MCFARLAND HIGH SCHOOL

English / Language

 

 McFarland High School’s English teachers, a group of dedicated, hard-working professionals, share the following philosophy with Jack O’Connell, California’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, who writes:  “Literacy is the key to participating and succeeding in a democratic society and global economy.  Without the ability to read, write, and communicate with competence and confidence, our children will have limited opportunities for academic and career success.  Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are the foundation for learning.”

            The English Department uses a “comprehensive system of instruction based on insights gained from current and confirmed research on how children learn to read and write, awareness of our students’ achievement gains and gaps, and commitment to the academic success of students who acquire literacy skills with ease and of those who struggle to read, comprehend, and write.”

            We shape and pace our instruction using the Reading/Language Arts Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve, which is “a blueprint for implementation of the English-Language Arts Content Standards, adopted by the California State Board of Education in 1997.  This framework, which elaborates on those standards, describes the curriculum and instruction necessary to help students achieve proficiency.  It addresses reading, writing, listening, speaking, and written and oral English-language conventions for the full range of learners from kindergarten through grade twelve.”

            So very importantly, “this framework focuses on developing the highest levels of language arts proficiency to close the existing achievement gap and enable all students to participate fully in society and the world of work.”

            In a concerted effort to promote well-rounded individuals, McFarland High’s English Department offers regular English classes, ESL support classes and English intervention classes for at-risk students.  We encourage our learners to take advantage of college preparatory classes, honor classes, Advanced Placement classes, and the AVID Program.   In addition, we offer a forum for monthly poetry coffeehouses, an AP Literature Club, and a new book club.  Advanced technology, such as the SmartBoard, allows teachers and students greater autonomy and sophistication in their oral presentations and note-taking.  We are absolutely dedicated to assisting McFarland students as they strive to attain their dreams. 

            Finally, we agree with State Superintendent O’Connell that, “instilling in our children a deep appreciation of literary and informational texts and the ways in which print expands our universe and opportunities is a shared responsibility.  Teachers, administrators, librarians, parents, students, and all other stakeholders must work together to meet this responsibility.”  We hope you agree with this as well.




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