2026-2027 TSD Course Description Book - Flipbook - Page 34
AP Seminar (102523/202523)
Grades 10-12
Full year 1.0 credit
Students must successfully complete English 9 to enroll. AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular
conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using
an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical
texts; listening to and viewing speeches; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information
from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both
individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information
with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. Students who have demonstrated success
in previous English courses and who are confident academic readers and writers will be most prepared to meet the demands of this
class.
AP Research (102533/202533)
Grades 11-12
Full year 1.0 credit
Students must successfully complete English 9 and AP Seminar in order to enroll. AP Research allows students to deeply explore an
academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long
research-based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in the AP
Seminar course by understanding research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and
synthesizing information as they address a research question. Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and
curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper
of approximately 4000-5000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with
an oral defense.
English Language Development
The Troy School District offers a comprehensive English Language Development (ELD) program designed to support multilingual
learners in developing academic English proficiency. Eligible students may receive a variety of services, including individualized
support and ELD classes focused on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills aligned to grade-level expectations.
ELD courses are offered at each high school and are designed to support students’ success across content areas while building
confidence and independence in academic English. Placement is based on English language proficiency data and individual student
needs.
Students and families are encouraged to consult with their school counselor or ELD Specialist before enrolling in ELD courses.
Beginner ELD (101013/201013)
Grades 9-12
Full year. 1.0 credit
This elective course is designed for students who are newest to the United States and/or in the earliest stages of learning English as a
new language. The course supports students in developing foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, representing,
and viewing in English. Instruction focuses on meeting immediate communication and acculturation needs in a supportive learning
environment that nurtures early language development. Both social and instructional language are emphasized to help students
successfully navigate the school setting and build confidence in using English. This course is scheduled in collaboration with the
student’s ELD Specialist. Students may enroll concurrently in EL Tutorial. This course supports English Learners in developing the
skills needed to be successful in their academic classes. Students receive guided tutorial support while working on individually
assigned coursework, with an emphasis on strengthening English language development and academic vocabulary.
Content and Language Support
EL Tutorial (101103/201103)
Grades 9-12
Full year. 1.0 credit
Instruction focuses on helping students effectively access subject-area content while building skills in note-taking, test preparation,
organization, and time management. Course placement and scheduling are determined in collaboration with the student’s ELD
Specialist.
