The high school English Department stresses the development of skills in reading and writing. In the area of reading, students are exposed to a variety of titles — classic and contemporary works, as well as multi-cultural titles. The emphasis is on teaching students to attain reading comprehension skills including analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and synthesis. Reading instruction also includes vocabulary development. In the area of writing, students are taught various types of writing including literary analysis, argumentation, narration, description and research. Emphasis is placed on writing clear, logical, well-documented papers, as well as developing a voice. Grammar is taught as part of the writing process with an emphasis on the construction of a sentence.  

Kathleen Skeals
to be new English supervisor

A former North Colonie English teacher, who also served as a reading and writing specialist and administrative intern, will return to the district on July 1 as the new English supervisor. » MORE

Tips for English success

To be successful in English, a student must:

• Keep up with daily homework assignments. This does not always mean written work, but often does mean reading a certain number of pages from the text being studied.

• Participate actively in class discussions. It is through class discussions that students learn to become critical thinkers and critical readers. Since such discussions are so important, many English teachers assign a grade for class participation.

• Turn in papers on time. English Department policy requires that students lose five points for each day a paper is turned in late. After five days, the paper will receive a zero. The English teacher will call home before a student receives a zero on a paper.

• Seek help after school. English teachers are available in their classrooms after school for extra help on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Students who are struggling with reading or writing or those who have fallen behind in their work are encouraged to see their classroom teachers after school. 

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