English Language Arts

English at Warren Hills

English Language Arts instruction at Warren Hills develops students' language, writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills so that they are prepared to be excellent communicators and consumers of information in their "life beyond Warren Hills." This is aligned with the expectations of the New Jersey Department of Education's vision for English education:

• develop the necessary skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening that are the foundations for creative and purposeful expression in language;
• read rich, challenging texts that build their knowledge of the world, grow their confidence and identities as readers, and develop critical thinking skills and vocabulary necessary for long term success;
• engage in regular, meaningful, writing authentic tasks, exploring valued topics, writing for impact and expression, and sharing their work with others;
• leverage complex texts and digital media to develop comprehension, active listening, and discussion skills;
• ground daily writing and discussion in evidence, fostering an ability to read critically build arguments, cite evidence, and communicate ideas to contribute meaningfully as productive citizens; 
• evaluate the reliability, credibility, and perspective of authors and speakers across all forms of media;
• express ideas and knowledge through a variety of modalities and media, and serve as effective communicators who purposefully read, write, and speak across multiple disciplines;
• learn to persist in reading complex texts, establishing lifelong habits to read voluntarily for pleasure, for further education, for information on public policy, and for advancement in the workplace.

The coursework draws from a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction texts, dramas, short stories, biographies, poems, and other forms of literature across many different genres, eras, and civilizations, and all of our curricula ar aligned to the 2023 NJ Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts. The curriculum for each course blends selections from the traditional canon studied in secondary education with more contemporary authors and works, and as much as possible provides students the opportunity to choose their own titles to read and study. Writing is taught and practiced for a variety of academic, communicative, and literary tasks, and throughout each year students are given the opportunity to improve and extend their reading and writing stamina. Students are also prepared for success on standardized tests needed for high school graduation and post-secondary education admissions. Upon completion of the English program students are prepared for the professional world, or post-secondary education, and graduation from Warren Hills.

Encouraging Student Literacy

Parents and guardians play an integral role in fostering literacy and life long reading habits in their children. The English Department believes that there is value in students reading any type of text (traditional or digital) on topics of interest to them, and parents engaging in conversation with their children about what they are reading.

Graduation Requirement

At least 20 credits in English is required for a high school diploma by the State of New Jersey, in addition to passing the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) administered in the 11th Grade. Each year students are assigned 1 required 5-credit English course to satisfy the graduation requirement. Our department also offers a high-interest and exciting elective program that strengthens students' content knowledge and skills in English while allowing students to explore Career Pathways in literature and the humanities.