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What is the difference among
the levels A, B, and H?
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While the basic curriculum
of all three levels is the same, and all three levels are college level
English courses, differences among the levels are based on pace, individualization,
and class size. "B" level classes exist on the ninth and tenth grade
levels to ensure that students receive the intense individualized skill
instruction needed to reach state standards by the end of the tenth
grade. In addition,
honors level courses require additional reading and writing assignments. |
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How does my child move to a different level of English? |
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Teachers constantly review student work and performance
with an eye to appropriate placement. Students who show consistent
improvement, high achievement, and diligence may be moved at the end of
a marking period into a higher level of English. Similarly, students
who are having difficulty in one level may be moved to a different level
into a smaller group setting so as to receive more individual attention
around needed skill development. Typically, the classroom teacher
initiates such moves, but student and parent concern is always welcome. The
English teacher and the Director must approve all changes. |
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How can I help my child with his English assignments? |
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In terms of studying for vocabulary and spelling tests
and quizzes, parents may help their children by "quizzing" them
on assigned words and reviewing vocabulary flashcards with them.
In terms of parents helping students with their writing, John Collins
describes a parent's role in the following way: "Parents
often ask, 'How can I help?' Let me make a few suggestions. Be
a helper and an encourager, not a critic. Provide a quiet place
to write with good lighting and a dictionary. Talk about the assignments
and help your son or daughter get lots of ideas. Look for good
things in the composition. And, if you are asked to review a composition,
read the composition out loud. Ask if it sounds right. You'll
be surprised at how many of his/her own mistakes he/she will be
able to hear." |
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How important is homework? |
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Homework is an important
aspect of the English program. All homework is checked and most
is graded. Students receive homework every night (typically averaging
one-half hour to an hour), and it is important that students complete
homework thoughtfully and fully.
When students are assigned reading homework,
it is extremely important that they read the assignment, take
notes/bookmark, and look up unfamiliar words. Very often, reading
assignments form the basis of the next day's lesson, so if the
student arrives
to English class without having read the assignment, he or she
cannot participate in the day's activities and will receive
a "0" for the
class.
Similarly, when drafts of papers are due on
a particular day, it is imperative that the student arrives with
a word-processed composition. Peer editing generally occurs on
the day a draft is due, so again, if the student arrives without
the assigned writing, he or she cannot participate in this important
part
of the writing process and will receive a
"0"
for the day. |
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