Language Arts 6
This program uses high quality reading selections that offer opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. The students read literature within the following themes: science, social studies, relationships, self-awareness, and social issues. Books include The Cay, Hatchet, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, and Lily’s Crossing. Students are assigned independent reading as a part of the program. Students use both oral and written communication skills to respond to literature. Writing is central to this course; students are encouraged to write frequently on topics of individual experience and interest as well as those studied across the curriculum. Students are involved in a variety of writing experiences including expository, process, and creative writing. Grammar, spelling, and oral communication play important roles in developing students’ language abilities.

Language Arts 7 
The seventh grade language arts curriculum is designed to reinforce and enhance important reading skills through the analysis of both classic and contemporary literature. Many of the selections deal with the theme of identity formation and/or are related to cultural diversity. Students are also given opportunities to choose novels with interdisciplinary connections for independent and small group work throughout the year. Strengthening writing skills is also a primary goal of this course. Students will use the writing process to produce clear, concise, well-organized, and mechanically correct pieces in a variety of genres, including narrative, descriptive and expository writing. Spelling, grammar and oral communication are integrated into the writing instruction throughout the year.

Honors Language Arts 7 
The seventh grade honors program is designed to address the needs of students who have demonstrated an exceptional ability and interest in reading and writing. The course provides the opportunity for students to read and discuss advanced level literature in addition to the works in the standard level curriculum. Students will read core selections as a whole class and will choose additional selections for independent or small group study. Writing will include a variety of genres, including narrative, descriptive and expository writing. Students are expected to maintain an 85% average to remain in the program.

Prerequisites: A score of advanced proficient on the NJASK 6, a 95% average in grade 6 Reading and Language Arts, exceptional ability and interest, and teacher recommendation. An additional writing assessment may be required.

Language Arts 8
The eighth grade language arts program continues to define and develop reading and writing skills acquired in earlier grades. Core literature includes short story, novel, non-fiction, drama, and poetry units. Students will do several long-term reading and writing projects including at least one report on a novel of their choice. Writing is a major focus in the course, and students will be required to write frequently in a variety of formats. Emphasis is placed on organization, clarity of expression, sentence structure, and mechanics. Students will utilize all stages of the writing process in their compositions. Spelling, vocabulary, speaking, and listening skills continue to be studied.

Honors Language Arts 8
The eighth grade honors English program is designed to enhance the advanced reading and writing ability of students with exceptional interest in the language arts. The course offers a selection of classical and contemporary readings in genres including short stories, novels, drama, non-fiction, and poetry. Several units have been designed to promote interdisciplinary connections, appreciation of multicultural diversity, and opportunities for student choice. Students will read core selections as a whole class and will choose additional selections for independent or small-group study.

Development of writing skills and understanding of the English language are of primary importance in this course. Writing projects will include persuasive, descriptive, and research pieces, with an emphasis on the writing process. Vocabulary, spelling, speaking, and listening skills are also stressed throughout the year. Students are expected to maintain an 85% average to remain in the program.

Prerequisite: Maintenance of an 85% average or higher grade in Reading Honors 7, and teacher recommendation to continue; or a 95% average in Language Arts and Reading 7, a score of advanced proficient on the NJASK 7, and teacher recommendation. An additional writing assessment may be required.

Basic Skills Language Arts 6, 7, 8
The basic skills program is designed to improve the reading and/or writing skills of those students who do not yet meet grade level proficiencies. The goal of the program is to teach students skills and strategies that help them perform on grade level. The program recognizes individual learning differences and strives to build students’ competence and confidence. Basic skills instruction is provided with small group replacement or collaboratively within the classroom. The mode of providing instruction is determined by the skill level of the group and the needs of the students. A collaborative model is used whenever possible to provide students with positive support and influence of their peers.