English and Reading

Classes

LA : Journalism IV

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11,
12

The Journalism IV course offers continued practical experience in print and online media for the trained journalist through a workshop format in newspaper reporting and editing. Students apply and refine the principles learned in Journalism I, II, and III by producing, editing, publishing, and managing articles for the public for the online formats of the student newspaper.

 

LA 1109: English 6

Subject Area
Level
Middle School

This integrated program of reading, writing, speaking, listening and language usage is based upon a core selection of contemporary and classical literature. Instructional activities incorporate vocabulary development, reading comprehension and analysis, composition, grammar and punctuation skills, and oral language.

LA 1113: English as a Second Language (ESL)

Subject Area
Level
Middle School
Grades
6,
7,
8
English as a Second Language classes are offered to students whose home language is other than English and who are identified as English learners. The purpose of the course is to assist students in acquiring the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills necessary to participate successfully in the mainstream classroom. Instruction is designed to meet the needs of students at various levels of English proficiency, with a focus on students at English proficiency levels 1.0-2.9.

LA 1115: English 7

Subject Area
Level
Middle School

This integrated program of reading, writing, speaking, listening and language usage is based upon a core selection of contemporary and classical literature. Instructional activities incorporate vocabulary development, reading comprehension and analysis, composition, grammar and punctuation skills, and oral language.

LA 1116: Advanced English 7

Subject Area
Level
Middle School
During this course of study, students examine and analyze literature and language from the 17th to the 21st century. Students compare literary elements, participate in inquiry discussions, formulate essential questions, construct critical responses to literature, learn to write effectively in a variety of forms for different audiences, and select vocabulary to achieve a specific tone.
Prerequisites

Successful completion of English 6 or Advanced English 6 and a teacher recommendation.

LA 1117: Advanced Composition

Subject Area
Credits 0.5
Level
High School
Grades
11,
12
This one-semester course is designed for college-bound students who are proficient writers and wish to refine their expository writing skills in several content areas. Students will write informative essays, persuasive essays, literary analysis, and brief reports. All classroom writing assignments will require in-depth development of ideas and application of techniques learned through the composing process. Students will be assigned papers to be written or completed out of class.
Semesters
1

LA 1123: English 8

Subject Area
Level
Middle School

This integrated program of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language usage is based upon a core selection of contemporary and classical literature. Instructional activities incorporate vocabulary development, reading comprehension and analysis, composition, grammar and punctuation skills, and oral language.

LA 1124: Advanced English 8

Subject Area
Level
Middle School
During this course of study, students examine and analyze literature and language from the 17th to the 21st century. Students compare literary elements, participate in inquiry discussions, formulate essential questions, construct critical responses to literature, learn to write effectively in a variety of forms for different audiences, and select vocabulary to achieve a specific tone.
Prerequisites

Successful completion of English 7 or Advanced English7 and a teacher recommendation.

LA 1125: Advanced English 6

Subject Area
Level
Middle School
During this course of study, students examine and analyze literature and language from the 17th to the 21st century. Students compare literary elements, participate in inquiry discussions, formulate essential questions, construct critical responses to literature, learn to write effectively in a variety of forms for different audiences, and select vocabulary to achieve a specific tone.
Prerequisites

Successful completion of fifth-grade language arts and a teacher recommendation.

LA 1128: Independent Reading for Middle School

Subject Area
Level
Middle School
Grades
6,
7,
8
Students are recommended for placement in this course based on multiple criteria which include results from prior Standards of Learning and other standardized testing. Students receive instruction in five key areas: phonological awareness and decoding, reading fluency and word recognition, vocabulary and phrase meanings, reading comprehension, and writing in response to text. The majority of the reading selections will be non-fiction to build student success in reading content-area textbooks. Independent reading will be incorporated into the class to build fluency, expand vocabulary, provide practice and increase the enjoyment of reading. Students are expected to stay in this course for the entire year unless results from mid-year assessments indicate that the student is ready to exit the program.

LA 1129: Effective Reading Skills for High School Students

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
Students are recommended for placement in this course based on multiple criteria which include results from prior Standards of Learning and other standardized testing. Students will receive instruction in the use of word recognition and context to build vocabulary, conventions of print and non-print to increase understanding and comprehension of text, strategic reading to increase comprehension and enhance learning and retention, and writing in response to text. Nonfiction selections will be used extensively to assist students in building success in reading content-area textbooks. Independent reading will be incorporated into the class to build fluency, expand vocabulary, provide practice, and increase the enjoyment of reading.

LA 1130: English 9

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12

In grades 9-12 students write increasingly longer narrative forms; more abstract expository and persuasive essays, and more fully documented research papers. Units integrate literature study with the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. At each grade level, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, grammar, mechanics, thinking skills, and oral communication skills are emphasized. Students will also participate in an online course component in English 10/Honors English10. Per a Virginia Department of Education, this graduation require-ment asks student to participate in a SAT Prep online modules via Khan Academy.

Prerequisites

Previous year's English

LA 1132: Honors English 9

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
The honors program is organized into thematic and historical units through which students strengthen their critical thinking skills by extensive discussion and writing activities. The literature studied is taken from core texts and teacher-selected supple-mental titles and is comprised of world classics. Students write for diverse audiences and purposes. Emphasis is placed on the writing of arguments, literary analyses, fully documented research reports, and commentaries on novels, plays, and poems. Students will also participate in an online course component in English 10/Honors English 10. Per a Virginia Department of Education, this graduation requirement asks student to participate in a SAT Prep online modules via Khan Academy.
Prerequisites

Previous year's English

LA 1140: English 10

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12

In grades 9-12 students write increasingly longer narrative forms; more abstract expository and persuasive essays, and more fully documented research papers. Units integrate literature study with the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. At each grade level, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, grammar, mechanics, thinking skills, and oral communication skills are emphasized. Students will also participate in an online course component in English 10/Honors English10. Per a Virginia Department of Education, this graduation require-ment asks student to participate in a SAT Prep online modules via Khan Academy.

Prerequisites

Previous year's English

LA 1142: Honors English 10

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
The honors program is organized into thematic and historical units through which students strengthen their critical thinking skills by extensive discussion and writing activities. The literature studied is taken from core texts and teacher-selected supple-mental titles and is comprised of world classics. Students write for diverse audiences and purposes. Emphasis is placed on the writing of arguments, literary analyses, fully documented research reports, and commentaries on novels, plays, and poems. Students will also participate in an online course component in English 10/Honors English 10. Per a Virginia Department of Education, this graduation requirement asks student to participate in a SAT Prep online modules via Khan Academy.
Prerequisites

Previous year's English

LA 1150: English 11

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12

In grades 9-12 students write increasingly longer narrative forms; more abstract expository and persuasive essays, and more fully documented research papers. Units integrate literature study with the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. At each grade level, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, grammar, mechanics, thinking skills, and oral communication skills are emphasized. Students will also participate in an online course component in English 10/Honors English10. Per a Virginia Department of Education, this graduation require-ment asks student to participate in a SAT Prep online modules via Khan Academy.

Prerequisites

Previous year's English

LA 1152: Honors English 11

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
The honors program is organized into thematic and historical units through which students strengthen their critical thinking skills by extensive discussion and writing activities. The literature studied is taken from core texts and teacher-selected supple-mental titles and is comprised of world classics. Students write for diverse audiences and purposes. Emphasis is placed on the writing of arguments, literary analyses, fully documented research reports, and commentaries on novels, plays, and poems. Students will also participate in an online course component in English 10/Honors English 10. Per a Virginia Department of Education, this graduation requirement asks student to participate in a SAT Prep online modules via Khan Academy.
Prerequisites

Previous year's English

LA 1160: English 12

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12

In grades 9-12 students write increasingly longer narrative forms; more abstract expository and persuasive essays, and more fully documented research papers. Units integrate literature study with the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. At each grade level, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, grammar, mechanics, thinking skills, and oral communication skills are emphasized. Students will also participate in an online course component in English 10/Honors English10. Per a Virginia Department of Education, this graduation require-ment asks student to participate in a SAT Prep online modules via Khan Academy.

Prerequisites

Previous year's English

LA 1162: Honors English 12

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
The honors program is organized into thematic and historical units through which students strengthen their critical thinking skills by extensive discussion and writing activities. The literature studied is taken from core texts and teacher-selected supple-mental titles and is comprised of world classics. Students write for diverse audiences and purposes. Emphasis is placed on the writing of arguments, literary analyses, fully documented research reports, and commentaries on novels, plays, and poems. Students will also participate in an online course component in English 10/Honors English 10. Per a Virginia Department of Education, this graduation requirement asks student to participate in a SAT Prep online modules via Khan Academy.
Prerequisites

Previous year's English

LA 1184: Reading Skills for the College Bound

Subject Area
Credits 0.5
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12
This semester course is designed for students to gain the independence necessary for a successful college experience. Students learn how to read and think analytically, prepare for the SAT, and refine study skills. In addition, students focus on using reasoning and problem-solving skills to make informed decisions, building high-level comprehension skills to read and understand rigorous high school and post-secondary texts, and assessing and evaluating new information independently. Emphasis is placed on self-exploration through critical thinking that includes determining learning styles, refining appropriate study skills for college, and assessing the components of choosing the college or post-secondary experience to fit each individual.
Semesters
1

LA 1193: ESL Effective Reading Skills

Subject Area
Credits 1
elective credit
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
This is a year-long course for students identified as English learners at English proficiency levels 1.0-4.3. Students will receive instruction in the use of word recognition and context to build vocabulary, conventions of print and non-print to increase understanding and comprehension of text, strategic reading to increase comprehension and enhance learning and retention, and writing in response to text. Nonfiction selections will be used extensively to assist students in building success in reading content-area textbooks. Independent reading will be incorporated into the class to build fluency, expand vocabulary, provide practice, and increase the enjoyment of reading.

LA 1196: Advanced Placement English: Literature and Composition

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
12
This is a college-level course designed in accordance with the requirements of the College Board. The course involves intensive study of numerous authors, genres, and his-torical periods. Extensive composition and discussion require students to demonstrate their sensitivity to the language and structure of a piece of writing as well as to develop their own power and precision in organizing and expressing thoughts. The course culminates in the Advanced Placement examination given in May of each year.
Prerequisites

Honors English 11 or Advanced Placement Language and Composition

LA 1197: Advanced Placement English: Language and Composition

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11
This is a college-level course designed in accordance with the requirements of the College Board. Through this course, the students become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and learn to become flexible writers who can compose in a variety of modes and for a variety of purposes. The writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays. As the students read, they become aware of how authors from different periods and disciplines match their rhetorical choices to particular aims. The course culminates in the Advanced Placement examination given in May of each year. Students who enroll in this course should have command of standard English grammar.
Prerequisites

Honors English 10

LA 1200: Journalism I

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12
Students study the terminology they need to understand the communication process and explore and compare the different forms of mass communication: print and electronic. The studies include the American newspaper, past and present, while emphasizing the rights and responsibilities of the journalist. The heart of the course involves learning about gathering and writing news, writing in-depth news articles, feature stories, editorials, columns, reviews, and sports. Students proofread to improve writing style and editing skills.

LA 1210: Journalism II

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11,
12
Students refine and use what they have learned in Journalism I. Some may decide to work for the school newspaper. The heart of the course involves learning about gathering and writing news, writing in-depth news articles, feature stories, editorials, columns, reviews, and sports. Students proof-read to improve writing style and editing skills.
Prerequisites

Journalism I

LA 1220: Journalism III

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11,
12
Students gain practical experience in print media by applying and refining the principles learned in Journalism I to produce the school newspaper. To learn phases of production, students write and edit journalistic format; design and lay out advertising; handle business affairs; edit and lay out copy; and take, develop, and print photographs. The students must be committed to deadlines and be willing to take initiative and responsibility. Instructional advice is available at all times to support the journalists, but each bears the personal responsibility for the understanding of and being faithful to the laws and technical issues that affect journalists.
Prerequisites

Journalism II

LA 1300: Public Speaking I

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
A survey course in basic oral communication, public speaking helps students understand the correlation between speech techniques and speaker responsibilities. Students focus on ethics in communication, person-to-person situations, group dynamics, public speeches, and oral interpretation while emphasizing delivery strategies. They learn to gather, evaluate, organize, and articulate information in an interesting and meaningful manner. At the completion of this course, students will be able to speak effectively and confidently in formal, informal, and business communication situations.

LA 1302: Public Speaking II

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12
A performance course, Public Speaking II, assists students in becoming proficient in advanced oral communication. This course is tutorial with the teacher acting as a facilitator while students refine oral interpretation and persuasive speaking skills, deliver impromptu and special occasion speeches, and explore mass media.
Prerequisites

Public Speaking I

LA 1303: Public Speaking III

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
11,
12
This course is a supervised, independent study program and offers students several options: extensive study of a specialized area of oral communications, increased communication skills for various career opportunities, or additional study of a particular area for a specific career choice.
Prerequisites

Public Speaking II

LA 1419: Performance Theatre

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12
The standards for Performance Theatre help students make use of and build upon the concepts learned and skills acquired in Introduction to Theatre. Through various modes of expression and performance, students investigate dramatic literature, theatrical styles, and historical periods. They study and respond to a variety of theatrical experiences that refine their communicative, collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills. Students expand their artistic abilities by examining a variety of creative and technical roles in performance and production. Content in this course changes annually; therefore, this course may be repeated
Prerequisites

Introduction to Theatre Arts, and/or director's approval

LA 1443: Technical Theatre

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12
This course is designed to help students interested in technical aspects of theatre to integrate and build upon concepts and skills acquired in Introduction to Theatre Arts. This course affords students the opportunity to gain experience in all elements of technical theatre through practical application. Students will study scenic design, theatre management, sound design, stagecraft, makeup, masks, costume design and construction, scenery painting, stage management, lighting design, theatre spaces, props, and special effects. Students will study, analyze and respond to a variety of theatre experiences that will refine their communicative, collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills. Technical Theatre will focus on the process and development of performances from the technician's perspective and, as a result, will expand their technical and artistic abilities and appreciation of theatrical arts. Content in this course changes annually; therefore, this course may be repeated. After-school rehearsals and performances may be required of all students.
Prerequisites

Introduction to Theatre Arts, and/or director's approval

LA 1444: Cinema Studies

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12
The purpose of Cinema Studies is to provide students who have completed Introduction to Theatre Arts with the opportunity to continue their theatre arts studies in a comprehensive and sequential production-oriented course which encompasses a wide array of theatre topics in conjunction with 21st century skills. Cinema Studies provides opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to respond to and create film and video works. Students will gain practical experience in some of the major areas of the industry including acting, scriptwriting, and production. This course will examine the development of cinema as an art form, as well as considering a range of examples from various genres of visual media. The aim is to expose students to the diversity of filmmaking practices which have arisen throughout cinema history, as well as giving them the theoretical tools to draw connections between cinema and the various social, economic and cultural contexts in which visual media have been produced. This project-based course involves script analysis, writing, casting, story-telling, documentary production and video and technology domains.
Prerequisites

Introduction to Theatre Arts, and/or director's approval

LA 1445: Media Studies

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
Students study visual communication and mass media, which emphasize nonverbal communication, graphic arts, advertising, television, and films. This course presents the development and production techniques of the various media and helps students become more discriminating consumers of visual messages through their skills of analysis and critical thinking.

LA 1450: Introduction to Theatre Arts

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12

The standards for Theatre Arts I enable students to participate in a creative processes of creating, refining. producing, and performing theatre. Students will analyze, interpret, and evaluate dramatic literature and theatrical works. The course emphasizes foundational concepts, ensemble work, and skill development and provides theatrical opportunities for students to determine areas of personal interest. Introduction to Theatre Arts offers students a general overview of theatre and its use and effect in and on culture. Students will be offered the opportunity to act, mime, improvise, design for the stage, read plays, discover theatre history and explore career options in the field of theatre. Students will also be encouraged to attend live theatrical productions. This course is a prerequisite for all other Theatre Arts course offerings.

LA 1453: Studio Theatre

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12
The standards for Studio Theatre help students build upon the concepts learned and skills acquired in other theatre arts courses. Through various types of performance, students investigate acting styles and explore the process of playwriting, which includes research, character development, and creation of dramatic structure, conflict, and resolution. Students study and respond to a variety of theatrical works in relation to the historical and cultural influences present in the work. They continue to cultivate and refine their artistic abilities and creative choices for performance and production. Both performers and technicians collaborate on performances and bring their skills into the final arena of development-sharing their art with an audience. Emphasis is placed on performance, skills development, and script interpretation. Designing, acting, directing, and playwriting are the main areas studied. Students also develop skills for entering careers in theatre, such as drama therapy, recreational theatre and in professional staff positions. School rehearsals and performances are required of all students. Students study and respond to a variety of theatrical experiences that refine their collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills. They continue to cultivate and refine their artistic abilities and appreciation of theatre arts.
Prerequisites

Introduction to Theatre Arts, and/or director's approval.

LA 1454: Theatre Appreciation

Subject Area
Credits 0.5
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
Theatre Appreciation provides students with an introduction to the theatre. The course uses video performances in conjunction with scripts and analytical materials so that students may view, experience, analyze, and critique theatrical forms including comedy, drama, and musical and contemporary theatre. The standards for Theatre Arts I enable students to participate in a creative process of creating, refining. producing, and performing theatre. Students will analyze, interpret, and evaluate dramatic literature and theatrical works. The course emphasizes foundational concepts, ensemble work, and skill development and provides theatrical opportunities for students to determine areas of personal interest. and contemporary theatre.
Semesters
1

LAO 130: Online English 9

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
Online English contains the same content and bears the same credit as its face-to-face counterpart. This version of the course is delivered entirely online using the Virginia Beach Digital Campus platform. Specialized computer skills and platform familiarity are developed during the Online Orientation, which is part of the course. Information about the nature of online learning, the necessary computer equipment, and other aspects of this opportunity can be found on the VBSchools.com Web page at the Distance Learning link on the Programs drop-down menu.
Prerequisites

Previous year's English

LAO 140: Online English 10

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
Online English contains the same content and bears the same credit as its face-to-face counterpart. This version of the course is delivered entirely online using the Virginia Beach Digital Campus platform. Specialized computer skills and platform familiarity are developed during the Online Orientation, which is part of the course. Information about the nature of online learning, the necessary computer equipment, and other aspects of this opportunity can be found on the VBSchools.com Web page at the Distance Learning link on the Programs drop-down menu.
Prerequisites

Previous year's English

LAO 150: Online English 11

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
Online English contains the same content and bears the same credit as its face-to-face counterpart. This version of the course is delivered entirely online using the Virginia Beach Digital Campus platform. Specialized computer skills and platform familiarity are developed during the Online Orientation, which is part of the course. Information about the nature of online learning, the necessary computer equipment, and other aspects of this opportunity can be found on the VBSchools.com Web page at the Distance Learning link on the Programs drop-down menu.
Prerequisites

Previous year's English

LAO 160: Online English 12

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
9,
10,
11,
12
Online English contains the same content and bears the same credit as its face-to-face counterpart. This version of the course is delivered entirely online using the Virginia Beach Digital Campus platform. Specialized computer skills and platform familiarity are developed during the Online Orientation, which is part of the course. Information about the nature of online learning, the necessary computer equipment, and other aspects of this opportunity can be found on the VBSchools.com Web page at the Distance Learning link on the Programs drop-down menu.
Prerequisites

Previous year's English

OT 2002: Success with the SAT

Subject Area
Credits 0.5
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12
This hybrid online/face-to-face course is designed to encourage students to learn and utilize the strategies and skills that will help them succeed with the SAT test which they usually take their junior year in high school. Most colleges and universities consider the SAT score when considering students for admissions. Vocabulary building, critical reading and writing strategies, and mathematical reasoning and problem solving are emphasized. Students will understand test-taking strategies, and they will learn how to overcome test anxiety. A grade of pass (P) or fail (F) will be used to determine student progress in this course. P or F grades are not included in calculations for grade point averages and/or class rank.
Semesters
First and/or second semester