Walter Maginnis High School (WMHS) 9-10 language arts courses address topics set forth in the 2010 Minnesota Academic Standards for English Language Arts, grades 9-10. Students learn to demonstrate a command of the conventions of the English language, while writing independently for a variety of tasks, topics, purposes, and audiences. In addition, students will explore a broad range of literature, informational texts, and writing styles. Skills students work to develop include speaking, viewing, listening, and fluency in media literacy.

WMHS 11-12 language arts courses deal with topics set forth in the 2010 Minnesota Academic Standards for English Language Arts, grades 11-12. Students learn to exhibit a command of standard conventions, while writing independently for a variety of tasks, topics, purposes, and audiences. Students demonstrate the ability to combine a variety of different kinds of writing, informational sources, and formats in their writing, as well as the ability to reflect on and revise their writing. In addition, students will explore a broad range of literature, informational texts, and writing styles. This study of literature will include analysis of themes, author’s purpose, use of language, point of view, structure, and multiple meanings of a text. Skills students will work to develop include speaking, viewing, listening, and fluency in media literacy.