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The English / Language Arts Program of Golden Valley High School is designed to provide all students with the necessary skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, and oral communication to succeed in high school and beyond. The California English / Language Arts Standards serve as the basis for all classes. Instruction and assessment in all classes are based on these standards but not limited to them. The rigor and relevance of the curriculum in all classes—college preparatory, honors, and advanced placement—are aimed at preparing students for post-high school education and the world of work. In addition to completing the usual forms of class assessment, students in all classes are required to complete the department and district benchmark assessments.

Students must complete 40 credits (8 courses) in English to meet graduation requirements. Upon completion of the ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade courses, students may select from a variety of courses for the last 10 hours credit. All English classes meet approval requirements for the University of California and the State University systems.

The more independent learner may want to choose the honors or AP course work for completion of graduation requirements. Although guidelines exist for placement in honors and AP courses, any student may request placement in these classes in order to explore individual interests and challenge abilities.

The English Honors and Advanced Placement courses at Golden Valley are offered to all interested and qualified students. This high level, challenging program offers assignments that provide deeper and broader literary and writing experiences for self-motivated students.

Students who wish to enroll in the honors program must meet or exceed three of the four following requirements:

In addition, each student must write a “letter of intent” that discusses student’s meetingthe requirements for the honors program. The letter must be one page typed (12 point font), explaining why the student wants to be in the Honors English Program. The letter should demonstrate the student’s best composition skills -- including spelling, punctuation, and grammar. A student must submit this letter each year he/she wishes to be enrolled in the honors or advanced placement program.

Students in the program must be willing to complete additional independent reading and writing assignments.

Possible Career Objectives for the Student with English Training *

*Communication skills (writing, reading, and speaking) are required in all careersand essential for success in college.

A classic is classic not because it conforms to certain structural rules, or fits certain definitions (of which its author had quite probably never heard). It is classic because of a certain eternal and irrepressible freshness. - Edith Wharton

Unless otherwise indicated, all English classes are college preparatory rigor and UC approved. Honors and Advanced Placement classes also meet the criteria.

Students who elect honors and advanced placement classes should be aware that,--although the William S. Hart School District still awards the additional grade point for these classes and includes it in calculating a student’s grade point average-- universities and colleges in California and outside the state reserve the right to disregard the additional point in calculating a grade point average.