- What does it mean - Gateway Class?
- Why do we have to take English?
- Why does advanced English have required summer assignments?
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What does it mean - Gateway Class?
With the No Child Left Behind Act, more accountability is required in public
and private schools. End of course tests are being developed for most
required classes. Of these tests, three are designated as Gateway Exams.
Students must achieve a passing grade on the exams for Algebra I, English II
and biology in order to receive a high school diploma in the state of
Tennessee.
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Why do we have to take English?
English is the language that you speak and write. No matter what you plan to
do with your life, it is important that you have good communication skills.
We are raised speaking 'colloquial' English, which means that we use words
and patterns that are considered non-standard English. While this is
not 'wrong,' it is important that we learn to communicate in standard English.
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Why does advanced English have required summer assignments?
Advanced English II is primarily for students who plan to go to college. The
summer reading list is based on reading lists for local colleges where our
students are the most likely to go. These are books that students should be
familiar with prior to taking college classes. We read them in the summer to
avoid the extra work during the semester.
