The curriculum of DA’s Language Arts Department is designed to meet all Sunshine State Standards while developing a working knowledge of and appreciation for the spoken and written word.

A relatively new addition to the curriculum is the inclusion of a four-year portfolio to be completed by each student. The portfolio is designed to showcase each student’s best work as he or she progresses through the English curriculum. It will provide documentation of the hard work and achievement of every student.

Summer reading is required of all incoming and current DA students. The selection of required texts is designed to prepare them for the upcoming year while providing them with interesting, acclaimed titles. The required reading also encourages students to meet the annual 25-book reading standard (the satisfaction of which is rewarded in May with prizes).

Almost half of the Department’s faculty is National Board Certified and a third have masters degrees. At least one English teacher has been nominated as Douglas Anderson’s teacher of the year for the last five years—with an English teacher being selected in 2003-2004. Additionally, several department members are currently working on masters degrees, National Board Certification, ESOL endorsement, and/or reading endorsements.

The Department’s faculty shares a passion for literature and the power of expression—spoken and written. Success is achieved when students have been inspired to continue to read, to write, and to reflect on the power of language and literature to bring meaning and beauty to our world.