Language Arts

Language Arts Department



The study of Language Arts as a course is a four-year requirement for every high school student in the State of New Jersey. The English courses at South Hunterdon Regional High School are designed around and aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Language Arts Literacy. They are intended to capture language experiences all students need in order to grow intellectually, socially and emotionally and to promote students’ capacities to construct meaning in any arena. The standards encourage students to learn to read, write, speak, listen and view critically, strategically and creatively in order to use these skills individually and in groups throughout their lives.

Honors Program

In an effort to create a more challenging program, the English department has adopted a set of criteria which will serve as requirements for admissions to Honors level classes. Students are selected for Honors and AP English based on appropriate standardized test scores (GEPA/HSPA), a writing sample, B+ average regular English and teacher recommendation.

Students in the English Honors program read most of the same works of literature as students in other English classes, as well as additional novels, plays, poems, and short stories. The pace of Honors classes is therefore faster, with higher expectations for students to work independently. Honors students are required not only to read more, but also to respond to and write about literature with fluency, a sense of style, and greater depth of thought.

Honors students welcome the challenges of reading difficult works, offering insight in class discussions, and writing analytically as well as creatively. Work at this level requires a high degree of motivation and an appetite for reading, writing, and discussion.

College Preparatory Program

A “College Prep” program is offered for those students who plan to attend college but are not included in the Honors Program. Beginning in 9th grade, students who aspire to attend a two or four-year college will have the opportunity to explore literature and develop the writing and speaking skills needed to succeed in a university or college setting.

While the “College Prep” track will follow the curriculum established at each grade level, writing assignments will focus on literary analysis. Proficiency in the use of MLA format, advanced research skills and the proper usage of literary criticisms are essential at the “College Prep” level. Teacher and peer editing will also be an essential component of the course.

In addition to the study of literature, the college search, selection and application will be discussed and researched. Different components of the class, depending on grade level, might include guest speakers, college and course of study research projects, college tours (field trips), reflective journals and college essay drafting, editing and revision.
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