All students are taught to be proficient and thoughtful writers, and an essay exam is required for graduation. The English High School has initiated a transitional 9th grade program to prepare incoming students, including bilingual and special needs students, to pass the MCAS exam given in the 10th grade. We have hired full-time literacy and math specialists, who have a reduced teaching schedule. These specialists work closely with other teachers to ensure the latest instructional techniques are being brought into the classroom. We also offer a full afterschool tutorial program to 9th grade students.
Funds are available to provide additional instructional materials.
Teachers meet during a common planning time to maximize the delivery of these services. As with all Boston Public Schools, The English High is in the fifth year of implementation of the new standards-based Language Arts curriculum, the fourth year of math curriculum implementation, and the third year of the science curriculum implementation, and the second year of the new social studies curriculum. Thanks to our professional development meetings, our staff has been able to contribute extensively to the city-wide efforts to refine these new curricula. English High has identified several key goals for the 2000-01 school year. Focus on writing in all academic classes, in order to prepare students for the rigorous requirements of the MCAS exam and real-life writing situations.