the stories of individuals who have struggled for independence and freedom, freedom of self, freedom of thought, freedom of home and country. Students reflect on the role of the individual in Romantic and Transcendentalist literature that considers the relationship between citizens and government, and they question whether the American Dream is still achievable while examining Modernist disillusionment with American idealism. As well, reading the words of Frederick Douglass and those of the Civil Rights Act, students look carefully at the experience of African Americans and their struggle to achieve equal rights. Finally, students reflect on how individuals cope with the influence of war, cultural tensions, and technology in the midst of trying to build and secure their own personal identity. English 11 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.
