The Secondary Language Arts Department provides integrated language arts experiences at grades six, seven, and eight. These three courses integrate listening, speaking, writing, reading, and viewing. Students participate in readers and writers workshops and receive instruction in communication skills. Language instruction, writing as a process, and journal writing are also part of the language arts experience. Unlike the other two grades, Sixth Grade Language Arts is a two-period block in all buildings.
Language arts is a year-long course and is required at each grade level.
Individual buildings may be contacted for additional information about the reading instruction provided. Students are, however, strongly encouraged to take eight semesters of language arts as many colleges and universities require eight semesters prior to admittance. Most language arts courses are one semester in length. Beginning in grade ten, students are offered choices in the language arts courses they would like to take. Varied courses are offered to best meet student needs, learning styles, and interests.