English IIH - QL Pre-Advanced Placement English - 10th Grade

Course Description – English II Honors/Quantum Leap Program

English Honors II promotes excellence in English language arts through the study of world literature. This course provides instruction in universal themes found in world literature as well as in the critical analysis of various genres in that literature. Composition instruction emphasizes the creative, technical, and traditional academic modes of writing through the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing); frequent timed and un-timed practice is provided. The study of language includes usage, mechanics, and other conventions of standard written English as they relate to students’ writing. Formal and informal speaking opportunities are provided. Vocabulary study is done in conjunction with reading and literature. Technology is incorporated into all aspects of the course. (fr. Broward Schools Curriculum - Language Arts)

The English Honors II/Quantum Leap course builds on the above description, but goes beyond it. The course is designed as part of a Vertical Team program, reaching backward to middle school and forward to Advanced Placement English.  The course builds off of the ninth grade English Honors I/Quantum Leap course and continues with content specific to the accelerated study of English in preparation for the college-level courses, and the Advanced Placement examination(s).

Students participating in the Quantum Leap program are expected to be highly-motivated, self-directed students, who are willing to accept a higher degree of rigor in their assignments, more challenging reading comprehension work, and more extensive study/knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.

Although students will be taking the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test for Writing and Reading Comprehension during tenth grade, the focus of the course will be on skills that exceed the standards of that test.  The course prepares students for entry into Advanced Placement English Language and Composition in their eleventh grade – a college-level course.  In light of this, the class maintains high standards in student discipline.  Attendance is critically important; attention during class is critical; pacing oneself and using good time management skills is necessary to succeed.

Students are not permitted to turn in writing assignments late, unless that assignment was issued on a day when the student was absent AND the absence was excused within 48 hours.  The students will have two days from their first day back to submit the late assignment or schedule a make-up test. If a student is absent on a day when a writing assignment is due, the assignment must be submitted electronically or brought to school by a parent or peer.

Students will be permitted one “For Use in Case of Emergency” card per semester to be used when they cannot turn in an assignment. This Emergency card CANNOT be used for vocabulary tests, novel tests, projects, or essays.

Unless otherwise stated, all at-home writing assignments will be typed according to the format prescribed by the instructor.  Students are encouraged to use the computer facilities offered by the school’s media center before and after school.

Grades will be based on points earned out of points possible. Grades are calculated on the Pinnacle system.

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