Educational Philosophy

Proficiency in English is an essential component of education in the United States. An ability to understand and communicate in English is fundamental to the preservation of our democratic system and to the well-being of its citizens.

Guiding Principles

An essential component of education and the learning process is the development of proficiency in the arts of language. The ability to articulate and respond to complex ideas is a requirement of participatory citizenship and ultimately allows each of us to be more fully human.

• Speak and write clear, idiomatic English.
• Engage in the writing process, from pre-writing to editing and peer feedback to revision.
• Develop voice and depth in both personal and literary papers
• Develop confidence, independence and critical judgment relative to ones own work.
• Understand as fully as possible what is read.
• Increase understanding of self and others through literature.
• Develop standards of judgment and taste in literature.
• Find enduring pleasure and value in reading good books.

Courses

In order to realize these objectives, students will be grouped homogeneously. Grade l0-12 English Courses will be divided into honors (H), Accelerated/Enriched (AE), College Prep (CP) and Standard Prep (SP), each level doing work commensurate with ability.

Freshman English, English l, is less finely divided, with only Honors students being homogeneously grouped. SP courses stress improvement of practical communication skills and employ high interest materials and shorter length reading and writing assignments. CP courses are designed for the majority of students, i.e., those who have an adequate command of communication skills but desire to improve them. AE courses are designed to challenge those who have a superior command of reading and writing skills, and wish to pursue their studies in greater depth. Honors/AP classes are designed to accommodate those students whose academic interests and abilities will be fulfilled in analytical work and in independent study.

To meet the requirements of the English Department, each student will complete a four-year fundamental program. Individualized English for freshmen (#115) and sophomores (#126 ) meets this requirement, as does the ninth grade Transition Program course (#151). These three offerings are by teacher recommendation  only. Creative Writing (#161) does not fulfill department requirements.

Read the Program of Studies for more information.

Staff

Dianne Telicki, Regional Department Chair
Telephone: (978)264-4700 extension 3477
Fax: (978)266-1133
E-mail: dtelicki@mail.ab.mec.edu

Maria Anthony, Beth Baker, Andrew Crick, Katilyn Crowley, Mark Deming, Daniel Goldner, Genevieve Hammond, Laura Hirshfield, Stephanie Hoban, Katherine Kennedy, Kate Kuhn, Joan Lenington, Blake Lochrie, Jerry McDonald, Elizabeth Morris, Emily Mullin, Kristin Penta, Jane Reynolds, Sarah Scott, Carolyn Smiley, Liz Walker