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English

English Dept. Frequently Asked Questions

ARAGON HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH DEPARTMENT 

What is studied in English 1?
In all freshman English classes, students will:

  • Read core fiction texts representing a range of time periods and culturally responsive perspectives
  • Read shorter, rigorous nonfiction and fiction texts that complement core texts
  • Write literary analysis, narrative, argumentative, informative, and synthesis paragraphs and essays
  • Participate in small and large group discussions
  • Conduct short-term and long-term research projects
  • Use technology to gather, process, and present information
  • Complete regular homework

What is the difference between English 1 and English 1 Advanced Standing (AS)?

  • English 1 classes are designed to progressively prepare students with academic skills for high school and college.
  • English AS classes are designed as preparation for Advanced Placement English classes: Language and Composition and Language and Literature.

What types of learners should take English 1 and English 1 AS?

English 1

English 1 AS (Advanced Standing)

Best for students who:

  • reads at or approaching grade level
  • benefits from direction and support when analyzing text for style and craft
  • writes at or approaching grade level
  • writes more confidently with additional structure and support such as graphic organizers
  • wants to focus on essential writing skills 
  • wants help learning to self-advocate 
  • wants support and structure with meeting deadlines, note taking, class discussion, and completion of larger assignments
  • wants time to commit to studies in other subject areas and after school activities 

Best for students who:

  • enjoys reading, reads above grade level, with persistence, and an appreciation of style and craft
  • writes with sentence variety, advanced vocabulary, excellent control of grammar and usage, and attention to audience and purpose
  • Are particularly committed to studies in English and planning to take AP courses in grade 11 and/or 12
  • Are organized and skilled at time management
  • naturally takes initiative and shows interest in extended discussion and discourse
  • desires a faster and more demanding workload

 

What works are read?

English 1

English 1AS (Advanced Standing)

Fall

Short Works Unit

Animal Farm


Spring 

Brown Girl Dreaming 


One or more of the following depending on our return to school:

Of Mice and Men, The Odyssey, Independent Reading Unit or Poetry or Night, Romeo and Juliet 

Fall

Short story unit

Frankenstein (Animal Farm during DL)

Lord of the Flies


Spring

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Poetry unit

Romeo and Juliet

Is there a test to take a test to qualify for AS?
All of our classes are open enrollment, so there is no testing requirement.  We do recommend that students who opt for AS English read at or above grade level.

What support classes are available?
For students who read and write below grade level, we offer support class options.  English Support is an elective course that adds additional instruction in the fundamentals of reading and writing.