English
English Course Descriptions
English I (Regular, Resource, Honors, Gifted)- 1 year course
Grade 9
Prerequisite for Honors Enrollment: A or B in 8th grade English; Mastery or Advanced on LEAP 2025; and teacher recommendation.
Students receive instruction in: traditional grammar, paragraph development, vocabulary, study skills, researching information resources, writing, and critical reading of drama, short stories, essays, poetry, and novels. Students are expected to apply the fundamentals of mechanics and usage to composition assignments. All students are required to take the English I LEAP2025 test in the spring semester, upon completion of the B portion of the course. A passing score on the LEAP2025 is required for graduation.
English II (Regular, Resource, Honors, Gifted)- 1 year course
Grade 10
Prerequisite: English I
Prerequisite for Honors Enrollment: A or B in English I; Mastery or Advanced on Eng. I LEAP 2025; and teacher recommendation.
Students receive instruction in: grammar, composition, library skills, vocabulary, study skills, research, writing, and literature. Students are expected to apply the fundamentals of mechanics and usage to composition assignments, which focus primarily on expository and persuasive essays. All students are required to take the English II LEAP2025 test in the spring semester, upon completion of the B portion of the course. A passing score on the LEAP2025 is required for graduation.
English III (Regular, Resource, Honors, AP) - 1 year course
Grade 11
Prerequisite: English I, II
Prerequisite for Honors Enrollment: A or B in English II; Mastery or Advanced on Eng. II LEAP 2025; and teacher recommendation.
Students receive instruction in: chronological review of American literature, research paper, speaking, listening, note taking, outlining, analyzing oral and written material, study skills and library usage for research as well as essay writing.
English IV (Regular, Honors)- 1 year course
Grade 11, 12, Prerequisite: English I, II, III, Prerequisite for Honors: A or B in English III and teacher recommendation.
Students receive instruction in the following areas: literature by British authors, evidence-based analytical writing, speaking, listening, essay-writing process including research-based writing, analysis and use of literary and informational texts, and library usage as part of the writing process.
English IV (Dual Enrollment)- 1 year course
Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: English I, II, III
Prerequisite for DE: A or B in English III and teacher recommendation.
Students receive instruction in the following areas: essay writing, chronological review of British literature, speaking, listening and evaluating of written material. Dual enrollment credit with Southeastern Louisiana State University. Courses completed are English IV high school requirement of British Literature and English 101 and 102 at collegiate level (extensive essay writing). Requires a minimum ACT score of 18 in English.
Business English (4th English for Tops Tech students)- 1 year course
Grade 12
Prerequisite: English I, II, III
Students will enhance written and verbal communication skills that are essential to success in business organizations and industry. Students are expected to read, comprehend, interpret, and analyze literary and informational texts and to create and publish documents such as reports, essays, letters, commercials, and technical manuals. Students study rhetorical devices and persuasive techniques and apply research skills to identify a successful career path.
TECHNICAL WRITING
Grades 9-12
This course includes the skills in verbal and written communication that students will need to be successful in the workplace. Students will know and use the terminology in their chosen field of work. They will understand, summarize, interpret, and compare information from simple and complex graphics to identify trends and to make informed decisions. They will also demonstrate proficiency in writing and presentation skills by producing different technical writing products, including formal research reports, formal presentations, and workplace writing.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
Grades 9-12
ESL I, II, III, IV are available for qualifying students through the ESL Program. These courses develop proficiency skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing from beginning to advanced levels and expand vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension through the content areas. Emphasis is placed on contextual understanding, linking to real-life experiences, interactive communication, and personal expression. The focus is on developing cognitive academic language proficiency and the vocabulary essential for acquiring classroom survival skills, while at the same time expanding the basic interpersonal communicative skills required to function successfully in daily life.