The coordinators for English/Language Arts and Reading work with teachers to develop and implement the division’s English/Language Arts and Reading curriculum. The VDOE’s Standards of Learning have been incorporated into WJCC’s English/Language/Reading Standards and Objectives. Coordinators provide leadership in the examination and adoption of instructional materials which support the curriculum. Assistance is also provided in staff development for teachers in areas that need improvement.
The Williamsburg-James City County reading and language arts curriculum uses the Balanced Literacy approach to improve student achievement wherein reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are integrated. Students are taught to:
- Apply reading and thinking strategies in order to understand, evaluate, and respond to a variety of literature and informational texts
- Communicate knowledge, ideas, and feelings through a variety of written products
- Use effective listening and speaking skills in communicating with others.
Middle School Course Offerings
Honors English – Grade 8
The course is based upon, and follows, state and division curriculum guidelines for 8th grade English. This challenging class is [...]
English/Language Arts – Grade 8
In eighth grade, students continue to build upon skills previously learned in earlier grades. There is a continued emphasis on [...]
Honors English – Grade 7
Honors English 7 provides an in-depth study of seventh grade literature with Socratic Seminar discussion groups and various writing formats. [...]
English/Language Arts – Grade 7
Balanced literacy continues to be the philosophy that promotes the integration of communication, reading, writing, and research in this seventh [...]
English/Language Arts – Grade 6
The balanced literacy components of communication, reading, writing, and research are integrated into this sixth grade course. These skills are [...]
High School Course Offerings
Speech
Students will research, write, and deliver personal, informative, persuasive, and impromptu speeches as well as conduct interviews, prepare interpretive readings, [...]
Mass Media: Yearbook Production
This course will provide students with the opportunity to acquire and apply communication and technical skills in a real- world [...]
Journalism IV: Newspaper Production
Students who have successfully completed Journalism III and will serve as editors and staff members of the school newspaper may [...]
Journalism III: Newspaper Production
Students who serve as editors and staff members of the school newspaper may enroll in Journalism III: Newspaper Production. In [...]
Journalism II: Newspaper Production
Students who serve as editors and staff members of the school newspaper may enroll in Journalism II. Students will plan, [...]
Journalism I
Students are introduced to the exciting world of the print media. Journalism students will learn the basic skills of relaying [...]
Independent Study Course (ISC) – Grades 11-12
The Independent Study Course (ISC) allows students the opportunity to pursue a topic of interest that is not currently offered [...]
Creative Writing
This course is a writing workshop. Students will write every day, and will explore different writing techniques and styles. Writing [...]
College Composition I & II
This course introduces students to critical thinking and the fundamentals of academic writing. Through the writing process, students refine topics: [...]
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition
NOTE: Students should not take two AP English classes during the same semester. This class may also be offered in [...]
Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition
NOTE: Students should not take two AP English classes during the same semester. This college-level course emphasizes language, themes, structures, [...]
English 12 Capstone
This course contains high-interest contextualized content designed to give students an additional boost for competent and successful entry into college [...]
Advanced World Literature 12
This course provides college preparatory work for students who appreciate meaningful and challenging literature from many cultures and time periods. [...]
English Literature 12
This course is designed for both college or non-college bound students. The course focuses on modern literature and the relevance [...]
Commonwealth Innovation (CI) – Virginia & U.S. History and English 11*
This yearlong, interdisciplinary, team-taught course is designed to engage students in a thorough study of American History and the arts [...]
Honors English 11
Honors English 11 is an advanced course in American literature that draws upon material from the colonial period to the [...]
English 11
English 11 prepares students for post-secondary education or for immediate entry into the work force. Students will trace the development [...]
The Nature of Mankind
NOTE: You may choose your English credit to be for English 10 OR English 11. You may not receive a [...]
Commonwealth Innovation (CI) – English 10* and Principles Of Business & Marketing
The real-world impact of technology, effective communication, and interpersonal skills is evident throughout this course. There is a sustained emphasis [...]
Honors English 10
Honors English 10 is an advanced course designed to prepare and to challenge enthusiastic tenth grade students. This course focuses [...]
English 10
English 10 focuses on the analysis and interpretation of literature. Students will read and analyze a variety of literary genres [...]
Commonwealth Innovation (CI) – English 9*, World History II, and Speech – Grade 9
This interdisciplinary, co-taught course will encourage and enable students to participate in sustained, collaborative inquiry within a global context. Students [...]
Honors English 9
Honors English 9 is an advanced course designed to prepare and challenge enthusiastic ninth grade students. This course focuses on [...]
English 9
English 9 focuses on the analysis and interpretation of literature. This course introduces a wide variety of reading, writing, and [...]
