Incoming 9 th Grade Parent Night English and Social Studies Programs April Gonzalez, Supervisor of English and Social Studies Patrice Gorman, Chairperson of Social Studies January 19, 2012

English Program Presented by April Gonzalez

What criteria is used for placement in Freshman English?

NJ Ask Scores Eng I w/lab 205 or below NJAsk Eng I NJAsk Eng I Aca NJAsk Eng I Hon 260+ NJAsk

As well as: Current Placement Grades Observational Checklist Teacher Recommendation

How are we doing? Statistics on our placement decisions prove accurate and indicate a strong correlation between recommendations and success Only 2% of students recommended for English I with Lab were moved to English I in September. 67% of the students not recommended for Honors are not meeting prerequisite this year.

What is the difference between the four English courses? English I with Lab English I Academic English I Honors English I

Differences Literature studied beyond the core Pacing of the course Assignments and assessments (writing, homework, tests, etc.) Skills required

What reading and literature will be studied?

Major Works of Core Literature English IAca English IHon English I Buried Onions 2 books from list Silas Marner Raisin in Sun Romeo & Juliet The Odyssey Of Mice & Men Tale of Two… Separate Peace Jane Eyre Julius Caesar

What are the requirements for the Summer Reading Assignment for each level?

Summer Reading Assignments English I Read: Buried Onions Write: 2 open- ended prompts (HSPA style) Aca English I Read: Two books from List Choose two essential questions and write two paragraphs for each question using both books read to provide textual evidence Hon English I Read: Silas Marner Write: a theme- based literary analysis essay Read: 2 nd book Write: typed notes on literary elements for in- class timed writing

Can students move to another level the following year?

Yes If the student meets prerequisite grade of an A average and If the teacher recommends placement

What English electives are available for students?

Electives to meet 21 st Century Requirement: Journalism for the 21 st Century Writing for Film and Media in the 21 st Century

English Electives offered beyond grade 9: Internet and Newspaper Journalism Creative Writing African and American Literature Introduction to Film Comedy in Film and Television Fundamentals of Public Speaking Sports in Literature and Film

A.P. Courses Advanced Placement Language and Composition Advanced Placement Literature and Composition

Social Studies Program Presented by Patrice Gorman

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Name change reflects changes in our curriculum Better transition from Middle School and to US History Connects to current issues

Criteria used for placement in American Government

NJ Ask Scores Am. Gov NJAsk Academic AG NJAsk Honors AG250+ NJAsk

As well as: Current Placement Grades Observational Checklist Teacher Recommendation

What is the difference between the three American Government courses? American Government Academic AG Honors AG

Differences Level of support needed by the student  Honors must be independent, self-motivated learners Pacing of the course Difficulty of assignments and assessments (Research,writing, homework, tests, etc.) Skills required

What topics will be studied?

The Constitution Branches of Government Powers of Each Branch Checks & Balances

Citizenship and Elections The Responsibilities of Citizenship The Political Process: Local State National Political Parties and Candidates

The Amendments The Bill of Rights Freedom of Speech Freedom of Religion Search & Seizure The Justice System The Death Penalty

Social Justice Movements

The Role of Government in the Economy Fiscal Policy The Treasury The Federal Budget The Federal Debt Taxation and Spending The Business Cycle Inflation Trade Policy The Meltdown of 2008

Can students move to another level the following year?

Yes If the student meets prerequisite grades and If the teacher recommends placement

Elective Courses? While there are no 9 th grade Social Studies electives, students should consider…

AP U.S. History Honors students may qualify to move into AP US History in 10 th Grade Must meet prerequisite  90% in Honors American Government  90% Honors English This fulfills the 10 th grade US History requirement

Other AP Courses Grades11&12 AP Comparative Government and Politics AP US Government and Politics AP European History AP Psychology

Other Electives (Grades 11 & 12) IPLE (Political and Legal Education) Intro to Psychology Military History and Strategy The Vietnam Era Holocaust and Genocide Race, Class and Gender in America

Electives… Sociology Anthropology American Justice

Welcome to the High School! April Gonzalez Supervisor of English and Social Studies Patrice Gorman Chairperson of Social Studies