English I introduces students to informational and literary genres, and is specifically aligned to the 2017 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for English I. In the course, students investigate the elements of nonfiction and literature through the critical analysis of texts that range from essays, speeches, articles and historical documents to a novella, a play, poetry, and short stories. As they develop their writing skills and respond to theses, students learn to formulate arguments and use textual evidence to support their position. Throughout the course, students learn to engage with a variety of media types through which they process and synthesize information, discuss material, create presentations, and share their work.
English I supports all students in developing the depth of understanding and higher order skills required by the TEKS. Students break down increasingly complex readings with close reading tools, guided instruction, and robust scaffolding as they apply each of the lesson's concepts back to its anchor text. Students build their writing and speaking skills in journal responses, discussions, frequent free response exercises, and written assignments and presentations, learning to communicate clearly and credibly in literary, argumentative, and informational styles. Throughout the course, students are evaluated through a diversity of assessments designed to prepare them for the content, form, and depth of the English I STAAR.
This course is built to fulfill the 2017 English Language Arts and Reading, English I TEKS.