English Language Arts

English Language Arts at Cobble Hill

At our school, we are deeply committed to building strong readers, understanding that literacy is foundational to success. The HMH Into Literature curriculum, used in grades 9-12, is at the heart of this mission. This comprehensive English Language Arts program integrates classic and contemporary texts to help students develop the intellectual stamina, critical thinking, and independence they need to thrive both in school and beyond.

Into Literature emphasizes the development of skilled readers, writers, thinkers, and communicators. Through its rich content and diverse resources, students are challenged to engage deeply with texts while honing their reading, writing, and analytical skills. The curriculum encourages students to explore a variety of literary genres, fostering a love for literature while building essential skills in close reading, evidence-based analysis, and argumentation.

By focusing on developing strong literacy skills, the Into Literature curriculum plays a critical role in achieving our goal of college and career readiness. It helps students master academic standards, increase their confidence, and prepare them for the demands of higher education and the professional world. Strong reading skills are a gateway to success, opening doors to new opportunities, expanding horizons, and empowering students to navigate complex ideas and diverse perspectives.

Ultimately, Into Literature ensures that all students, regardless of their background, are equipped with the skills they need to succeed academically and in their future careers, making literacy not just a classroom goal but a lifelong asset.

HMH Read 180 - is an academic intervention support program designed to help struggling readers in grades 3-12, typically those two or more years below grade level. Through a blended learning approach, it focuses on building foundational skills, improving comprehension, expanding vocabulary, and enhancing fluency. Read 180 provides targeted support to help students catch up to grade-level reading proficiency, fostering confidence and academic success in reading.

Course Sequence

English Grade 9- Key areas of focus within the HMH Into Literature Grade 9 program include: Close Reading and Text Analysis: Literary Analysis: Research and Inquiry: Writing and Communication: Collaborative Learning: Vocabulary Development: Digital Literacy: Building Confidence and Agency

English Grade 10 - Units and lessons focus on developing key literacy skills like close reading, vocabulary study, and writing. With challenging yet accessible texts, students build confidence as they practice identifying literary elements, analyzing an author's use of language, and interpreting central ideas.

English Grade 11 -  The HMH Into Literature program for Grade 11 develops skilled readers, writers, thinkers, and communicators through a blend of classic and contemporary texts. Students build intellectual stamina, critical thinking, and literacy skills while preparing for the NYS ELA Regents exam. With a focus on American literature, students analyze texts deeply, enhance vocabulary, and strengthen writing. The program emphasizes student agency, allowing for choices in learning and demonstrating understanding. Into Literature equips students with the skills necessary for academic success, college readiness, and future career opportunities.

English Grade 12: Supa English Language Arts- The Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) English: Class & Literary Texts course allows qualified high school seniors at Cobble Hill to earn college credits while studying a thought-provoking curriculum. As part of SUPA, students engage with Syracuse University’s academic standards, gaining college and career readiness skills. This course explores the representation of social class in literature and culture, focusing on concepts like inequality, privilege, and power. Students will hone their writing and reading skills through close analysis of texts, exploring how race, gender, and class shape meaning. By the end of the course, students will not only be better interpreters of literature, but also more aware of the systems of power that influence society. Through this rigorous study, they develop critical thinking, argumentation, and independent research skills, preparing them for success in college and beyond.

AP Language and Composition- is a college-level course and exam offered by the College Board that focuses on developing students' critical reading and writing skills, particularly in the context of rhetoric and argumentation. It's designed to be equivalent to a first-year college English course. 

AP English Literature and Composition- is a challenging, introductory college-level course focused on developing students' abilities to critically analyze and interpret literary works, primarily fiction, poetry, and drama, from various periods and cultures. It emphasizes close reading, analytical writing, and understanding the nuances of literary devices and techniques.