Chairperson: Ann Catrillo

Overview

The English curriculum at East Stroudsburg High School - South is one of the core areas that service every student in the building. All students, from AP through basic level, are challenged to read, write, think, and discuss various forms of literature and apply this knowledge to our world today. Emphasis is placed on PSSA skills across all grades and all levels. This statewide test must be passed by juniors with a proficient or advanced score in order to complete their education. Within this core curriculum there are many electives that students may choose. Some options are: Science Fiction, Creative Writing, Newspaper, Yearbook Production, TV Studio, Broadcast Journalism, Drama, Public Speaking, Journalism, and SAT Prep. The core curriculum along with these choices provides students with a strong foundation in English.

Goals

1.Improve student achievement on the PSSA Reading and Writing Assessments through the design and delivery of instruction that emphasizes goals of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Reading and Writing, instruction that includes the skills and information form Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content for Reading, and use of PSSA Writing Rubric as a model for evaluating student writing.
2.Implementation of the online essay scorer every semester including final exams therefore maintaining the status of the English computer/writing lab.
3. Continue implementation of Reading Edge classes to support those students who need to strengthen their Reading and Writing skills in order to successfully complete the PSSA Reading and Writing Assessments and receive an ESASD high school diploma.
4.Continue to implement and access the summer reading program that has been incorporated into all levels of English for all students.
5.Incorporate newly acquired technology resources from Prentice Hall and/or Classrooms of the Future and GTO.
6.Implement common department finals for all core English courses.
7.Implement a data-driven approach to lessen planning by individual classroom teachers to enhance differentiation of instruction and implement instructional scheduling decision-making at the department level.
8.Encourage the spirit of collaboration among grade level instructors and the sharing of knowledge and technology resources and teaching materials.

Teachers