English Language Arts Courses (ELA 1–4)

ELA 1:

ELA 1 uses multicultural stories to explore the theme of "Coming of Age." Students read short stories, novels, poems, plays, essays, and biographies about young people learning about themselves and the world. Each unit builds reading, writing, speaking, and research skills aligned to the Common Core State Standards.

• Reading: Summarizing, paraphrasing, and making inferences or conclusions.
• Writing: Drafting, revising, and publishing writing using outside sources and a clear personal voice.
• Speaking & Listening: Sharing ideas through respectful and professional conversations.
• Research: Using 3–4 sources, checking relevance, and citing in APA format.

ELA 2:

ELA 2 explores global and historical perspectives through multicultural texts. Students read stories, poems, plays, and essays to see how the world has changed, stayed the same, or could improve. They continue building Common Core-aligned skills.

• Reading: Making inferences, drawing conclusions, and connecting texts to real-world issues.
• Writing: Writing through a full process using sources and refining their own voice.
• Speaking & Listening: Asking questions and having respectful, open discussions.
• Research: Using 4–5 reliable sources and citing in APA format.

ELA 3:

ELA 3 focuses on American literature and themes about identity, society, and change. Students read a wide range of texts to understand how the American experience has evolved. The course supports deeper thinking and Common Core skill development.

• Reading: Making and defending inferences and connecting to the world today.
• Writing: Completing the full writing process with sources and a strong personal voice.
• Speaking & Listening: Rethinking ideas through respectful conversation.
• Research: Using 5–7 sources, checking for quality, and citing in APA format.

ELA 4 – Contemporary Ethics:

This senior course explores modern issues like technology, the environment, and social justice. Students examine a variety of texts to better understand today’s world and prepare for life after high school.

• Reading: Making and defending inferences and real-world connections.
• Writing: Drafting and refining writing with outside sources and a strong voice.
• Speaking & Listening: Asking thoughtful questions and having reflective discussions.
• Research: Using 6–7 sources, evaluating information, and citing in APA format.

*ELA 4 – Pilot:

This course helps seniors prepare for college or careers by analyzing short stories, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and film. Students explore how authors show human behavior and develop real-world communication skills.

• Reading: Making and defending inferences and real-world connections.
• Writing: Completing a full writing process using sources and a clear voice.
• Speaking & Listening: Engaging in thoughtful peer discussions.
• Research: Using 6–7 sources, checking for relevance, and citing in APA format.

ELA 4 – Technical and Professional Communications:

This senior course supports students who are working or planning for college or careers. It builds real-world writing, speaking, and research skills using modern nonfiction and practical tasks.

• Seven major writing tasks
• A research project
• Professional speaking practice
• Resume writing

Students receive feedback and can tailor their work to match post-graduation goals.

*Note: This course is a pilot and may not be offered every year.

ELA 1 Honors:

This course explores multicultural “Coming of Age” stories. Students read texts about personal growth and identity. ELA 1 Honors moves at a faster pace and includes more independent work than regular ELA 1.

Skills include:

• Reading: Summarizing, paraphrasing, and making inferences or conclusions.
• Writing: Using sources and developing a personal writing voice.
• Speaking & Listening: Engaging in respectful, thoughtful conversation.
• Research: Using 3–4 sources and citing in APA format.

ELA 2 Honors:

Students read texts from different cultures and historical times. This course challenges students to think critically, work independently, and manage complex tasks.

Skills include:

• Reading: Drawing conclusions and connecting texts to the world.
• Writing: Using sources and refining voice through the writing process.
• Speaking & Listening: Asking questions and revising understanding.
• Research: Using 4–5 sources and citing in APA format.

ELA 3 Honors:

ELA 3 Honors focuses on American literature. Students explore themes in society and identity. The course requires independence, time management, and advanced thinking.

Skills include:

• Reading: Making and defending inferences and connections.
• Writing: Using sources and a personal voice through the writing process.
• Speaking & Listening: Engaging in respectful dialogue.
• Research: Using 5–7 sources and citing in APA format.

ELA 4 Honors:

This course includes texts from Western Europe, from the Middle Ages to the 1900s. ELA 4 Honors is reading- and writing-intensive and prepares students for advanced academic work.

Skills include:

• Reading: Making inferences and connecting texts to self, others, or the world.
• Writing: Using sources and adjusting voice for different audiences.
• Speaking & Listening: Leading thoughtful conversations and asking questions.
• Research: Using 8–9 sources and citing in APA format.