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Hicksville Public Schools

English Language Arts (ELA)

English Language Arts (ELA)

Mission

Our mission is to help every student become a confident reader, writer, critical thinker, speaker, and learner in a supportive and engaging environment. Guided by the New York State Education Department Next Generation Learning Standards and the New York State Education Department Science of Reading Literacy Initiative, we are committed to using highly effective teaching practices that help all students build strong literacy skills and develop a lifelong love of learning. 

Goals

  • Strengthen literacy instruction across all grade levels by using engaging, research-based practices that support the growth and success of every student as readers, writers, and communicators.
  • Foster supportive and inclusive learning environments that encourage students to become confident critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and active participants in their school communities.
  • Promote a culture of reading, inquiry, and digital literacy by providing students and staff with access to high-quality library resources, collaborative learning opportunities, and meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity and independent learning.
  • Create welcoming and engaging library learning environments that inspire curiosity, foster a love of reading, strengthen research and critical thinking skills, and support student learning across all subject areas.

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  • At the elementary level, the standards focus on building strong foundational literacy skills, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, speaking, listening, and writing. Students develop confidence as readers and writers through engaging instruction that encourages curiosity, communication, and a love of learning. 

    New York State Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards 

     

  • In middle school, students strengthen their ability to think critically, analyze texts, communicate ideas clearly, and support their thinking with evidence. Instruction emphasizes deeper reading, purposeful writing, collaboration, and the development of independent learning habits across all subject areas. 

    New York State Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards 

  • At the high school level, students refine advanced literacy and communication skills that prepare them for college, careers, and lifelong learning. The standards encourage students to evaluate complex texts, conduct research, engage in thoughtful discussion, and produce clear, evidence-based writing across a variety of disciplines.

    New York State Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards 

  • The Comet chapter of the National English Honor Society (NEHS) was established in October, 2010. Founded and sponsored by the International English Society of Sigma Tau Delta, the National English Honor Society is the only national organization exclusively for high school students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Ms. Whitehair, a veteran teacher in the high school English department, and Ms. Shtein, the English Department’s current teacher of Creative Writing, act as co-advisors for the chapter. Meetings are held monthly beginning in September.

    Purpose

    The Comet chapter's charge is to promote and support the study of literature and English Language Arts in both our school and in the larger community. Through their work, society members look deeper into literature-related careers, meet with authors, and help to promote literacy and a love of reading. Appropriately, the symbol at the center of the insignia of the National English Honor Society is a book. Books connote reading and literature and also the knowledge and experience passed from generation to generation through the written word.

    Eligibility and Membership

    Membership in the Comet chapter of the NEHS is limited to students in Grades 11-12 who meet each of the eligibility criteria given below. These eligibility criteria and performance expectations reflect superior achievement, a repeated commitment to excellence, and a deep interest in literature and language. To be considered for admission to the society, students must:

    • be currently enrolled in an English Honors or Advanced Placement class.
    • have been enrolled in Honors or Advanced Placement English at Hicksville High School during the previous school year and completed that course successfully with a minimum average of 90 (not including the Regents exam).
    • have taken the English Regents and achieved the State-defined level of mastery of 85% or better on the exam. (Seniors only).

    A completed membership application is required of all students, including returning members; new members must also complete and submit an essay as described on the application. Candidates who are accepted into the National English Honor Society are expected to participate in all meetings and club activities that are held during the year.

    Evaluations for placement are made at the beginning of each school year based on the criteria specified. Even though the chapter is not open to ninth or tenth graders, those entering high school as freshmen in September cohort must begin to meet eligibility criteria and maintain it in order to be considered for membership in their junior year.

  • Next Generation Learning Standards: English Language Arts

    Next Generation Learning Standards for Literacy

    NYSED Literacy Initiative & The Science of Reading Literacy Briefs

    Hicksville Public Library  

  • Advanced Placement

    Four Advanced Placement (AP) courses in English are available from the College Board and are offered at Hicksville High School: AP Language and Composition,  AP Literature and Composition, AP Capstone: Seminar, and AP Capstone: Research. Placement in these classes is based on students' academic performance and criteria that are outlined in the course catalog.

    AP courses represent an opportunity for students to expose themselves to the expectations and demands of university-level study while still in high school. The courses culminate in AP examinations and projects that take place in May of each year. Students are expected to take the appropriate culminating examination as a part of their course of study; students who do not will be required to take a comprehensive local final to demonstrate that they have mastered the material.

    Summer Work

    As college preparatory courses, AP Seminar, AP Research, AP Language and Composition, and AP Literature and Composition carry expectations and obligations beyond other high school courses. One of those is summer work. Descriptions of the required summer projects for all AP classes are provided to students in June of each school year.