Accelerated Study in Composition, English, and Narrative Discourse

Application Grades 6-10

Description

ASCEND, formerly ISHALL, is our revitalized English program. The pillars of ISHALL remain, with some significant expansions in curriculum, practical experience, and AP exam preparations.

These enhancements include:

• embedded activities toward both AP English Courses. There will no longer be separate preparations for MSU GATE students who want to take these outside preparatory exam courses.
  • Families are responsible for enrolling their student in the AP exam of their choosing to test in the spring of their second year.
• Readings that align with highly-adopted American high school selections.
• A new portfolio system to teach writing as a key skill that will encourage students to take risks with global revisions and care with local edits.

ASCEND, in partnership with the Department of English, the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures, and Office of University Outreach and Engagement at Michigan State University provides classroom instruction for qualified middle school students in grades 6-10. ASCEND is designed so that the participating students will complete in two years the English content assigned in Michigan High School Content Expectations (HSCE) for all four years of high school as well as meet the Common Core National Standards.

Students study a wide range of texts and media in literature and the humanities including novels, biographies, plays, poetry, and film. Students will also be exposed to a variety of different historical movements and types of literature, such as romanticism, enlightenment, Shakespearean drama, and comedy, in addition to modern works.

Below is the ASCEND schedule and the equivalent curriculum covered in the two-year program:

ASCEND Schedule

ASCEND Schedule:		Curriculum Covered:
Semester 1 (Fall, Year 1)	=	Grade 9 English
Semester 2 (Spring, Year 1)	=	Grade 10 English
Semester 3 (Fall, Year 2)	=	Grade 11 English
Semester 4 (Spring, Year 2)	=	Grade 12 English

Students must begin ASCEND with the Grade 9 English curriculum. Bypassing one or more courses is not permitted.

Course attendance is mandatory. Students are allowed 2 absences per semester (2 for Fall, 2 for Spring) and must make up that class’ work by the next class session. Students who miss more than 2 class sessions will not receive a passing grade for the course and will be removed upon the third absence.

Instructors

ASCEND is taught by Michigan State University faculty and staff.

Student Advantages

• The accelerated program allows students to complete the traditional four-year high school language arts program in two years.
• The time freed by the program gives students more options, including honors/AP/IB classes or dual enrollment in college courses.
• Students have the opportunity to work with university professors in a small class setting.
• Enrichment experiences, such as attending theatrical performances, may be available.

Study Labs

Three study labs per semester are required for all year 1 students. Labs are optional for year 2 students, unless otherwise dictated.

The purpose of study labs is for students to work on homework, seek additional assistance on concepts learned in class, or to work cooperatively with other students.

If students cannot attend labs but wish to ask questions, they can submit questions to an online forum at any time and receive feedback.

ASCEND Technology Requirements

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Additional Program Details

• ASCEND Curriculum
• ASCEND Eligibility
• ASCEND Program Locations
• ISHALL Overview
• ISHALL Curriculum
• ISHALL Eligibility
• ISHALL Program Locations