2011 Curriculum Night Farquhar Middle School

Thematic Units of Study Journeys Analytical & Interpretive Writing Community & The Utopian Concept Research paper Responsibility Comparison/Contrast Discoveries Shakespeare 8th7th Identity Argument Narrative Sense of Place Setting Essay Voices from the past Speech Imagination Character action

Advanced English vs. On-Level Humanities-use of history, the arts, music, visuals Extended writing instruction Independent projects Multiple novels per quarter Focus on evaluation, synthesis, and analysis

How are teacher recommendations made? Data MAP-R-above grade level score MSA-Advanced County semester exam performance Common task(writing) grades Observations Student work/study habits Capacity to work independently

What will be expected of my child?

Should my child enroll in this course? Your child should be Capable of completing Advanced English homework without absolutely needing your help all of the time. Capable of writing lengthy paragraphs using direct quotes and providing original analysis Interested in reading multiple novels per quarter. Interested in discussing literature, movies, history, poetry, short stories and how they connect. Able to juggle the 3-4 hours of weekly homework with other school work, chores, and extra-curricular activities.

What can I do to help ensure success for my child? Enroll your child in our summer writing course that is designed for the advanced student Examine feedback on assignments and discuss Allow for independent homework completion Discuss current events Visit museums Critically view movies, documentaries, and other visual media

Where can parents go for more information?

High School Credit-Advanced English 8 Elective high school credit Students must pass each semester A grade of A or B must be earned for each semester Students must pass the end of year final exam Grades below a B do not appear on the high school transcript Students who do not earn high school credit in the first semester do stay enrolled in the course