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Modified - Jan 19,2009
Mr. Hopfer's Classes
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Summary: My classes are both English and Social Studies. I try at all times to use contemporary issues and news events to make my instruction both relevant and engaging for the students and how the world is a complex and interactive place. The State content standards provide the base from which I create lesson and unit plans. Alternative presentation methods are the means to impart the information all students need. Assessment methods vary with the activities and are designed to see how the material has been understood by our students.
U.S. History - This course emphasizes modern history of the United States. After foundational classes tracing the early history of this country we explore the Constitution and how this living document gives us our rights and privileges. We explore the roles of citizens and their government with the aim of training good citizenship and involvement in this American experiment. Through the use of themes our students will follow developments through the 20th century into the 21st. Through the lens of their theme students will see how changes reflect and drive changes over time. Students will find the links to other themes in our society and relate to who we are today.
English Fundamentals - This class emphasizes basic language skills with the goal of passing the CAHSEE. Once that goal is met students will continue improving their overall awareness of how higher and better writing and speaking skills will help in the competitive work world. Students will be challenged to improve those areas of language which seem the weakest with group and individual lessons. This is the most "traditional" of my classes because the focus is very directed and the least creative.Various tools will be utilized including the "Study Island" internet based program, worksheets, and video lessons when appropriate.
English Literature - Students will explore various forms of literature and written communication. Using the words of others we will learn the power of language to share ideas with others and adapt the words of others into our own communications. Our young people will have their own personal books to read as well as entire class literature activities. All literature is district approved material if provided but the school. Independent reading books will be reviewed to make certain they are appropriate for school use. I am not censoring content or student 1st Amendment rights, but it is my role to NOT allow inappropriate use of language or adult sexual content in the classroom. Please contact me to discuss my policy and rationale.
An emphasis is placed on improving existing vocabulary as well as learning new, powerful words which we come across in our reading. My foundational belief that language makes the person drives me to demonstrate how young people can change the way they are perceived by others and how that perception affects social status.
Creative Writing - In this class students are encouraged to explore creative ways to communicate their own ideas through many different styles and forms of communication. Journal writings, poetry, short stories, comic book creations, songs, etc. are explored. Success is measured both in the attempt at new means of expression as well as the quality of the finished product.It is a goal that student generated items will be put up on our website to share with others. Students are also encouraged to add to their basic work artistic touches that create a greater impact.
English Make-up - Experimention and discovery are the goals of this course. Through the use of various technologies students will work on projects of their choice. While the proper use of language is an important component students will also study business writing, journalistic creation, introduction and interview skills.Students in need of study to pass the CAHSEE will have additional instruction using "Study Island" and small group sessions.
Those who are using this class to gain elelctive credits will also take advantage of our computer lab and applications to explore alternative communicative skills. These are in the planning stage and are projected to include animation, yearbook creation, school newsletter. I want the students to come up with ideas to attempt so that together they can learn planning and organization skills required to reach a goal.
