English classes are a graduation requirement for students, as they provide essential reading, writing, and communication skills. Students in Wisconsin are required to have four English credits to graduate. In many small high schools, students are required to take standard English 9, 10, 11, and 12 classes with little flexibility in course selection. However, at Potosi High School, students are not required to take a traditional, standard English class once they reach their junior and senior years. Instead, they are given a wide range of English course options that allow them to personalize their education. These options include AP Literature, Journalism, American Literature, Speech, Written Communications, Creative Writing, and Grit Lit, all of which focus on different skills and interests.
These course options were not always available to juniors and seniors at Potosi High School. Creating this system required a great deal of time, planning, and collaboration. The process began with conversations between Mrs. Siegert and Mr. Fry, who discussed what these new English classes would look like and how they could be implemented successfully. Though there were conversations between Mrs. Siegert and the previous English teacher, not much came of this until the 2017-2018 school year when Mr. Fry started teaching at Potosi.
They worked to design courses that would still meet graduation requirements while offering students more freedom of choice. A significant amount of time was spent developing the curriculum for each class, deciding what texts would be read and discussed, what types of writing would be assigned, and what skills students would be expected to master.
Once the curriculum was established, the next major challenge was scheduling. Because Potosi High School is a small school, many teachers are responsible for teaching multiple subjects or grade levels, making it difficult to add new classes without creating scheduling conflicts. Careful planning was required to ensure that each class could be taught effectively without overwhelming teachers or disrupting the school schedule.
After months of preparation, the courses were finalized and ready to be implemented. However, before students could enroll in these classes, the proposal had to be approved by the school board. The school board reviewed the plan and recognized the benefits it could offer students. With their approval, the new English class options were officially introduced during the 2018–2019 school year, marking an important change in how English Language Arts was structured at Potosi High School.
The goal of offering multiple English class options was to improve student engagement and overall learning experiences in English classes. Many students have at least one class they dread during the school day, often because it does not align with their interests or academic strengths. By allowing students to choose from a variety of English classes, Potosi High School gives students the opportunity to select courses that match their abilities, learning styles, or future goals. For example, students who enjoy public speaking may benefit from Speech, while those interested in storytelling and imagination may thrive in Creative Writing. These choices encourage students to take more ownership of their education and become more motivated learners. Additionally, these classes expose students to new skills and subjects they may not have explored otherwise, helping them grow academically and personally.
These changes also benefit teachers. Teaching the same material year after year can become repetitive and lead to burnout. With the addition of new English classes, teachers are able to explore different topics, materials, and teaching strategies. This renewed enthusiasm carries over into the classroom, creating a more positive and engaging learning environment. When teachers are passionate about what they are teaching, students are more likely to be interested and invested as well. Overall, the expanded English class options at Potosi High School have created a more flexible, engaging, and enjoyable learning experience for both students and teachers.