2006-2007 School Year

Students will read a variety of literary works throughout the year. Units may include The Crucible, The Great Gatsby, The Scarlet Letter, The Things They Carried, Macbeth, poetry, intensive grammar, public speaking, and an MLA research paper. Vocabulary words and literary elements and techniques are studied in the context of the works read. Response to the literature read includes class discussion, small group discussion, quizzes, response journals, and formal essays and projects. In addition to reading the required literature for class discussion, students are also required to read six to eight additional Accelerated Reader titles independently. Students are responsible for completing Accelerated Reader quizzes with 70% accuracy for the independent books they choose to read. 

Emphasis will be placed on the Regents examination during the first semester. Students will practice tasks that emulate those on the Regents examination.  Sample Regents essays will be written, especially throughout the first semester, to help students prepare for the exam These essays include responding to a listening passage; reviewing and responding to an informational piece of literature (an article); reading, analyzing, and responding to two works of literature from various genres and creating a controlling idea (thesis) that links the two passages; and analyzing and evaluating two works of literature as they apply to a given quotation (critical lens).

The Regents level English 11 classes uphold the standards set by New York State . Students speak, read, listen, and write on a consistent basis for information and understanding, literary response and expression, critical analysis and evaluation, and social interaction.

Students will explore the first amendment and a variety of historical court cases, especially those relevant to freedom of the press and expression. Students will briefly study journalism ethics, being exposed to real life examples of journalists who have broken ethical codes.

Students will learn the interview process through mock interviews. They will prepare interview questions and practice obtaining further information from those they interview. They will also learn to research their subjects through a variety of other mediums. 

Students will familiarize themselves with the various sections of the newspaper by writing original articles for each section. Revising and editing their own articles, along with those of their peers, will become an integral part of learning the importance of the writing process.

Students will apply for specific positions on the school newspaper through a mock-professional setting. Students will use their works from throughout the year to develop a professional portfolio. The portfolio will include a self-developed resume, cover letter, and showcase of student work. Students are encouraged to keep these with them even after the culmination of this class. 

The newspaper will cover a variety of school and community events. Students will work collaboratively with others in a mock-professional environment, preparing them for both college life and life after high school.