The
foundation of a modern, democratic society is a literate citizenry
capable of making informed choices. To help students make
informed choices, the English Department teaches students
to understand, present, and evaluate ideas, information, and
opinions.
Because
citizens in a democratic society have to function as individuals
and as members of groups, the English Department encourages
both individual and collaborative efforts from our students.
English teachers present students with opportunities for language
experiences that assist them in succeeding as responsible
members of society. They present students with a variety of
methodology, including technology, commensurate with students’
ability levels and learning styles.
English
teachers respect all students by viewing students’ writing
as a process. The staff helps students develop their own writing
style in order to express their own voice. This voice becomes
authentic through articulate teacher instruction and consistent
student effort.
Teachers
respect the open discussion of ideas essential to a democratic
society. By presenting students with significant works of
literature, teachers help students understand and evaluate
important ideas.
Because
the staff knows learning is strengthened and reinforced when
individual units of instruction are related to previous knowledge,
they encourage appropriate connections between what students
are learning and what they have learned.
Among
department members collegiality and the sharing of ideas are
essential priorities. Department leaders encourage teachers
to function not only as individual classroom teachers, but
also as members of teaching teams and instructional planning
teams.
All
teachers in the English Department expect their students to
be independent thinkers and readers, and coherent writers.
