English 7
Grade: 7
36 Weeks
Students read and study a variety of literature, building on an understanding of reading as a process that includes analyzing and comprehending texts.  Language study includes vocabulary building, learning about grammar, and spelling.  Through varied and frequent writing assignments, students build on their understanding of writing as a process that includes drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, and publishing.  They use writing to develop ideas and learn new concepts.  Students also learn discussion skills and oral communication skills, and learn to adapt speaking and listening to the audience, topic, purpose, and situation. Reading and writing competencies addressed in the Virginia Standards of Learning are incorporated into the course objectives.  Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.

Classroom Text:
Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes, Bronze Edition; Prentice Hall, 2000.
Write Source 2000; Great Source Education, 1999.

Possible Classroom Novels:
The Shakespeare Stealer
Hoot
Out of the Dust
The Call of the Wild
Letters From Rifka
No Promises in the Wind
The Outsiders
Lord of the Nutcracker Men
A Christmas Carol (Honors)
Much Ado About Nothing (Honors)
To Kill a Mockingbird (Honors)
The Taming of the Shrew (Honors)

English 8
Grade: 8
36 Weeks
Students read and study a variety of literature, building on an understanding of reading as a process that includes analyzing and interpreting the text. Language study includes vocabulary building, learning about grammar, and spelling. Through varied and frequent writing assignments, students build on their understanding of writing as a process that includes drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, and publishing. Students practice a variety of writing forms including informational/technical and essay writing. All students learn to adapt speaking and writing skills to the audience, topic, purpose, and situation. Reading and writing competencies addressed in the Virginia Standards of Learning are incorporated into the course objectives. Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.

Classroom Text:
Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes, Silver Edition; Prentice Hall, 2000.
Write Source 2000; Great Source Education, 1999.

Possible Classroom Novels:
Old Man and the Sea
The Pearl
Things Not Seen
Fahrenheit 451
To Kill a Mockingbird
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Red Pony
Spoon River Anthology
Fellowship of the Ring (Honors)
Pride and Prejudice (Honors)
House of the Scorpion (Honors)
A Separate Peace (Honors)

Action Literacy 7
Grade: 7
18 Weeks
The Action Literacy class is designed to strengthen students’ language arts skills using a variety of materials, strategies, and activities. Students will progress toward achievement of the following Standards of Learning and Promotion Benchmarks: 1) expanding and enhancing vocabulary through language and literature, 2) planning, composing, revising, and editing expository and creative writing, 3) understanding elements of literature, and 4) using print/electronic sources to locate information. The low student/teacher ratio will allow for instructional interventions, daily one-on-one assistance, and individualized assignments as needed. This elective course offers students an opportunity to improve reading and study skills. A wide range of materials is used to improve vocabulary and comprehension.

Reading
Grade 7 & 8
36 Weeks
A wide range of materials, both fiction and nonfiction, is used to improve vocabulary and comprehension. Students concentrate on reading for meaning through a variety of literature and content materials. This elective course offers students opportunities for reading improvement. Instruction is based on diagnosis of each student's needs. Reading competencies addressed in the Virginia Standards of Learning are incorporated into the course objectives.