Ridgefield High School

Seniors: Noodletools for college? Click here to check out a discounted rate for next year.

English Department Philosophy and Core Beliefs

Our English program encourages creativity, risk taking, organized, analytical thinking, collaboration, incremental learning, and self-reflection.  We applaud deep appreciation of literature and effective communication skills. We expose our students to various genres, time periods, and cultures.  We work toward interconnecting disciplines at Ridgefield High School to present students with a comprehensive experience.  Above all, we maintain high expectations for our students and ask that they do so for themselves.

Our English teachers honor the growth of all students as readers and writers, notably through our writing conference program. We value students' ideas about literature while fostering comprehension and fluency.  We give individual teachers and classes freedom to pursue their passions.  We collaborate with and celebrate one another's strengths.  We model good habits of learning and sincere respect for students and colleagues.  We believe that a balanced, dynamic program will assist in the development of the whole, healthy learner.

As readers our students will
o   Use active reading strategies to promote comprehension and enjoy diverse texts.
o   Understand form, purpose, topic, and audience for a variety of texts.
o   Develop a true regard for the merits of reading through sustained engagement with challenging texts.

As writers our students will
o   Understand, appreciate, use, and enjoy the process of writing to communicate their ideas and identities.
o   Experiment with voice and originality through a variety of opportunities for expression.
o   Employ ongoing teacher and student feedback to improve writing.
o   Harness the power of word choice, audience, and purpose in each piece of writing.

As speakers, listeners, and viewers our students will
o   Present and respond constructively and without biased judgment.
o   Deepen, extend, and redirect classroom discussions to foster effective sharing of ideas.
o   Consider the ideas of others by being a focused listener.
o   Embrace higher order thinking and inquiry when viewing a variety of media.
o   Recognize their responsibilities as participants in our changing, 21st century world.

As language learners our students will
o   Explore the history and power of our evolving language.
o   Learn the value of grammar and vocabulary as the foundation of language and the means to clear communication.
o   Practice the varied uses of spoken and written language to refine communication.

As social and ethical beings our students will
o   Act ethically and responsibly as citizens of our learning community and in the greater community.  
o   Work respectfully in collaboration with others.
o   Demonstrate an open, tolerant, and inquisitive willingness to explore all subjects pursued in our
o   curricula.
o   Keep honesty and integrity at the core of their work and behavior.
o   Broaden their cultural and social understandings throughout their Ridgefield High School experience.

As problem solvers our students will
o   Grow as seekers of knowledge through process oriented strategies, perseverance, and collaboration.
o   Apply individual knowledge from personal experiences.
o   Become personally invested in their own learning.
o   Learn how to take risks and enjoy challenges.