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Spanish Springs HS
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English 1-2
English 1-2 Course #1201-1202
Full Year = 1 credit
This one-year course will provide the fundamentals of communication skills – reading, writing, speaking, and listening-- using the Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS) to guide and focus instruction. Through the reading of a variety of high-quality contemporary works, classical literature, and literary nonfiction, students will continue to develop the reading comprehension skills and reading strategies required to be highly literate individuals. Students will engage in both short and long-term writing assignments in three main genres--argument, informative/explanatory, and narrative--as well as use writing to comprehend text. Language instruction will focus on the balance between rules and manipulating language for the purpose of craft. Research and technology will be embedded throughout the course. The course will be taught using a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work with a focus on meaningful student discussion.
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Foundations in English 1-2- IEP Placement required
Foundations in English 1-2 Course #7751-7752
Full Year = 1 credit
Prerequisite: IEP Placement
This course is designed for Special Education students who have the skills to complete English 1-2, but need to be in a smaller class environment. This one-year course using the Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS) will provide the fundamentals of communication skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening-- necessary for college and career readiness in a twenty-first century, globally competitive society. Through close reading of a variety of high-quality contemporary works, classical literature, and literary nonfiction, students will continue to develop the reading comprehension skills and reading strategies required to be highly literate individuals. Students will engage in both short and long-term writing assignments in three main genres--argument, informative/explanatory, and narrative--as well as using writing as a way to comprehend text. Language instruction will focus on the balance between rules and manipulating language for the purpose of craft. Research and technology will be embedded throughout the course. The course will be taught using a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work with a focus on meaningful student discussion. This course will be taught by a Special Education teacher who is HQ in English.
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English 1-2 (H)
English 1-2 (H) Course #1203-1204
Full Year = 1 credit (Honors)
Prerequisite: Admission into English 1-2 (H) will be based on the student’s previous performance in both reading and writing. Teacher recommendation, current reading level, writing samples, and standardized test scores may be considered; however, a student’s motivation and desire to participate in upper-level English courses should be the primary consideration.This one-year course, designed for the highly motivated student, has strong compositional and critical thinking demands. The course will focus on reading for greater comprehension and pleasure, writing clearly and concisely for different purposes, refining grammar and fluency skills, and developing formal vocabulary. Basic skills in grammar and composition are assumed. Emphasis will also be placed on demonstrating presentation, research, and problem-solving skills through unit projects. Literature will include short text from a variety of sources as well as novels. The class stresses the writing process: writing for different purposes and audiences; grammar and sentence structure as tools for individual writing skills development; language usage; literary terms and genres; library research; vocabulary improvement; encouragement of creativity; and the development of critical thinking. Students are expected to demonstrate an above average maturity level, demonstrate a positive attitude toward education and work tasks, and be cooperative in group learning situations.
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English 3-4
English 3-4 Course #1211-1212
Full Year = 1 credit
This one-year course will continue to develop the fundamentals of communication skills – reading, writing, speaking, and listening—using the Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS) to guide and focus instruction. Through close reading of a variety of grade-appropriate, high-quality contemporary works, classical literature, and literary nonfiction, students will continue to develop the reading comprehension skills and reading strategies required to be highly literate individuals. Students will engage in both short and long-term writing assignments in three main genres--argument, informative/explanatory, and narrative--as well as use writing to comprehend text. Language instruction will focus on the balance between rules and manipulating language for the purpose of craft as well as building an extensive vocabulary. Research and technology will be embedded throughout the course. The course will be taught using a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work with a focus on meaningful student discussion.
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Foundations in English 3-4 IEP Placement required
Foundations in English 3-4 Course #7755-7756
Full Year = 1 credit
Prerequisite: IEP Placement
This course is designed for Special Education students who have the skills to complete English 3-4 but need to be in a smaller class environment. This one-year course using the Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS) will continue to develop the fundamentals of communication skills – reading, writing, speaking, and listening-- necessary for college and career readiness in a twenty-first century, globally competitive society. Through close reading of a variety of grade-appropriate, high-quality contemporary works, classical literature, and literary nonfiction, students will continue to develop the reading comprehension skills and reading strategies required to be highly literate individuals. Students will engage in both short and long-term writing assignments in three main genres--argument, informative/explanatory, and narrative--as well as using writing to comprehend text. Language instruction will focus on the balance between rules and manipulating language for the purpose of craft as well as building an extensive vocabulary. Research and technology will be embedded throughout the course. The course will be taught using a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work with a focus on meaningful student discussion. This course will be taught by a Special Education teacher who is HQ in English.
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English 3-4 (H)
English 3-4 (H) Course #1213-1214
Full Year = 1 credit (Honors)
Prerequisite: Admission into English 3-4 (H) will be based on the student’s previous performance in high school English. Teacher recommendation, current reading level, writing samples, and standardized test scores may be considered; however, a student’s motivation and desire to participate in upper-level English courses should be the primary consideration.
This one-year course, designed for the highly motivated student, focuses on skills and strategies in reading, writing, speaking, listening, research, vocabulary, and mechanics. Students will read at least five literary forms: short story, nonfiction, autobiography, novel, drama, and poetry. Student writing will be varied, including narrative, literary analysis, creative writing, poetry, argument and research. The course will include a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work.
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English 5-6
English 5-6 Course #1231-1232
Full Year = 1 credit
This Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS) aligned, one-year course will strengthen and expand students’ skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening necessary for college and career readiness in a twenty-first century, globally competitive society. Through reading of a variety of grade-appropriate, high-quality contemporary works, seminal U.S. documents, the classics of American literature, and literary nonfiction, students will gain the capacity to challenge complex texts in all subjects. Students will engage in both short and long-term writing assignments in three main genres--argument, informative/explanatory, and narrative--as well as use writing to comprehend text. Language instruction will focus on the balance between rules and manipulating language for the purpose of craft; and students will continue to build an extensive vocabulary. Research and technology will be embedded throughout the course. The course will be taught using a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work with a focus on meaningful student discussion.
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Foundations in English 5-6 IEP Placement required
Foundations in English 5-6 Course #7729-7730
Full Year = 1 credit
Prerequisite: IEP Placement
This course is designed for Special Education students who have the skills to complete English 1-2, but need to be in a smaller class environment. This one-year course will provide the fundamentals of communication skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening-- necessary for college and career readiness in a twenty-first century, globally competitive society. Through close reading of a variety of high-quality contemporary works, classical literature, and literary nonfiction, students will continue to develop the reading comprehension skills and reading strategies required to be highly literate individuals. Students will engage in both short and long-term writing assignments in three main genres--argument, informative/explanatory, and narrative--as well as using writing as a way to comprehend text. Language instruction will focus on the balance between rules and manipulating language for the purpose of craft. Research and technology will be embedded throughout the course. The course will be taught using a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work with a focus on meaningful student discussion. This course will be taught by a Special Education teacher who is HQ in English.
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English 5-6 (H)
English 5-6 (H) Course #1233-1234
Full year = 1 credit (Honors)
This course offers highly motivated students an advanced and in-depth study of American literature, exploring the diverse voices, themes, and historical contexts that have shaped the nation’s literary tradition. Students will engage with a wide range of texts, including novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and non-fiction works, by authors pivotal American authors. Students will develop advanced writing skills through various essays, research papers, and creative projects that explore the complexities of American literature. The course also prioritizes critical reading, fostering the ability to identify and evaluate rhetorical strategies and literary techniques. Additionally, the course emphasizes the development of strong communication skills through class discussions, debates, and presentations, encouraging students to engage deeply with the material and with their peers. The honors-level pacing and expectations are designed to challenge students, preparing them for success in advanced course work.
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English 5-6/American Studies (H)
English 5-6/American Studies (H) Course #1241-1242
Full year = 1 credit (Honors)
This two-period-block, two-credit, cross-curricular course will combine the study of American history and American literature and will satisfy the U.S. history requirement and one credit of English. The course will be taught by two teachers - one from the Social Studies Department and one from the English Department. A major part of the class depends upon group and class discussions, oral presentations, and hands-on activities, and requires a high level of maturity and ability to participate. The students will also be required to read a variety of literary forms: several novels, short stories, poems, and narrative pieces as well as reading from the class textbooks. Several different styles of writing will also be explored: collaborative essays, informative/expository, analytical, descriptive, narrative, persuasive, research, and argument. Students will leave this course with a mastery understanding of author perspective and bias, deeper meanings through authors use of allusions, symbols and literary devices, critical thinking, analyzing, sourcing and close reading skills required for college and career readiness. This course will be taken in conjunction with American Studies (H) course #4149-4150.
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English 101- Concurrent Enrollment UNR
English 101 Course #14151-14152
1 year = 1.0 English credit; 3 UNR credits
Suggested grade: 11th or 12th
Fee: $75
This is a concurrent enrollment class offered in collaboration with the University of Nevada-Reno at Spanish Springs High School during the normal school day.
This college course is a writing intensive course designed to strengthen college level writing skills, with particular attention to persuasion, analysis, synthesis, and an introduction to research methodologies. Focus on process through drafting, revising, and editing is emphasized. Conventions of standard English are reviewed. Additionally, critical reading strategies of college level texts are developed. Expectations for this course are determined by the partner University/College. To be enrolled in the class, students must maintain consistent attendance.
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Transitions English- IEP Placement required
Transition English Course #7745-7746
One Year = 1.0 math credit
Prerequisite: IEP Placement
This course is for the third and fourth year high school student receiving special education services and may be repeated once for credit (total 2 credits). A fifth year special education student may be enrolled in Transition English for a third year for credit (total 3 credits). This course is designed to improve skills taught in previous grades plus life skills and job readiness. First semester content includes self-inventories, identifying strengths and aptitudes, knowing rights and responsibilities, self-advocacy, and transition planning. Second semester content includes how to look for and get a job, resume and cover letter writing, and the interview process. Year long goals include use of technology, work place reading and writing skills, understanding work place norms, communication skills, life skills and managing money. Community based job training experience is open to those who meet job readiness criteria.
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English 7-8
English 7-8 Course #1251-1252
Full Year = 1 credit
This Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS) aligned, one-year course will reflect the culmination of skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening necessary for college and career readiness in a twenty-first century, globally competitive society, and reflects the integration of the Nevada Academic Content Standards and student learning outcomes from Early College English. The course will focus on both short and long-term writing assignments in three main genres--argument, informative/explanatory, and narrative—necessary to prepare students for college-level writing. Additionally, writing will be generated from the critical reading of a variety of grade-appropriate, high-quality contemporary works, classical literature, and literary nonfiction primarily focused on British and world authors. Students will continue to gain literary and cultural knowledge and the capacity to challenge complex texts in all subjects. Students at this level should have mastered the conventions of Standard English and language instruction should focus on manipulating language for the purpose of craft. Students will continue to build an extensive vocabulary. Research and technology will be embedded throughout the course. The course will be taught using a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work with a focus on meaningful student discussion.
NOTE: This class may be offered Zero period based upon enrollment numbers. Course numbers for students interested in Zero period are 1013-1014.
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English 7-8 Psychology in Literature (H)
English 7-8 Psychology in Literature - Honors Course #1515-1516
Full Year = 1 credit (Honors)
This is a course that examines the psychological aspects, relationships, and value in works of fiction. It provides opportunities for students to explore behaviors and mental processes in themselves, their environment, and the fictional characters, issues, and worlds read in selected literary works. The writing strand will integrate with speaking and listening and research strands to produce a multi-media presentation that will serve as a capstone for the course. Students will read, analyze, and critique a variety of texts both fiction and non-fiction. Students will: develop literacy skills necessary for success after high school, become familiar with various psychology terms, concepts, and theories and apply them personally, environmentally, and in the critical analysis of the literature and film studied, use analytical understandings for intellectual, emotional, and behavioral growth, and understand how literary analysis can have a therapeutic effect. Literature and non-fiction will focus on psychological perspectives of authors and characters. The course will be taught using a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work. Completing homework is an integral part of the in-class activities in this class. The maturity and time management to assure work is ready for class is also a requirement.
NOTE: This class may be offered Zero period based upon enrollment numbers. Course numbers for students interested in Zero period are 1015-1016.
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English 102- Concurrent Enrollment UNR
English 102 – Composition II
Full year = 1 credit (Advanced Dual Credit) Course #14159-14160
Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 101
Fee: $75
This is a concurrent enrollment class offered in collaboration with the University of Nevada-Reno at Spanish Springs High School during the normal school day.
This college course is a continuation and extension of English 101 with an exploration of essay forms with particular attention to interpretation, analysis, and synthesis, while emphasizing analytical reading and writing, critical thinking, and research methodologies. Expectations for this course are determined by the partner University/College. To be enrolled in the class, students must maintain consistent attendance.