English (Language Arts) Department

The English Department believes that all students must develop skills and proficiencies in language, literature, and oral communication so that upon graduation they may successfully advance to college-level work or enter the workforce with advanced skills. While the authors studied and specific writing assignments will vary in each course, a focus on critical thinking, reading, and writing is consistent throughout the curriculum. The long-range goal of every course is to equip students to learn, think, and communicate with clarity, creativity, and integrity. In addition, the English Department realizes the need to present a multicultural perspective to all students; therefore, each literature course will include appropriate representative selections from various multicultural authors.

Ben Davis High School students are required to earn eight (8) semesters of credit in English. All entering tenth-grade students must have earned two (2) credits in ninth-grade English. Students who have not passed ninth-grade English must complete the course in summer school.

The English Department offers honor courses for exceptional or highly talented students; however, before a student may enroll in honors classes, he or she must have the recommendation of his or her English teacher and his or her counselor. Entry into the honors sequence should be made during the tenth-grade year. These courses will stress excellence and will be demanding in their content. The honors sequence should prepare students to compete favorably on the PSAT/NMSQT, the SAT, and the various A.P. tests. These courses are grade weighted. Honors sophomore students should enroll in Enriched Speech or Debate during the first semester in addition to American Literature/Composition (Honors). These students should enroll in Greek and Latin Derivatives during the second semester if their schedules permit.