2011 Curriculum NightFarquhar Middle School

Thematic Units of StudyJourneys

Analytical & Interpretive Writing

Community & The Utopian ConceptResearch paper

ResponsibilityComparison/Contrast

DiscoveriesShakespeare

8th7th•Identity•Argument•Narrative

•Sense of Place•Setting Essay

•Voices from the past•Speech

•Imagination•Character action

Advanced English vs. On-LevelHumanities-use of history, the arts, music,

visuals Extended writing instructionIndependent projectsMultiple novels per quarterFocus on evaluation, synthesis, and analysis

How are teacher recommendations made?

DataMAP-R-above grade level scoreMSA-AdvancedCounty semester exam performanceCommon task(writing) grades

ObservationsStudent work/study habitsCapacity to work independently

What will be expected of my child?

Should my child enroll in this course?

Your child should beCapable 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 completionDiscuss current eventsVisit museumsCritically view movies, documentaries, and

other visual media

Where can parents go for more information?

http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/english/

High School Credit-Advanced English 8

Elective high school creditStudents must pass each semester A grade of A or B must be earned for each

semesterStudents must pass the end of year final examGrades below a B do not appear on the high

school transcriptStudents who do not earn high school credit in

the first semester do stay enrolled in the course