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English Language Arts

Below are descriptions of the English language arts courses offered at Elm Middle School. 

English Language Arts 6

Grade level: 6

In each unit of study, students will read classic and contemporary fiction and nonfiction texts, and view/listen to media selections, all related to an "essential question." Students will use technology to interact with texts and activities. Each unit in the myPerspectives curriculum focuses on an engaging topic related to the essential question. Below are some of the essential questions explored at the 6th-grade level:

  • CHILDHOOD — What are some of the challenges and triumphs of growing up?
  • MODERN TECHNOLOGY — How is modern technology helpful and harmful to society?
  • IMAGINATION — Where can imagination lead?
  • EXPLORATION — What drives people to explore?

Please note that opportunities to take Accelerated English Language Arts 6 are available for students who qualify based on predetermined criteria relating to current academic achievement. Criteria include common assessments, standardized assessments, trimester grades, student behaviors and teacher recommendations.

English Language Arts 7

Grade Level: 7

In each unit of study, students will read classic and contemporary fiction and nonfiction texts, and view/listen to media selections, all related to an "essential question." Students will use technology to interact with texts and activities. Each unit in the myPerspectives curriculum focuses on an engaging topic related to the essential question. Below are some of the essential questions explored at the 7th-grade level:

  • GENERATIONS — What can one generation learn from another?
  • A STARRY HOME — Should we make a home in space?
  • TURNING POINTS — What can cause a sudden change in someone's life?
  • PEOPLE AND THE PLANET — What effects do people have on the environment?
  • FACING ADVERSITY — How do we overcome obstacles?

Please note that opportunities to take Accelerated English Language Arts 7 are available for students who qualify based on predetermined criteria relating to current academic achievement. Criteria include common assessments, standardized assessments, trimester grades, student behaviors and teacher recommendations.

English Language Arts 8

Grade Level: 8

In each unit of study, students will read classic and contemporary fiction and nonfiction texts, and view/listen to media selections, all related to an "essential question." Students will use technology to interact with texts and activities. Each unit in the myPerspectives curriculum focuses on an engaging topic related to the essential question. Below are some of the essential questions explored at the 8th-grade level:

  • RITES OF PASSAGE — What are some milestones on the path to growing up?
  • THE HOLOCAUST — How do we remember the past?
  • HUMAN INTELLIGENCE — In what different ways can people be intelligent?
  • INVENTION — Are inventions realized through inspiration or perspiration?

English I Honors

Grade Level: 8

In English I Honors, students will develop a common understanding of key literary elements and forms, as well as a common vocabulary for discussing them. In alignment with Common Core Standards, significant concepts will be targeted with the reading and thorough analysis of each individual text. The student is introduced to the technique of interpreting literature with special emphasis on reading strategies and skills, such as inference and main idea. In-depth study of recurrent themes will also be an integral part of the course. Students will be exposed to independent reading expectations and writing requirements. An accelerated sequential writing program is also included in this course with emphasis upon the writing of well-constructed multi-paragraph themes.

Students are selected for English I Honors based on predetermined criteria relating to current academic achievement. Criteria include common assessments, standardized assessments, trimester grades, student behaviors and teacher recommendations.