English & ENL

OUR DEPARTMENT'S MISSION

Welcome to our English and ENL Department! In our English Language Arts (ELA) and English as a New Language (ENL) courses, we strive to cultivate the reading and writing skills needed for college success and responsible civic engagement.

Our rigorous instructional program focuses on the development of students’ literacy, language proficiency, and critical thinking skills with an emphasis on reading, writing, vocabulary and discussion using details and evidence from the text.

These opportunities strengthen our scholars’ unique voices so they can tell their own stories, as well as the stories of others in their community, using various platforms such as new media. As a result, our students will be empowered and successful in their 21st century college and career opportunities.

DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL INFO

Students are required to earn 8-credits of English Language Arts and pass the ELA Regents examination to fulfill high school graduation requirements in NY State. In addition to the core classes in grades 9-12, students can also take Advanced Placement English Language and Composition and Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition.

ENL COURSES

ENL Literacy is the study of English as a New Language through reading, writing, grammar, and cultural enrichment. The ultimate goal is to gain academic English proficiency. Throughout the school year, students will develop a more extensive vocabulary, critical thinking skills, clearer communication skills, as well as stronger reading and writing skills.

COURSE SEQUENCE

ENGLISH 1

9th Grade English: Foundations of Language and Literature (Who Am I?)

Our 9th grade English course lays the foundation for the study of literature and storytelling at Media. Using literature that highlights the theme of Coming of Age, this course builds on students’ knowledge of literary elements in traditional literary genres with a lens on close reading and analysis. Emphasis is placed on the following skills: close reading, annotating texts, analysis of author’s development of characters, text-based questioning, evidence-based answers, writing process, accountable talk, and reflection. Research skills will also be introduced. Student portfolios will include: literary analysis essays, narrative vignette, I-Search paper, and students’ reflections on their learning process.

ENGLISH 2

10th Grade English: Advanced Language and Literature (What is my role in society?)

This course highlights the theme of Individual and Society and continues to strengthen students’ literacy skills with an emphasis on analyzing literature, graphic novels, poetry, drama, and non-fiction texts. Students will read the work of authors from around the world to explore essential questions regarding cultural identity, voice, justice, responsibility, and understanding different perspectives. In addition to the skills introduced in 9th grade English, this course will also emphasize: argument writing, rhetoric, MLA citation, and peer editing. Student portfolios will include: literary analysis essays, synthesis essays, and students’ reflections on their learning process.

ENGLISH 3

11th Grade English: The Language of Composition (The American Dream)

This course focuses on American literature, informational texts, and media to explore the theme of The American Dream. Students will continue to develop their skills in analyzing complex literary and informational texts. They will also continue to refine their skills in organizing and writing literary analysis essays and evidence-based arguments using MLA guidelines. Student portfolios will include: literary analysis essays, synthesis essay, and students’ reflections on their learning process. Students will take the English Language Arts Regents Examination at the end of EES85 (January).

ENGLISH 4

11th Grade English: The Language of Composition (The American Dream)

In this course, students will further develop their critical thinking skills with an emphasis on writing and reading. Students will practice their close reading, interpretation, and analysis skills through discussion and writing about literature and informational texts through the application of critical theories. In addition, the course emphasizes the development of students’ writing skills using a variety of strategies to plan, revise, and strengthen their writing. Student portfolios will include: literary analysis essays, personal essay (narrative/argument), research paper, capstone project, and students’ reflections on their learning process.