- Ryan Gloyer Middle School
- Advanced English 7 Overview
Graham, M
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Welcome to Advanced English!
What should you expect?
Often, many parents and students do not know what to expect with regard to Advanced English. Below, I have provided a brief overview of the course and what to expect. In order to better understand this course, it is important that both parents and students take time to read the information below.
Unlike ELA in elementary school, English and reading in the Seneca Valley Middle School are two individual courses taught by different content area specialists. Because of this, the curriculum components in each course will be covered in more depth. Furthermore, students in each course will be required to analyze and apply their knowledge of the curriculum in both literature and writing. It is important to understand that English, in a sense, is a new course and can be rigorous and challenging for all seventh grade students regardless of placement level.
What’s the difference between English and Advanced English?
Because all students are required to learn and apply the PA Common Core Standards, essentially, the curriculum content is the exact same; however, there are significant differences that make this course more rigorous. The main differences between the two courses include the pace and level of instruction, the level of teacher guidance throughout the year, the value and accumulation of points, the level of reading materials covered, and assessment and assignment rigor. Because this is the very first time students in the Seneca Valley School District have ever experienced an advanced course in English, it is also important to note that even the strongest students will be challenged by the course curriculum. Furthermore, grades in an advanced level course are not the same as the grades earned in prior years, and every student will have to work for grades that may have come more easily in the past. To ensure that advanced placement is appropriate for students, a variety of variables helped the sixth grade teachers determine a student’s placement in this course. The variables taken into consideration included a student’s average grade, work ethic, NWEA scores, and a breakdown of specific standard scores received on the PSSA’s. Specific standards on the PSSA’s were taken into consideration because some standards assessed on the state test may be covered in reading while others are covered in English.
Advanced courses are designed to be rigorous and are taught at a much faster pace and require students to apply their knowledge of the content at a much deeper level. In order to ensure success in this course, students must meet all of the following:
- meet all prerequisite criteria for advanced placement (see Program of Studies for specific prerequisite criteria)
- in addition to comprehension, have a strength in literary and figurative analysis and writing (specific PSSA standards verified by previous teacher)
- be willing to accept and learn from mistakes
- be intrinsically motivated and self-reliant
- complete assignments with a high level of detail and effort
- develop self-study plans for tests and quizzes (includes studying in advance)
Students will be required to synthesize, analyze, judge, and create literary and figurative language elements, as well as other content embedded within the course curriculum on tests, writing assignments, and class projects. Furthermore, students are expected to apply their writing skills in other content area classes, including history, science, health, math, and reading/Purpose.
Layout of Covered Concepts
Literary and Figurative Analysis
In addition to defining the terms listed in the curriculum, students will be required to apply them when analyzing literature, movies, plays and poems. Most of the terminology was provided with the summer reading assignment. Additional terminology as well as the terminology received with the summer assignment will be reviewed in class. Being able to define the course terminology is imperative because it is the foundation for analyzing literature. If students do not know the definitions to terminology, they will not be able to succeed when applying and analyzing it in literature and writing. Please understand that analyzing and applying literary and figurative elements can be quite challenging and new for many 7th graders. As a method of instruction, I will use fast-pace gradual release. For example, with the exception of the summer reading assessment, I will provide explicit guidance and review all answers for the first few stories prior to the test; however, as time progresses, students will be required to become more independent, and answers on study guides/questions will not be provided prior to the test. Please understand that I cannot accurately assess a student’s ability to analyze literature if answers are continually provided. Students who do not complete study guides or questions for a test will not participate in small group and whole class discussions. Therefore, it is vital to complete all assignments.
Current state assessments require all students in 7th grade to analyze literature through questioning and writing. Heavy instruction on the analysis of literary and figurative elements will occur during the first semester; however, continued analysis assessments will occur the entire school year.
Writing
A variety of writing pieces will also be taught in advanced English. The students will be taught informational, argumentative, and narrative writing. While the informational essay structure will be taught during the first semester, a heavy emphasis on literary analysis writing (text-dependent analysis) will occur in the second semester. More rigorous grading and explicit writing instruction will occur during the second semester.
Tips for Success
- Use your planner
- Study in advance
- Complete all homework assignments
- Quizlet
- Attend school regularly
Quizlet is a free website that allows students to make flashcards, tests, and games with content covered in every course. You will need to assist your child in creating a free account. Students can add information into the site. Please understand that this site is not affiliated with the Seneca Valley School District.
Click here to download the class syllabus. A printed copy will be provided in class. A signed copy of this syllabus is due on Tuesday, September 4, 2018.