This is my first year at Chapel Hill ISD. I am very excited to be here. This is my 19th year to teach and coach. I graduated from UT Tyler with a Bachelor's Degree in History in 1987 and graduated from Texas A&M Texarkana with a Master's of Education Degree in 2002. I am married to the former Amy Lee of Tyler and we have two daughters, Lauren and Lana.
English I Pre-AP
Grade: 9 Length: 2 semester Credit: 1 credit per year GPA weight: 1.2
Prerequisites: Recommendation of 8th grade Language Arts teacher and maintenance of an “85” average each six weeks in 8th grade Language Arts
Note: Some books on the Pre-AP list may include mature themes relevant to contemporary life.
This course emphasizes:
preparation to enter the 11th and 12th grade English AP program
oral discussion skills
analytical skills—interpreting a variety of world literature (fiction and non-fiction) for literary devices, rhetorical purpose, and genre characteristics
compositions skills—documented essays using primary and secondary sources, complex sentence structure, mechanics, vocabulary
English I Pre-AP Gifted and Talented Grade: 9 Length: 2 semesters Credit: 1 credit per year GPA weight: 1.2
Prerequisites: Identification as gifted and talented (See other prerequisites listed under English I Pre-AP.)
In addition to the English I Pre-AP curriculum, this course emphasizes:
developing students’ vocabulary, writing, and critical reading skills to prepare for college success
independent reading and research of classical authors and world literature of all genres
production of student-generated compositions and research projects
English III AP Grade: 11 Length: 2 semesters Credit: 1 credit per year GPA weight: 1.4
Prerequisites: Minimum average of “85” in English II Pre-AP and/or teacher recommendation (See other prerequisites listed under English I Pre-AP.)
Note: Students enrolled in this course are required to pay for and take the Advanced Placement Exam in Language and Composition. The approximate cost is $45.00. Any student who scores 3, 4, or 5 on this AP exam may earn 3 hours of college credit. Such a score also qualifies as an Advanced Measure for the Distinguished Achievement Plan.
In addition to the English III curriculum, this course emphasizes:
techniques used in the AP Language and Composition Exam, including active reading of literature for acquisition of advanced vocabulary and analysis of language conventions
examination of United States political and cultural history and the resulting literary response
writing assignments including literary research, critical analysis, and impromptu writing
English III AP Gifted and Talented
Grade: 11 Length: 2 semesters Credit: 1 credit per year GPA weight: 1.4
Prerequisites: (See prerequisites listed under English I Pre-AP Gifted and Talented.)
Note: (See note under English III AP regarding the Advanced Placement exam.)
In addition to the English III AP curriculum, this course emphasizes:
critical reading and analysis of American literature
formulation of written, oral, and creative expressions of learning and research
acquisition of advanced vocabulary and development of higher-order thinking skills
English I (0010)
Grade: 9 Length: 2 semesters Credit: 1 credit per year GPA weight: 1.0
Prerequisite: None
This course emphasizes:
reading comprehension skills—figurative and literal language
literature (fiction and non-fiction) from a variety of genres and world authors
Girls Athletics
Grades: 10-12 Length: 2 semesters Credit: 1 credit per year GPA weight: 1.0
Prerequisite: Approval of Head Coach
This course emphasizes:
skills required for volleyball, basketball, track, softball
strength and conditioning
teamwork through competition
9th Grade Girls Athletics
Grade: 9 Length: 2 semesters Credit: 1 credit per year GPA weight: 1.0
Prerequisite: Approval of Head Coach
This course emphasizes:
developing the same skills as Girls Athletics (see above)