English/Language Arts & Media Science

Supervisor:  Ms. Jaqueline Brownell
856.778.6600  x12310
[email protected]

Association for Library Services to Children

The K-6 Reading Curriculum is based on the knowledge that children learn from direct and explicit instruction. Lessons are grouped into units of study which are designed to support vertical articulation of reading strategies, including word-solving, monitoring for sense, predicting, questioning, visualizing, inferring, determining importance, making connections, and responding to text. The reading curriculum is part of the larger Balanced Literacy Framework. All students receive instruction that includes a mini-lesson providing direct instruction, small group guided/strategy lessons or literature study, partnerships, and pupil-teacher conferences.

Grades K-6: WRITING CURRICULUM

The K-6 Writing Curriculum is based on the knowledge that children learn from direct and explicit instruction. Lessons are grouped into units of study which are designed to support vertical articulation. Units may vary according to grade level, increase in sophistication, and address a variety of writing skills such as focus, detail, structure, clarity, and proper conventions. This curriculum promotes studying exemplar texts, planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. The writing curriculum is part of the larger Balanced Literacy Framework. All students receive instruction that includes a minilesson providing direct instruction, small group strategy lessons, partnerships, and pupil-teacher conferences.

Grades 7-8: LANGUAGE ARTS CURRICULUM

The 7th and 8th Grade Language Arts Curriculum follows the Common Core State Standards Initiative for English Language Arts. Students will read a variety of stories, dramas, poetry, as well as literary non-fiction and historical, scientific, and technical texts. Students will continue to build their writing skills via different outlets, including but not limited to journals, essays, and poetry. Students will engage in timed writing responses on a regular basis with emphasis on interpreting the prompt, elaborating during their responses, and understanding the state rubric and how it applies to their writing.  Mini-inquiries will be utilized to enhance research skills and to help students avoid plagiarism. Grammar and vocabulary are incorporated throughout all classroom activities with particular focus to these areas given during craft lessons. Students participate in discussions and oral presentations. The overall goal is to foster an appreciation of literature, to communicate effectively through writing and speaking, and to develop self expression.
 
Grades 9-12: ENGLISH PROGRAM

The English Department of Moorestown High School believes that language creates form and gives expression to the students’ general awareness of self and others, enabling them to survive and prosper in a complex, changing world. Using an integrated language arts approach, reflective of the New Jersey Common Core State Standards for reading, writing, listening, speaking, and media literacy, the English Department strives to develop the intellectual and practical skills of its students.

All students are required by the state of New Jersey to take four years of English. Students must also pass the reading and writing components of the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA), which is administered during the junior year. Students who do not meet the state standards will be assigned an appropriate compensatory program designed to support the student until the necessary proficiencies are achieved.



SUMMER TESTING FOR NEW STUDENTS - 2024

New Students enrolling in grades 7 and 8 are required to take the ELA MAP Reading assessment.  The MAP Reading assessment is a computer-adaptive assessment that uses an RIT scale to accurately measure what students know regardless of their grade level. Questions begin at the student's incoming grade level and become more or less challenging based on the student's answers until a proficiency level is determined.  Please see the important information below regarding registration for summer testing sessions.  
  • Register HERE if you are a new incoming 7th or 8th grader
  • The 2024 Map Reading assessment dates for new students are July 17 and August 28.
  • Please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the starting time (12:45 pm).
  • You will be contacted about a week prior to your scheduled testing date to confirm the location and other logistical information.

 

Online Resources

The following website links are to be used for student enrichment purposes. These resources are simply for additional opportunities for exploration of concepts.  The English/Language Arts and Media Department staff may use some of these sites within their classrooms as well as a variety of other resources to enrich learning.
Websites provided below may contain content or advertisements that are not endorsed by Moorestown Township Board of Education.