English 9 is a course designed for ninth grade students. Emphasis is placed on several areas of English to enhance students' abilities and proficiency levels on the PSSA tests. The course is aligned with the Pennsylvania State Standards to ensure students are receiving core instruction in these areas. Units of study will include development of an academic vocabulary and literary terminology, reading of several genres of literature, the use of reading strategies to aid in comprehension, exposure to world literature to create well-rounded and diverse students, and the reading of several novels to support textbook readings. Writing, speaking, and listening skills will be stressed throughout the course. The course will have an overall objective to teach students the essential skills needed to communicate and function in today's society.