ESL and Language Arts

All students will take a placement test at the end of each academic year. The placement decisions will be based on this test, as well as teacher recommendation, and course grades. The system of placement differs from each grade. Therefore, please refer to each course.

These courses do not necessarily correspond to the students’ English courses. Therefore, even if the student’s English level changes (Elementary, Intermediate, Honors), these assigned elective courses may not change.

Oral Communication 9 (Grade 9)
Students will develop their speaking and listening skills. The goal of this course is to raise students’ skills, as well as to acquire the love of learning and speaking English. The students must be ready to Speak, Take notes, Participate and Practice. The level of English will be mixed.

ESL10 (Grade 10)
The purpose of this course is to work on students’ basic grammar skills – from Verb Tenses, Prepositions, Phrasal Verbs, Pronouns and so on. In addition to grammar practice, there will be journal writing, giving short presentations, and note taking. Vocabulary and spelling activities will be based on not just vocabulary from the course, but words from other content areas as well.

Language Arts 10 (Grade 10)
The purpose of these classes is to improve and enrich the students’ language skills. The curriculum includes reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary development, and oral presentations. Students will be required to show steady improvement in theses essential skills.

Oral Communication 10 (Grade 10)
Students will develop their speaking and listening skills. In addition to the oral presentations, the students will create speeches, organize presentations, prepare a mock trial, write radio advertisements, and write drama scripts. The grade will be based on not only their performances, but also how a student positively and constructively participates in class.

Language Arts 11 (Grade 11)
The goal for this course is to increase fluency and confidence in all areas of English language development. The purpose of this class also includes inspiring each student to develop insight into American culture. Through various activities, students will achieve higher comprehension of English. Students will be required to show steady improvement in the essential skills.

Language Arts 12 (Grades 12)
This course is an elective course. This class will explore American culture, history, and various universal themes and social issues through the use of readings, discussion, and film. Students will conduct a number of projects and presentations in the course of the year. There will be an emphasis on the improvement of all skills; speaking, reading, vocabulary, and listening. Students will work on the TOEFL skills throughout the year. Enrollment will be limited and anyone in Intermediate/Honors English in the 11th grade will be taken on a space available basis.