English Language Arts

Roosevelt High School English Department

Our Commitment to Literacy and Critical Thinking

At Roosevelt High School, our English Department is dedicated to fostering a love of reading, writing, and analytical thinking. We proudly use the Odell High School Literacy Curriculum, which provides students with a rigorous and engaging approach to reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Our mission is to engage students in high-quality texts and discussions, ensuring they have the support they need to analyze, interpret, and discuss ideas. We believe that students should do the heavy lifting of making meaning from texts, engaging in discussion, and building their own interpretations. Our goal is to develop critical thinkers who are ready for the world—whether in college, careers, or civic life.

Advanced Placement and Elective Offerings

Our department offers a range of courses that challenge students and prepare them for success, including:

• AP English Literature and Composition – A deep dive into classic and contemporary literature, emphasizing analysis and critical interpretation.
• AP English Language and Composition – A focus on rhetoric, argumentation, and nonfiction texts to develop strong writing and analytical skills.
• Creative Writing – A course for students who want to explore storytelling, poetry, and personal expression.
• Journalism – A hands-on course where students develop investigative and reporting skills, write articles, and contribute to the school newspaper.
• Yearbook – A student-led publication course where participants learn design, photography, and editorial skills while documenting the school year.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

Roosevelt’s English teachers are committed to continuous improvement through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. These collaborative structures ensure that we provide the highest quality instruction to our students. Teachers work together to:

✅ Analyze student work
✅ Refine instructional strategies
✅ Implement best practices to engage all learners

We believe in the power of student-centered learning, where students take ownership of their literacy development. By engaging in challenging academic discussions and writing tasks, students develop the skills they need to succeed in college, careers, and beyond.

We invite all students to explore the rich opportunities in our English Department and look forward to supporting them on their academic journey! 🚀📚