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English

Use the videos and handouts posted below to answer many of the most frequently asked questions about English instruction at AHS. 

 

Grade Level/Course

Links to Videos & Handouts

English Overview

Department Overview Video

FUSD Core Novels for 9-12 

Core Novel List (with 22/23 Updates)  

9th Grade English 

English 9 Overview Video 

English 9 FAQ

9th Grade Honors English 

English 9 vs. 9H FAQ 

10th Grade English and 10th Grade Honors English 

List of Subjects with Videos

11th Grade English 

English 11 Overview Video 

Frequently Asked Questions

11 AP English Language & Composition 

English 11AP at AHS 

12th Grade English 

English 12 Overview Video 

12th ERWC 

ERWC Explained 

12AP English Literature & Composition 

Frequently Asked Questions

World Mythology & Legends & Folklore [English elective] 

Mythology & Folklore 

 


Checklist of Student Expectations

A student who demonstrates the following skills is typically most successful in English 9H:                            •    English is one of his/her gifts or passions
•     Has an exceptional work ethic; highly self-motivated, and works well independently
•     Masters concepts quickly in a fast-paced, rigorous curriculum without the need for much repetition
•     Values the challenges of complex, critical thinking opportunities and often takes ideas to a higher level
•     Actively and productively contributes to small and large group discussion
•     Enjoys reading higher level, complex texts in a variety of genres
•     Enjoys the writing process and understands the need for multiple revisions
•     Is receptive to constructive academic criticism and actively works to improve based on 
       feedback
•     Thinks critically about social issues related to assigned reading to make connections and 
       inferences
•     Manages time well and is able to balance schoolwork, family obligations, and extra- curricular activities           
•     Organized and able to work concurrently on multiple assignments and keep track of different due dates

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there specific requirements to get into Honors English?
There are not any specific requirements for entry into Honors English.  However, prior to signing up for this course, parents and students should carefully consider if the student is prepared for the challenges of this course (in addition to the standard challenges of adapting to high school).

Are students’ grades for Honors English weighted on their transcripts?
No.  The only grades that are weighted are for Advanced Placement classes.  In the English 
Department, we only offer AP classes at the junior and senior levels.

Is it possible to transfer out of an Honors English class?
This is an open-enrollment course; however, students should not expect that they will be able to “try the course out” and drop if they find it to be too difficult.   The ability to transfer out of an Honors English class depends on the space availability in other classes.  In addition, when students transfer, they take their grades with them to the new class.  The grade does not start over.

If my child earns an unsatisfactory grade in Honors English, can he/she make it up in summer 
school?

Honors classes are not offered in summer school.  Therefore, a student who earns a D or F would need to make up the credits during summer school, but in a standard-level English class.