This course meets UC/CSU and District graduation requirements for English. It provides students, through their experiences in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with the skills necessary to become informed and responsible citizens, productive and effective members of the work force, and individuals dedicated to lifelong learning. Students will demonstrate reading, writing, speaking and listening skills using a wide variety of genres (poetry, drama, short stories novels and biographies) and by using activities such as speeches debates, and oral presentations. Students will demonstrate the writing process through journals, short essays, creative writing, and formal papers. Assessments will include performance-based assessments, conventional assessments (including standardized tests), portfolios and published products.