The Purpose of the new District Curriculum Framework is to increase achievement by aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessments to state standards. Additional reading selections and material will be supplemented on an as needed basis.
Grading Policy:
Classwork and Homework 15% *MIDTERM EXAM:
Quizzes 15% Counts 1/3 of the cumulative
Essays/Writing 20% average!!
Tests 25%
Projects 25%
Unit #1: The Short Story
In the textbook:
1. “The Cask of Amontillado” (pg. 56)
2. “The Necklace” (pg. 196)
3. “The Gift of the Magi” (pg.114)
4. “The Lumber Room” (pg. 252)
Guiding Questions:
· What criteria do characters use to safeguard against making poor choices, and why do they choose those criteria?
· How do characters effectively deal with danger once they realize they are in difficult situations?
· Is making a sacrifice in life rewarding?
· How well do the characters’ dreams mesh with reality?
· How can a person navigate life’s journey successfully if the journey allows one to make mistakes?
Unit #2: Historical Fiction
Core Novel Excerpts: The Things They Carried By: Tim O’Brien
1. Chapter 1: “The Things They Carried”
2. Chapter 3: “Spin”
3. Chapter 4: “On the Rainy River”
4. Chapter 5: "Friends"
5. Chapter 6: "Enemies"
6. Chapter 9: "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong"
In the Textbook: “The Charge of the Light Brigade” (pg.444-445)
Guiding Questions:
· Why is historical fiction a good vehicle for sharing war stories?
· How is the truth or accuracy included in historical fiction?
· Why do people choose symbols to represent their attitudes in times of duress?
· How do people’s beliefs influence their understanding of events?
· Why do the things a person carries reveal the person’s character?
Unit #3: Literary Elements in a Novel
Core Novel: The Autobiography of My Dead Brother
By: Walter Dean Myers
In the Textbook: “A Theme for English B” (pg. 552)
Guiding Questions:
· How do outside forces help or hinder the choices people make?
· How does the environment influence the choices Rise makes?
· How does the environment influence the choices Jesse makes?
· How does one deal with the uncertainty of accomplishing distant dreams?
· Why are family relationships hard to navigate?
- How do Jesse’s relationships with his family shape his development