MYP Aims
The aims of any MYP subject and of the personal project state in a general way what the teacher may expect to teach and what the student may expect to experience or learn. In addition, they suggest how the student may be changed by the learning experience.

The aims of the teaching and study of MYP arts are for students to:

•    Use the language as a vehicle for thought, creativity, reflection, learning, and self-expression.
•    Use language as a tool for personal growth, social interaction and for developing relationships within the international community.
•    Comprehend more clearly aspects of their own culture and those of other cultures by exploring the interdependence of human beings through a variety of works.
•    Explore the many facets of the language through the use of media and information technology.
•    Develop the skills involved in speaking, listening, reading, writing and viewing in a variety of contexts.
•    Respond appropriately to a variety of texts
•    Read widely to promote a lifelong interest in language and literature
•    Develop a critical and creative approach to studying and analyzing literature.
•    Develop language skills through interdisciplinary work
•    Consider the role of literature both culturally and historically
•    Reflect on the learning process in various ways and at various stages
•    Empathize with real people and fictional characters as and when appropriate.

Department Overview
The 7-12 English/Language Arts Program (ELA) in the Saint Paul Public Schools, consists of courses that allow students to meet or exceed Minnesota Academic Standards in English, prepares them for the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA II), and gives them the tools to be successful in any post secondary studies they choose.

Grammar and writing are embedded and aligned with each academic unit. Students maintain readers’/writers’ notebooks and alternate informally between readers’ and writers’ workshop on a daily basis. Discussion is emphasized and students are expected to generate and share meaning and understanding based on textual evidence. Instruction is based on the Disciplinary Literacy Principles designed by the Institute for Learning, University of Pittsburgh.

Courses Offered
English 7
The seventh grade English curriculum uses four genres to explore what it means to be an American. The focus aligns with the seventh grade social studies curriculum, American history. Students look at memoir/personal narratives in terms of what the lives of the authors tell us about living in America today. In the second unit, short fictional pieces focus on the experiences of diverse Americans. The third, a poetry unit, takes this theme a step further and allows students to write and reflect on poetry by American poets. Finally, students spend time with longer pieces of fiction in reading The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Written assessments range from memoir to a critical analysis of a novel.

English 7 Pre-AP/IB Prep
In this advanced alternative to English 7, students will explore different types of reading from memoir to short stories, to poetry and novels. They will learn to read critically, look for clues, and deepen their understanding. Students will use a broad range of writing skills, including both creative writing and analytical writing Students will do all of these things through various hands-on learning activities, group discussions, and projects.

English 8
The eighth grade English curriculum takes a thematic approach to studying literature. Students will study a variety of works in different genres as they examine how literature approaches the theme of power in the world. The focus is designed to align with eighth grade geography, the social studies curriculum. In the first unit, students will examine what it means to have individual power. In the second unit, they will read literature relating to political power. In the final unit, students will use what they have learned to apply their own power, as they study the art of persuasion.

English 8 Pre-AP/IB Prep
In this advanced alternative to English 8, students will explore different types of reading from poetry, to short stories, to essays and novels. They will learn to read critically, look for clues, and deepen their understanding. Students will use a broad range of writing skills, from writing about literature to writing a research paper. Students will do all of these things through various hands-on learning activities, group discussions, and projects. Mostly, this class is about discovery—discovering a love of reading and writing and discovering the depth of their own abilities.

Creative Writing
In this class, students will explore the depths of their imaginations and discover (or develop) their voices as writers. “But I am not a writer,” you might say. Hah! If you’ve ever passed a note to a friend, sent a text message, or kept a diary, you are a writer. All you need to do to hone your craft is pay close attention to the world around you, use your imagination, and put it down on paper. In this class, students will study three main units: poetry, short story, and literary magazines.

Journalism
In this elective class you will learn how to work for a real newspaper, from interviewing sources and taking photographs to writing articles and planning a layout. Be prepared to brainstorm, research, plan, write, edit, produce, and distribute the school newspaper as you learn the importance of listening, note-taking, commitment, teamwork, truth in reporting, integrity, and other values important to a journalist.  You will also learn the importance of the news to our society, and become part of that grand tradition yourself.  This is a school newspaper for Highland Park students, by Highland Park students.  If you are a hard worker, a team player, and want to become an essential part of our school culture, this is the class for you.

Read 180
Improving a student’s reading level requires regular practice both at home and at school. The Read 180 program uses software, audio books, and leveled paperbacks to help students build the skills needed to become successful readers.

Reading in the content Areas
This course will cover the Minnesota State Standards for reading.  The curriculum for this course is a district-wide curriculum.  This class is meant to provide students will skills they can use in their content area classes (social studies, science, math, etc.) Students will be expected to write throughout the year.  There are seven major units in this course.