English Department


David Giordano
giordanod@mdusd.org

Danielle Simon
simond@mdusd.org

Steve Clemmons
clemmonss@mdusd.org

Yuri Buechler
buechlery@mdusd.org

Robin Swanston
swanstonr@mdusd.org

The English classes at Olympic High School are designed to develop fluent readers, competent writers, articulate speakers, and active listeners. At the center of all learning in these courses is a strong vocabulary development and student engagement emphasis. Students will read a variety of literary and expository texts, provide response and analysis to the texts, and develop expository critiques. Students will write analytical, persuasive, and compare and contrast essays, revise and edit their writing, and demonstrate the use of Standard Written Edited English, including use of MLA Handbook formats.

Diverse instructional methods are utilized in order to differentiate instruction according to student need. All skills and concepts, methodology, materials, and projects are directly aligned with state and district English Language Arts standards. Olympic High School offers two English courses: English I/II and English III/IV.

Students are placed in English I/II if they have fewer than twenty English credits and/or if they have not passed the California High School Exit Exam. Mastery of the basic skills necessary for passing the Exit Exam is a focus of English I/II classes.

English III/IV is for students who have twenty or more English credits and have passed the California High School Exit Exam. All of Olympic’s English courses assign credit based on productive periods and student work.

Career Integrated Academics

                     Competencies with Activities

What do students need to know?

Competencies

Skills

Benchmarks

CIA Activity

 

All English I/II students:

 

Word Processing

 

 Know the industry standard software programs for Word Processing

 

Know the features and functions of a word-processing program

 Identify a word-processing program with features and functions

Use a word processing program to create a resume, know how to revise the resume for different purposes

2.2.3 write job applications and resumes that are clear and purposeful and address the intended audience appropriately

All English I/II

Students:

 

 

 

Presentation

 

Know the industry standard software programs for presentations

 

Know the features and functions of a presentation program

Identify a presentation program with features and functions

Create a presentation with a minimum of five slides that illustrates a student’s written First Person Biographical Narrative essay.  Include voice over narration.  Essays will be presented to peers

2.2.1. write biographical narratives that narrate a sequence of events and communicate their significance to the audience

 

All English III/IV

Students:

 

Word Processing

 

Know the industry standard software programs for Word Processing

 

Know the features and functions of a word-processing program

 Identify a word-processing program with features and functions

Use a word processing program to write a Personal Essay as part of a college application

2.2.1. write reflective compositions that explore the significance of personal experiences using rhetorical strategies

 

All English III/IV

Students:

 

Internet Use

 

Know how to use the internet to make an application

Know the features and functions of an application program

Find an application and navigate it successfully

Find the applicable website and then apply to DVC or Los Medanos on-line.   Application must be complete and ready for submission.

 

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