ASE Middle and High School ELA Course Description
Welcome to the ASE Middle and High School English Language Arts (ELA) Department, where we are committed to fostering a love of literature and developing
critical thinking skills in our students. Our department prides itself on maintaining the highest educational standards and providing a supportive, engaging learning
environment for all students.
Middle School ELA
In our Middle School ELA program, students engage in a comprehensive study of literature, language, and writing. The curriculum is designed to develop critical reading and analytical skills through the exploration of various genres and texts.
Students will:
Grade 6:
Focus on foundational skills in reading comprehension, literary analysis, and narrative writing. Key units include the study of classic myths, contemporary
fiction, and poetry. Students will learn to identify themes, analyze character development, and understand figurative language. Writing assignments will
emphasize narrative techniques and descriptive detail.
Grade 7:
Build on the skills acquired in Grade 6, with a deeper focus on argumentative and expository writing. Students will explore historical fiction, nonfiction, and drama, analyzing how setting and character interactions drive the plot. They will also study persuasive techniques and practice writing arguments supported by textual evidence.
Grade 8: Prepare for the transition to high school with advanced literary analysis and research-based writing. The curriculum includes a variety of texts such as novels, memoirs, and speeches, with an emphasis on thematic development and author’s purpose. Students will refine their skills in synthesizing information from multiple sources and presenting coherent arguments in both written and oral forms.
High School ELA
Our High School ELA program aims to foster a deep appreciation of literature and mastery of language. The curriculum is structured to prepare students for college-level reading and writing, with a focus on critical thinking and effective communication. Students will:
Grade 9:
Study a diverse range of literary genres, including novels, plays, and poetry, with an emphasis on analytical writing. Students will explore themes such as identity, conflict, and change, learning to cite textual evidence and develop sophisticated arguments. Writing assignments will include literary analysis, persuasive essays, and creative projects.
Grade 10:
Delve into world literature, examining texts from various cultures and historical periods. Students will analyze the use of literary devices and their impact on meaning and tone. They will also engage in research projects, learning to evaluate sources and present findings in a clear, logical manner. Writing will focus on comparative analysis and argumentative essays.
Grades 11-12:
Focus on American and British literature, with an emphasis on critical analysis and advanced writing skills. Students will study seminal works, exploring themes such as justice, freedom, and human nature.
They will also prepare for standardized tests and college-level writing, with practice in rhetorical analysis, synthesis essays, and research papers.
Throughout both Middle and High School, our ELA program is aligned with the Common Core State Standards, ensuring that students develop the skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning. Regular assessments, including formative and summative evaluations, provide feedback on student progress and guide instruction.
For additional practice, students can access linked IXL exercises, which offer targeted skill development and reinforcement of key concepts covered in the curriculum.