Department Philosophy
Paul D. Schreiber High School
English Department
English Department
It is not enough to simply teach children to read; we have to give them something worth
reading. Something that will stretch their imaginations—something that will help them
make sense of their own lives and encourage them to reach out toward people whose lives
reading. Something that will stretch their imaginations—something that will help them
make sense of their own lives and encourage them to reach out toward people whose lives
are quite different from their own.
—Katherine Paterson
—Katherine Paterson
Our department is dedicated to presenting a curriculum that encourages students to make
informed decisions and become valuable contributors to our world. The English classroom is a
learning community where students develop the maturity to explore the meaning of language
and literature in context. Text selections in a variety of literary forms provide a solid academic
foundation in line with the NYS Next Generation ELA Learning Standards.
informed decisions and become valuable contributors to our world. The English classroom is a
learning community where students develop the maturity to explore the meaning of language
and literature in context. Text selections in a variety of literary forms provide a solid academic
foundation in line with the NYS Next Generation ELA Learning Standards.
We select rich texts thoughtfully and carefully that:
● Address substantive and relevant topics to promote informed opinions, open discussion,
and honest exchange of ideas in a safe environment.
● Relate to specific course themes and essential questions.
● Offer students opportunities for building reading comprehension, vocabulary, literary
analysis and argumentation skills.
● Serve as both “windows” (texts that enable readers to see worlds that are different from
their own) and “mirrors” (texts that reflect the worlds in which readers live).
● Provide students with opportunities for critical reading, writing, listening, and
communication skills needed for career and college readiness.
● Align with NCTE’s goal to “Encourage diversity of thought, broaden global perspectives,
celebrate unique cultures, and motivate the reader to achieve their dreams.”
● Develop a life-long appreciation of the written word and help students become
successful, productive, and caring members of society.
● Address substantive and relevant topics to promote informed opinions, open discussion,
and honest exchange of ideas in a safe environment.
● Relate to specific course themes and essential questions.
● Offer students opportunities for building reading comprehension, vocabulary, literary
analysis and argumentation skills.
● Serve as both “windows” (texts that enable readers to see worlds that are different from
their own) and “mirrors” (texts that reflect the worlds in which readers live).
● Provide students with opportunities for critical reading, writing, listening, and
communication skills needed for career and college readiness.
● Align with NCTE’s goal to “Encourage diversity of thought, broaden global perspectives,
celebrate unique cultures, and motivate the reader to achieve their dreams.”
● Develop a life-long appreciation of the written word and help students become
successful, productive, and caring members of society.