GEHRHSD Curriculum Guide 2026-27

ENGLISH

ENGLISH I Grade 9, 5 Credits

English I is a college preparatory academic course designed for students performing at or above grade level. It is required of all freshmen. Based on the NJ Student Learning Standards, it encompasses the areas of reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and technology with a focus on global awareness. Students will survey a variety of text including short fiction, short non-fiction, essays, articles, novels, plays, poems and podcasts. Topics and literature will come from around the world and span time. Students will read works from canonical authors such as Atwood, Confucius, Dickens, Homer, Hughes, Poe & Shakespeare, while also exploring the context of more modern voices like Sandra Cisneros, Chuck Klosterman & David Sedaris. Reading selections, audio-visual materials, classroom activities, and assessment tools are varied to accommodate all students. Students are introduced to and practice various writing modes such as narrative, descriptive, expository, argumentative and reflexive. Each mode will challenge students to consider the standards of credible research, citation and evidence. Honors English I is a college preparatory course designed for highly motivated students with outstanding ability. Content and thematic context of the course is aligned with English I. One additional course goal is to prepare students for Honors/AP level courses that may be taken in sophomore through senior years. Based on the NJ Student Learning Standards, critical reading, writing, language, speaking, and listening skills are refined in a rigorous academic environment in which students are expected to be able to work independently. Students selected for Honors English I should be highly proficient in their reading, writing, and organizational abilities. Student selection is based on multiple measures. HONORS ENGLISH I Grade 9, 5 Credits