Wawasee Community School Corporation

Core Curriculum

Elementary

English/Language Arts

K - 5 CKLA (Amplify)

K - 2 UFLI Foundations (University of Florida Literacy Institute )

Addional reading support may include: 

Orton Gillingham

Math: K – 5 Curriculum Associates Ready Math

Science: K – 5 Mystery Science

Social Studies: Integrated within CKLA (Amplify)

McMillen Health Body Safety Program

Middle School

English/Language Arts: My Perspectives (SAVVAS)

Math: Big Ideas Math (supplimental: Get More Math)

Science: Science Techbook (Discovery Education)

Social Studies: Cengage National Geographic Great Civilizations (Grade 6 & 7); US History American Stories Beginningsto 1877 (Grade 8) (supplimental: Active Classroom)

Health: Essential Health (Goodheart-Wilcox)

High School

12 AP Literature

Frankenstein – Mary Shelley

This novel follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates and abandons a living creature, raising questions about responsibility, ambition, and what it means to be human. Students examine narrative structure, Romantic and Gothic elements, and enduring ethical issues around science and creation.

12A English

Oedipus – Sophocles

This classical Greek tragedy tells the story of a king who unwittingly fulfills a devastating prophecy, exploring fate, free will, and self-discovery. Students analyze dramatic irony, tragic structure, and the foundations of Western drama.

Beowulf

An Anglo-Saxon epic poem, Beowulf recounts the hero’s battles against monsters and a dragon while examining courage, leadership, and legacy. Students explore epic conventions, Old English culture, and oral storytelling traditions.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

This medieval romance follows Sir Gawain as he accepts a mysterious challenge that tests his honor and honesty. Students analyze symbolism, chivalric values, and tensions between human imperfection and idealized virtue.

The Canterbury Tales – Geoffrey Chaucer

Chaucer’s framed narrative introduces a diverse group of pilgrims whose stories offer satire and insight into medieval society. Students study characterization, social commentary, and Middle English language through selected tales and a newspaper-style modernization project.

Macbeth – William Shakespeare

This tragedy traces Macbeth’s rise and fall as ambition and moral compromise lead to tyranny and ruin. Students analyze imagery, character development, and themes of power, guilt, and fate.

12B English

Romantic Poetry Selections

Poems by Blake, Wordsworth, Burns, and Coleridge introduce Romantic themes such as nature, emotion, and social critique. Students examine poetic form, figurative language, and historical context.

The War of the Worlds – H.G. Wells

This science fiction novel depicts a Martian invasion of Earth and uses alien conflict to explore imperialism, human vulnerability, and technological change. Students analyze speculative fiction as social commentary.

The Importance of Being Earnest – Oscar Wilde

This comedic play uses mistaken identities and satire to critique Victorian values surrounding marriage, status, and respectability. Students study wit, irony, and dramatic structure.

11 AP Language & Composition

The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald

This novel examines the American Dream through the experiences of narrator Nick Carraway and the mysterious Jay Gatsby. Students analyze symbolism, authorial choices, and social critiques of wealth and class.

Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck

This novella follows two migrant workers pursuing stability during the Great Depression. Students analyze characterization, themes of dignity and marginalization, and Steinbeck’s social commentary.

Nonfiction Choice Books

Students choose from a curated list of nonfiction works to practice AP-level rhetorical analysis, argument, and synthesis. Texts provide exposure to contemporary issues and real-world writing.

11A English – Early American Texts & Literary Movements

Native American Myths

Traditional stories introduce cultural values, creation beliefs, and oral storytelling structures. Students explore symbolism and how culture shapes narrative.

'Here Follow Some Verses Upon the Burning of Our House' – Anne Bradstreet

Bradstreet reflects on loss, faith, and material possessions through Puritan worldview. Students analyze metaphor, tone, and historical context.

Narratives of Equiano, Rowlandson, and Wheatley

These texts offer perspectives on enslavement, captivity, and early American religious life. Students examine rhetoric, bias, and how authors use personal narrative to influence audiences.

Founding Documents (Declaration of Independence, The Crisis, Franklin Aphorisms)

These foundational writings illustrate early American political thought and persuasive techniques. Students analyze argument structure, rhetorical strategies, and democratic principles.

Speeches on 9/11, Indian Removal, Slavery, Internment, Women’s Suffrage, and Civil Rights

Students compare rhetorical purposes across significant historical speeches, analyzing appeals, tone, and how public language influences social change.

Romantic & Gothic Works (Poe, Emerson, Irving, Longfellow)

Texts explore emotion, individuality, mystery, and moral conflict. Students examine symbolism, narrative style, and characteristic Romantic themes.

Poetry of Dickinson & Whitman

These poets offer contrasting styles while exploring identity, nature, democracy, and mortality. Students compare form, voice, and poetic innovation.

Realism & Naturalism: 'Story of an Hour' & 'To Build a Fire'

These stories explore human limitations, social expectations, and environmental forces. Students analyze setting, conflict, and the shift toward more realistic portrayals of life.

11B English – Modern, Harlem Renaissance, and Contemporary Literature

Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck

Students examine themes of friendship, marginalization, and economic hardship during the Great Depression, focusing on characterization and social context.

The Crucible – Arthur Miller

An allegory for McCarthyism, this play explores hysteria, fear, and personal integrity. Students analyze dramatic structure and historical parallels.

Harlem Renaissance Texts

Poetry, autobiography, nonfiction, and short stories highlight Black artistic expression, identity, and social struggle. Students examine voice, cultural perspective, and literary influence.

Modern Short Stories (Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Faulkner, Welty, Frost)

These works introduce modernist themes such as alienation, memory, and shifting norms. Students study symbolism, narrative technique, and regional voice.

Contemporary Stories (Tan, Alvarez, Lahiri, Danticat, O’Brien)

These multicultural texts explore immigration, culture, war, technology, and identity. Students analyze point of view, structure, and contemporary themes.

10 English

Lord of the Flies – William Golding

This novel examines human nature and societal breakdown as boys stranded on an island struggle for power and survival. Articles on conformity and group behavior support thematic analysis.

Short Stories on Identity & Adolescence

Stories such as 'Two Kinds,' 'Fish Cheeks,' and 'Mothers' explore cultural identity, family expectations, and personal growth. Students analyze conflict, characterization, and theme.

Poetry & Informational Texts on Emotion and Decision-Making

Poems and articles examine emotional development, time, and choice. Students connect literary imagery with psychological and scientific explanations.

Suspense & Irony Stories (e.g., 'Lamb to the Slaughter')

Students study how authors build tension and incorporate irony to reveal character motives and moral ambiguity.

To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee

This novel explores racism, justice, and moral growth in the American South. Students analyze character development, symbolism, and themes of empathy and prejudice.

Excerpts from The Help – Kathryn Stockett

Selections explore race, gender, and social dynamics in the 1960s South. Students compare narrative voices and historical context.

9th Grade English

Poetry Selections

Victorian and thematic poems explore love, gender roles, social judgment, and personal identity. Students analyze tone, figurative language, and historical context.

Tuesdays with Morrie – Mitch Albom

A memoir centered on life lessons shared between an author and his former professor. Students examine themes of purpose, relationships, and reflection.

The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho (Honors)

A philosophical novel about pursuing one’s personal legend. Students explore allegory, symbolism, and self-discovery.

The Martian – Andy Weir

This science fiction novel depicts an astronaut’s struggle for survival using science and problem-solving. Students analyze resilience, ingenuity, and STEM connections.

The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien (Lab)

A fantasy adventure following Bilbo Baggins’s transformation from reluctant traveler to courageous hero. Students examine world-building and the hero’s journey.

The Odyssey – Homer

An ancient Greek epic following Odysseus’s journey home. Students learn epic conventions, mythology, and cultural ideals of heroism.

Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare

A tragedy about young love, family conflict, and fate. Students study poetic language, character motivation, and dramatic structure.

Twelfth Night – Shakespeare (Honors)

A comedy involving disguise, mistaken identity, and themes of love and social expectation. Students explore humor, structure, and character dynamics.

Nonfiction Articles & Silent Spring Excerpts

Students read scientific and informational texts, especially on space technology and environmental issues, to develop literacy and critical thinking across genres.

Short Story Selections

A diverse range of stories introduces students to suspense, irony, cultural perspectives, and speculative fiction. Students analyze plot, theme, and literary devices.

District Technology Programs

For further information please contact Dr. Wilfong at curriculum@wawaseeschools.org

• 2024 Naturalization Examination Results
• 2024-2025 Indiana’s Educational Flexibility Program Notice
• Public Notice - Excess Funds Waiver 2024-2025