English

Student Development

While providing fair, constructive and critical assessments of students’ work, the Lemont High School English Department believes students should develop the following characteristics:

Competence in language skills commensurate with ability
Understanding of significant concepts and ideas pertinent to successful use of oral and written language, as well as to successful interpretation of traditional and visual texts
Appreciation for written and spoken discourse and their various subordinate elements
Competence in the utilization of higher order thinking skills as they relate to various language studies, especially synthesis, analysis, interpretation and problem solving
Effective use of digital sources to research, communicate and compose

Courses offered within the English curriculum help students develop competence in oral and written language skills, which leads to successful reading and interpretation of fiction and nonfiction tests. Additionally, students learn to utilize higher order thinking skills, specifically synthesis, analysis, interpretation and problem solving.

Student Expectations

Based on their abilities and course level, students shall:

Express themselves effectively and clearly in written and spoken discourse that is rich, authentic, meaningful and varied
Interpret and evaluate written and spoken discourse
Utilize primary and secondary resources within the research process
Identify various cultures expressed in literature and explain their influence on literature
Collaborate effectively within group settings

Grading Standards

Student grades are standards-based and a combination of performance in the areas of reading, writing, language, speaking and listening. Grades are determined based on a student’s performance in composition and classroom participation. Students enrolled in an Honors English course must attend from two to four Great Books sessions; the required number of sessions is determined in part by the length and complexity of texts studied. Great Books sessions are held either before or after school throughout the course of the year, and students are assessed on their preparation, participation and reflection.