Is College Worth It? When ERWC Gets Real

The first module that we will work on in ERWC is What's Next? Life After College. Even if you're thinking to yourself, "Mrs. Ordway, if that's your real name, I'm not going to college. I'm working with my dad, uncle, mom or for my twice removed second cousin--it's  this guy that kind of looks like a long lost family relative." And, I get that--no, really I do. I can't make you change your mind, but maybe I can provide you with options.

However, you wouldn't just buy an expensive item without doing at least a little research, right? Well, that is what this unit is essentially about. Research. It's not my job to convince you to apply only to UC's or Cal states or even community colleges, but it is my job to make you think about the choices you have and are able to make with the information out there.

So, with that being said. Below are a list of articles, Youtube videos and even infographics with information. I would like you to practice your 'interrogation' (thanks Harvard!) skills and deduce what the author's purpose is, what they are saying and what it can mean to your own life choices.

The Great Debate: Is College Still Worth it? (article)

Is College Worth it? (video)

Is College Worth the Cost? (Infographic)

Is a College Degree Still Worth It? Study Says 'Yes' (video)

Is College Worth It? TIME (Infographic)

Want to Get into College? Learn to Fail? (article)

10 Rules for Going to College When Nobody Really Expected You To (article)

In small collaborative groups go through each text and read, watch or dissect what information is being presented. You will want to be prepared to discuss your thoughts in class out loud .

Let the college talks begin.

Mrs. Ordway

Welcome to the 2016-17 School Year

Welcome! 

Me, Mrs. Ordway

First, let me introduce myself, my name is  Mrs. Ordway and I can't wait to get the chance to know you. This year we will be going on quite a few literary adventures.  We will be delving into the world of nonfiction in ERWC, trying our best to understand how the American Dream was created and if the dream was meant for everyone in Designing the American Dream, and lastly we will explore British, American and World literature in Honors 9th grade.



Something new this year for Designing the American Dream and Honors English 9 is the creation of student blogs. Working on your own blog will allow you to find your voice in a positive atmosphere and creating a lasting and meaningful connection in the digital world. Also, I hope to start a Podcast this year, but I'll definitely need your help to get this going! I'm new to the whole creating and maintaining podcasts.


So, here we go, the start of a new year. Let's do this--we're in it together.



The start of a brand new school year is where you get the chance to reinvent who you are. There is something wonderfully exciting about the start of a new school year--the possibilities are truly open. It's like getting a new pair of shoes--the shoes have yet to take you to new places, adventures or simply guide you home. The possibilities are endless.

I hope that as we beign our school year and get to know each other you see a teaher who not only hopes to engage you academically, but someone who cares about you--the person.

Let the fun begin!

Below you will find the links to your class syllabus

ERWC: ERWC Class Syllabus

Designing the American Dream: DTAD Class Syllabus
Honors English 9 : Honors English 9 Syllabus

--Mrs. Ordway