“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 English I-Curriculum Overview:

This course introduces students to major works of literature while developing skills in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking. Instruction will focus on literary analysis, vocabulary development, grammar, and effective written communication.

Students will complete a minimum of one essay each nine weeks. Writing assignments will include the following: a narrative essay, an explanatory essay, an argumentative essay, and a research paper/project. Additional analysis writing assignments will also be given throughout each semester. By the end of the course, students will have strengthened their ability to read critically, write effectively for multiple purposes, and support their ideas with textual evidence.

Academic standards, chosen by the Tennessee State Board of Education, provide a common set of expectations for what students should know and be able to do at the end of a specific grade or course. Local school districts determine the order in which these state-mandated standards are addressed in their schools. For a breakdown of standard pacing and course objectives for English I students in the Clarksville Montgomery County School System, please visit the Academic Resources link under the Students & Parents tab on the CMCSS homepage.

It is the policy of the Clarksville Montgomery County School System to follow the dictates of state statutes in the selection and use of all instructional materials. Parents or legal guardians may request to review any instructional materials used in the classroom of the parent or legal guardian’s child following the guideline set forth in Instructional Policy INS-A073 found at: https://employees.cmcss.net/misc/ViewISO?filename=INS-A073.pdf.

The chart below outlines the units of study for English I and possible major assignments or field trips that could be used to enhance student learning or solidify mastery of standards in each unit.  This chart is not inclusive of every assignment for English I, as additional or different assignments may be created contingent upon the needs of the students. Specific details for major assignments will be shared with students and parents/legal guardians as the standards related to the assignments are addressed in class.

9 Weeks

Topic/Focus Question/Literary Works

Possible Major Assignments

Possible Field Trips

N1

Unit 5 Savvas: Journeys of Transformations

What can we learn from a journey?

Major Work – The Odyssey

“Sailing From Troy”

“The Lotus Eaters”

“The Cyclops”

“The Land of the Dead”

“The Sirens”

“Scylla and Charybdis”

“Twenty Years Gone”

“The Suitors”

“Penelope”

“The Challenge”

“Odysseus’ Revenge”

“Penelope’s Test”

Other Texts: “Still I Rise” ~Maya Angelou

“The Road Not Taken”~Robert Frost

Narrative Essay

N2

Unit 4 Savvas: Expectations

Do we determine our own destinies?

Major Work – Romeo and Juliet

Informative Essay

N3

Unit 3 Savvas: The Literature of Civil Rights

How can words inspire change?

Major Work: “I Have a Dream” & “Remarks on the Assassination of MLK”

Argumentative Essay

N4

Unit 2 Savvas: Survival

What does it take to survive?

Major Work: Lord of the Flies and/or other thematically aligned literary works

Research Paper

Honors English I Clause

Students in Honors English I will be expected to meet additional requirements and expectations as specified by the state: “Honors courses will substantially exceed the content standards, earning expectations, and performance indicators approved by the State Board of Education. Further, each local education agency offering honors courses will ensure that additional rigor is being provided…”  As an English I Honors student, you will complete more rigorous assignments than those in standard English I. Honors students will also have additional outside reading assignments to deepen understanding and support higher-level analysis.

Supplies Needed:

1. Assigned laptop AND CHARGER
2. Place to take notes (notebook/ binder/ comp. book/ pronged folder)
3. Lined Paper
4. Pockets to store handouts/ class documents (folder, binder, pocketed notebook)
5. Dark Blue/Black ink pen or pencil”

 Classroom Expectations:

• Be Respectful: Use appropriate language, listen when others speak, and treat classmates and staff with respect.
• Follow Directions: Listen to instructions the first time and comply with classroom procedures.
• Be Prepared: Bring required materials, have assignments completed, and come to class ready to learn.
• Be on Time: Arrive promptly, and be in your assigned seat when the bell rings.
• Keep a Safe, Focused Environment: Stay on task, avoid disruptions, and do not use materials or devices in ways that distract or violate school policy.

Behavior & Conduct: Students will follow the CMCSS Code of Conduct and the rules outlined in the Kirkwood High School Student Handbook at all times. The Student Code of Conduct for the 2026-2027 school year has been revised; make sure you review it and are familiar with the revisions. Behaviors that interfere with the learning process, our academic environment, or show a lack of respect for others will not be tolerated.

Tardies: If a student is late, it will be documented in Powerschool. After three tardies, the student will receive a discipline referral. Parents will be notified after the second tardy. 

Grading Policies and Procedures:

*English I is a class WITH an EOC.

• Classes WITH an End-of-Course Test:
• S1

1st 9 weeks = 40%           

2nd 9 weeks = 40%     

Final Exam = 20%

• S2

3rd 9 weeks = 45%

4th 9 weeks = 45%

EOC = 10 % 

Honors Courses and National Industry Certification: Three percentage points will be added to nine weeks and semester exam grades (60 or above) in honors courses and national industry certification preparation classes that extend the state-mandated curriculum with rigor and meet five of the nine state recommended components of honors classes.

CMCSS Grading System: The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System uses a numerical grading system for reporting student progress to parents. A grade of 60 and above is considered passing. A grade of 59 and below is failing.

A         90-100

B         80-89

C         70-79 

D         60-69 

F          0-59

Make-Up Work Policy: All make-up work will be handled according to CMCSS board policy.  The days a student has to complete missing work is equal to the number of days the student is absent.  If a student is absent due to a school-based trip, he/she is still responsible for completing any missed work.  It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the teacher and get the work missed. If a student misses a test, the student is responsible for making arrangements with the teacher to complete the missed assessment. A grade of zero will be given for any missed work due to absence and will be changed upon the assignment’s completion. If work is not completed within the time allowed, a zero may remain as the grade. 

Late Work Policy: Students will not receive full credit for assignments turned in past the due date. Furthermore, no late work will be accepted after one week from the original due date.  

Kirkwood High School Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy: At Kirkwood High, we want your learning to reflect your own thinking, effort, and growth. To make sure everyone has a fair chance to succeed, using AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, or any other AI that helps write, research, solve, or analyze, is not allowed for schoolwork.

Here is what that means for the student:

• Homework and Assignments: All assignments should be your own original work. You cannot use AI tools to write essays, answer questions, help you research or generate any part of your homework.
• Class Discussions and Presentations: When you speak in class or give a presentation, your ideas should come from you, not from an AI tool. This includes preparing your notes and/or slides.
• Projects and Group Work: Whether you are working solo or in a group, don’t use AI to plan, research, or create any part of the project. Everyone in a group is responsible for keeping things “AI-free.”
• Academic Integrity: Turning in work made by AI, or using it to get ahead, is considered cheating. It is not fair to your classmates, and it does not help you grow as a learner.

If an AI tool is ever approved for use on a given assignment, the teacher will communicate and model how to appropriately use the AI tool for the given task. If you are ever unsure about what counts as using AI, ask your teacher first. The faculty at Kirkwood High is here to help you learn how to ethically use these types of tools and resources.