Verdugo Hills High School WASC Self-Study Page 1

Verdugo Hills High School WASC/CDE Self-Study Reporttheir course thematically; others offer a survey course of Americanliterature. The survey course aligns with the American History course andstudents can make the connections between historical events and literarygenres and the ways in which one influences the other. 11th grade studentscontinue to evolve their writing skills by doing more in-class timed writing.11th grade students are also given the opportunity to take the CaliforniaState University English Placement Test (EPT). 11th graders were given thechance to write this essay during the CAHSEE preparation time. Manyteachers include SAT preparation in the coursework including vocabularydevelopment, advanced grammar skills, and timed writing.Honors 10 and American Literature and Contemporary Composition Honorsare available for students who wish to engage in more rigorous course work.Curricula for both of these courses are aligned with the state standards.Students in Honors Courses supplement the regular course work by readingnovels from the AP English Literature book list, doing novel evaluations thatprepare them for the AP open question, SAT vocabulary and grammar, andwriting dialectical journals.AP TestsIn 12th grade, students have the opportunity take Advanced PlacementEnglish Language and Literature. The English Department offers three APsections as preparation for the rigors of college and as an opportunity forstudents to earn college credit by passing the AP Examinations in the spring.The curriculum for these courses is aligned with the AP College Boardstandards and the College Board approved syllabi. AP courses utilize avariety of instructional strategies including: Socratic Seminars, closereading, timed essays, small group discussion, and test preparationexercises.AP Pass Rate and EnrollmentIn addition to opportunities for enrichment and academic growth in Honorsand AP English Language Arts classes, students can participate in electivechoices or clubs such as Drama/Play Production, Improvisational Theater,Verdugo Hills High School WASC Self-Study Page 71