Communication Arts

Reading Foundations

Reading Literary Text

Reading Informational Text

Language

Writing

Speaking & Listening

Kindergarten

*Develop print awareness (LID)

*Develop phonemic awareness

*Produce and distinguish between words that rhyme and those that do not

*Read high frequency words

*Develop phonics skills-decode simple words

*Read appropriate grade level text

*Comprehend in response to reading-retell beginning, middle and ending

*Identify story elements within a fiction text

*Use correct conventions when writing

*Compose well developed writing using correct conventions

*Compose well developed writing using correct conventions

*Listen for a purpose

*Effectively communicate (speak) in whole group and small group setting

1^st Grade

*Produce and identify sounds and syllables

*Distinguish between long and short vowel sounds

*Recognize the change in spoken word when a specific phoneme is added, changed or removed

*Blend spoken phonemes to for 1-2 syllable words

*Segment words into individual phonemes

*Identify letters for spelling of short and long vowels

*Produce consonant blends

*Produce consonant digraphs

*Read irregularly spelled words

*Read root words with inflectional endings

*Read high frequency words

*Decode when reading

*Read appropriate text with fluency, purpose and for comprehension

*Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and comprehension

*Retell main ideas in sequence; include key events

*Monitor comprehension and make corrections and adjustments

*Determine what words mean from how they are used in a sentence

*Recognize that compound words are made up of shorter words

*Describe characters, setting, problem, solution and events in sequence

*Describe the main idea

*Use text features to restate the main idea

*Use text features to locate specific information in text

*Use ending

punctuation

*Capitalize the first

letter of others’

first and last names

*Spell words using

regular spelling

patterns

*Spell words

phonetically

*Develop the 3 types of writing: opinion, informative, narrative

*Follow a sense of order when writing

*Follow classroom rules

*Follow 2-step instructions

*Take turns speaking

*Build on others’ talk by responding to comments of others

*Confirm comprehension by retelling and asking appropriate questions

2^nd Grade

*Decode multisyllable words

*Decode one and two syllable words with long and short vowels

*Decode words with diphthongs and diagraphs

*Reading words with common prefixes and suffixes

*Decode words using r-controlled vowels

*Reading high-frequency words

*Use context to determine meanings of synonyms and antonyms

*Describe main character traits and feelings

*Retell a stories beginning, middle and end

*Ask and respond to relevant questions using evidence

*Describe how rhythm, rhyme and repetition, create imagery in poetry

*Explain why a text is fiction or nonfiction

*Demonstrate understanding by locating facts and using text features

*Explain main ideas using supporting details

*Explain why a text is fiction or nonfiction

*Spell grade appropriate words using irregular patterns and plural endings

*Apply grade level grammar skills to produce the four types of sentences

*Use correct capitalization (weeks, days, months, holidays, titles of people)

*Use apostrophes in contractions

*Develop the three types of writing: opinion, narrative and informative

*Follow classroom rules

*Demonstrate listening by following three step directions

*Speak clearly and share thoughts during conversations

3^rd Grade

* Decoding high frequency words, multisyllable words, and unknown words using spelling patterns

* Use prefixes, suffixes, and root words

* Use context clues and figurative language

* Draw conclusions

* Determine connections

* Determine theme and summarize

*Determine character traits and own point of view

*Use alliteration and identify types of poems

* Identify and use text features

* Follow and explain written directions

* Explain the author's purpose and own point of view

* Distinguish fact and opinion

* Tell main idea and  supporting details

* Compare and contrast nonfiction texts

* Spell compound words, double consonant words, and plural words

* Write simple and compound sentences

* Capitalize names of places and titles

* Use commas in a friendly letter

* Write opinion, informative, and narrative writing

* Conduct research

* I can give a presentation using technology

4^th Grade

*Decode unknown words using context and reference sources.

*Read root words, prefixes, suffixes, including those derived from  Latin and Greek.

*Understand the meanings of figurative language and analogies.

*Read fluently and independently

*Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing text evidence to support the text and inferences drawn.

*Determine connections between texts.

*Determine theme, sequence, summary, cause and effect.

*Analyze character traits, point of view, and structural elements.

*Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing text evidence to support the text and inferences drawn.

*Use text features for comprehension.

*Connect an author’s work to their biography/autobiography.

*Analyze persuasive text.

*Use text structures to analyze text, distinguishing fact, opinion, accounts, purpose, sequence, and relationships of ideas in texts.

*Analyze various media to understand features and  impacts.

* Spell grade appropriate words.

*Apply grammar skills to written work including: verbs, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, complete sentences.

* Use conventions of punctuation and capitalization.

*Apply a writing process to develop a text for audience and purpose.

*Write well-developed opinion texts, using supporting facts and citing sources.

*Write well-developed informative and explanatory texts, using supporting facts.

*Write well-developed fiction or nonfiction narratives and poems.

*Apply a research process to gather, analyze, evaluate, and use information from a variety of sources.

*Develop and apply effective listening skills and strategies, following and restating multi-step instructions, along with student generated rules.

*Speak clearly, audibly and effectively, using conventions of language during collaborative conversations.

*Speak clearly, audibly and effectively, using conventions of language when making presentations.

5^th Grade

*Develop phonics in reading by decoding words using knowledge of all letter-sound correspondences, syllabication patterns, and  morphology to read unfamiliar multisyllabic words in context.

*Read root words, prefixes, suffixes, and important words from all specific content.

*Read fluently and independently.

*Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing text evidence to support the text and inferences drawn.

*Determine the meaning of academic English words derived from Latin, Greek, or other linguistic root words and their prefixes and suffixes through context. Explain the meaning of words used in figurative language, transition words, and construct analogies.

*Effectively use reference materials for their intended purpose.

*Make text-to-text and text-to-world connections.

*Compare and contrast the roles and functions of characters.

*Determine the theme of a text citing text evidence.

*Read and comprehend literature independently and proficiently (stories, dramas, poems)

*Introduce mythology and forms of 3rd person point of view.

*Explain how plot/conflict reflect historical and/or cultural contexts

*Use text features and graphics, interpret details from a procedural text, and Interpret factual or quantitative information.

*Analyze how word choice contributes to meaning (figurative language, repetition of words/sounds)

*Read and comprehend literature independently and proficiently

*Explain how an author’s point of view/purpose is conveyed in the text

*Analyze  multiple accounts of the same event.

*Identify an author’s argument in a text and distinguish claims supported and not supported by reasons and evidence

*Identify text structures and how they contribute to the way that the author presents the events in a person’s life using biographies and auto-biographies.

*Explain how the pattern and organization of a text contributes to the text’s meaning.

*Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing text evidence to support the text and inferences drawn

*Analyze various media to understand features and  impacts.

*Explain textual and graphic features of a webpage

*Identify the point of view of media presentations

* Spell grade appropriate words.

*Apply grammar skills to written work including: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, interjections, relative pronouns, and relative adverbs.

*Produce a variety of complex sentences in writing.

*Communicate using conventions of English language to write legibly, write a compound sentence, complex sentence.

*Use commas to set off the words yes and no, punctuate titles correctly, and use apostrophes to show possession.

* Use conventions of punctuation and capitalization.

*Apply a writing process to develop a text for audience and purpose.

*Write well-developed opinion texts, using multiple supporting facts and citing sources.

*Write well-developed informative and explanatory texts, using supporting facts and use an organizational format that suits the topic.

*Write well-developed fiction or nonfiction narratives and poems.

*Apply a research process to gather, analyze, evaluate, and use information from a variety of sources, and record bibliographic information from sources according to a standard format.

*Develop and apply effective listening skills and strategies, following and restating multi-step instructions, along with listening for a purpose to follow agreed upon rules and summarize the speaker’s main points to provide evidence of listening.

*Speak clearly, and to the point, using conventions of language during independent or collaborative conversation to summarize points made by others and provide and evaluate evidence to support opinions.

*Listen for entertainment by evaluating and modifying your own active listening skills.

*Speak effectively when presenting.

6^th Grade

*Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing text evidence to support the text and inferences drawn

*Determine the meaning of words and phrases including figurative and connotative meanings using context, affixes or reference materials

*Interpret and draw conclusions using visual elements when applicable

*Determine the theme of a text citing text evidence, and summarize the text

*Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter scene, stanza, or image contributes to the texts meaning

*Explain how the author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker of the text

*Analyze how word choice contributes to meaning (figurative language, repetition of words/sounds)

*Describe how plot unfolds and moves towards a resolution as well as how characters change and respond

*Compare and contrast reading a text (story, drama, poem) to listening/viewing the same version of the text

*Compare and contrast texts in different genres with similar themes/topics

*Explain how plot/conflict reflect historical and/or cultural contexts

*Read and comprehend literature independently and proficiently (stories, dramas, poems)

*Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing text evidence to support the text and inferences drawn

*Determine the meaning of words and phrases including figurative and connotative meanings using context, affixes or reference materials

*Interpret and draw conclusions using visual elements when applicable

*Explain central/main idea of a text citing evidence, and summarize the text

*Analyze how a particular sentence, paragraph, section or image contributes the texts meaning

*Explain how an author’s point of view/purpose is conveyed in the text

*Analyze how word choice contributes to meaning (figurative language, repetition of words/sounds)

*Identify an author’s argument in a text and distinguish claims supported and not supported by reasons and evidence

*Compare and contrast reading a text to listening/viewing the same version of the text noting how they impact the interpretation

*Compare and contrast one author’s presentation of events with another author’s presentation

*Explain how plot/conflict reflect historical and/or cultural contexts

*Read and comprehend literature independently and proficiently

*Research to answer questions drawing on several sources and use a bibliography for citations

*Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using reliable sources

*Quote and paraphrase to avoid plagiarism and provide a bibliography

*Follow the writing process to produce a clear and coherent piece of writing

*Use the correct development, organization, style and voice appropriate to task, purpose and audience according to which piece of writing you are developing (narrative, expository, argumentative)

*Develop narratives including real or imagined experienced with clearly defined characters, sequence of events, details, and narrative techniques

*Develop an informative/explanatory piece to examine a topic with relevant facts, examples, and details

*Introduce and support a claim with clear reasons and relevant evidence for an argumentative writing piece

*Review, revise and edit with task, purpose and audience in mind

*Introduce the topic and maintain a clear focus throughout the text

*Provide a conclusion that is appropriate and flows from the text

*Choose precise language and establish/maintain an appropriate style with complete sentences

*Use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation

*Use appropriate transitions to clarify relationships and connect ideas

*Use technology/internet to help produce, enhance and publish writing and collaborate with others

*Follow rules for collegial discussions, students set specific goals & deadlines, & define individual roles as needed

*Delineate a speaker’s argument and claim to pose and respond to specific questions with details

*Form and make comments that contribute to the speakers topic, text or issue

*Demonstrate understanding of a speaker’s presentation by reflecting and paraphrasing the information presented

*Speak clearly and audibly staying focused on the topic, task, purpose and audience using appropriate volume

*Position face and body to the audience when speaking and make eye contact with various listeners

*Plan and deliver appropriate presentations based on task, audience and purpose

*Include multimedia components in presentations to clarify claims, findings and ideas

7^th Grade

*Draw conclusions, make connections, visualize, question, and infer by citing several pieces of text evidence.

*Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text including figurative and connotative meanings

*Use appropriate text to determine the theme and citing text evidence and summarizing

*Analyze how the setting, characters, and plot affect one another and contribute to the meaning

*Compare a written story, drama, or poem to its filmed, staged, or multimedia version

*Compare a fictional portrayal of time, place, or character with a realistic account of the same subject matter

*Explain how characters and settings reflect historical and/or cultural contexts

* Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing several pieces of text evidence

*Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative, connotative, and content-specific meanings

*Interpret visual elements of a text including those from different media and draw conclusions from them

*Explain the central/main idea of a text and explain the relationship between the central idea(s) and supporting evidence; summarize the text

*Analyze how an author develops point of view or purpose and distinguish it from those of others

*Compare and contrast information presented in different mediums and analyze how technique contributes to meaning

*Compare how two or more authors writing about the same topic make decisions about style and structure

*Explain how a nonfiction text reflects historical or cultural contexts

* Analyze how a text’s form or overall style and structure contribute to meaning

*develop poetry about real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences 

*Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources

*Assess the credibility and accuracy of sources

*Quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism

*Evaluate text to assess whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant

*Follow a standard format for citation

*Use technology to produce and publish writing

*Use technology to cite sources

*Develop narratives about real or imagined experiences with a consistent point of view, clearly identified characters, well-structured event sequences, narrative techniques, and relevant, descriptive details.

*Develop informative writing to examine a topic with relevant facts, examples and details; establish ideas and supporting evidence

*Develop argumentative writing by introducing and supporting a claim with clear reasons and relevant evidence; acknowledge counterclaims; establish relationships between claims and supporting evidence

*Follow the provided writing format, introduce the topic, use effective transitions to connect ideas, maintain a clear focus throughout the text, and provide a conclusion

*Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience

*Develop poems about real or imagined experiences

*Identify and correctly apply the eight parts of speech

*Construct complete and compound sentences with correct capitalization and punctuation

*Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed

* Conduct group discussion

*Track progress towards a specific deadline and define individual roles as needed

*Acknowledge new information expressed by others including those presented in diverse media

*Use technology to produce and publish presentations

*Speak audibly and to the point

*Position body to the audience when speaking

*Make consistent eye contact with a range of listeners to communicate a clear viewpoint and engage listeners

*As a listener, make eye contact with the speaker and position body to be an effective audience member

8^th Grade

-Draw conclusions and analyze texts by citing the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text explicitly says as well as make inferences from the text.

- Determine the meanings of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings using context clues or reference material.

-Determine the theme (s) of a text and explain its development over the course of a text.

-Provide an objective summary of a text. 

- Analyze how irony contribute to the meaning of a text.

-Analyze how differing points of view contribute to the meaning of a text.

-Analyze how specific word choices and sentence structures contribute to meaning and tone.

- Analyze how literary devices enhance and develop the plot of a fictional text.

-Analyze the extent to which a filmed or live production of a story or drama compares and contrasts from the text or script, evaluating the choices made by the director or actors.

-) Explain how themes reflect historical and/or cultural contexts.

-Draw conclusions and analyze texts by citing the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text explicitly says as well as make inferences from the text.

-Determine content-specific meanings of words and phrases as they are used in informational text

-Draw conclusions from visual elements such as charts, maps, tables, pictures, and other media in informational text

-Explain the main idea of a text and provide an objective summary of the text.

-Evaluate author’s argument, assessing whether the reasoning is credible and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.

-Analyze two or more texts that provide conflicting information on the same topic and identify where the texts disagree on matter of fact or interpretation.

-Explain how the central ideas of informational texts reflect historical and/or cultural contexts.

-Compare and contrast information presented in different medium and analyze how the techniques used contribute to meaning.

-Identify and correctly apply the eight parts of speech.

-Construct complete complex and compound sentences, avoiding fragments and run-ons.

-Spell grade-appropriate words correctly and consult references as needed.

-Gather relevant information from multiple sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source.

-Quote or paraphrase resources avoiding plagiarism

-Follow a standard format for citation.

-Applies literary techniques including character development and dialogue when creating a narrative.

-Organize a narrative that contains a beginning, middle, and end.

-Construct a narrative in which voice and point of view are appropriate to purpose and audience.

-Students can develop informative writing to examine a topic.

-Students can provide relevant facts, examples and details to establish relationships between ideas and supporting evidence.

-Formulate a relevant thesis statement that contains topic and position.

-Connect claims with relevant evidence and acknowledge counterclaims.

-Cite sources using MLA formatting.

-Introduce topic and maintain a clear focus throughout text and provide a conclusion.

-Revise using precise language appropriate to style, task, and audience.

-Follow rules for collegial discussions and decision making track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.

-Acknowledge new information expressed by others, including those presented in diverse media and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of evidence presented.

-Speak audibly using conventions of language as appropriate to task, purpose and audience when presenting including appropriate volume, clear articulation and accurate pronunciation at an understandable pace.

-Make consistent eye contact with a range of listeners when speaking and listening using effective gestures to communicate a clear viewpoint and engage listeners.

Language Arts 1

-Quarter one independent reading: fiction/multicultural fiction.

-Quarter one: Fiction Novel; read The Outsiders.

-Quarter two independent reading: fiction/multicultural fiction.

-Quarter three: Drama and Poetry Unit; read and analyze the elements of drama and poetry in Romeo and Juliet and poetry selections.

-Quarter three independent reading: reader’s choice.

-Quarter four: Novel; read dystopian novel (Fahrenheit 451, Anthem)

-Quarter three: Nonfiction Unit. Students will read and analyze nonfiction articles, essays, memoirs, biographies.

-Quarter one-four: read a variety of nonfiction articles to supplement unit themes.

-Complete Daily Oral Language and/or No Red Ink

-Quarter one: write a personal narrative.

-Quarter three: write a literature response essay.

-Quarter three: students will blend writing techniques (narrative, expository, argumentative).

-Quarter four: write a research essay incorporating and properly citing research from teacher-provided nonfiction articles.

-Complete both oral or visual presentations of their independent reading books at least once per year

-Engage in Socratic Seminars to discuss fiction (novels, poetry, drama) and nonfiction articles.

Language Arts 2

-Quarter one: Short Fiction Unit; read and analyze 6-7 short stories to examine elements of fiction and figurative language.

-Quarter one independent reading: fiction/multicultural fiction.

-Quarter two: Fiction Novel; read and analyze To Kill a Mockingbird.

-Quarter two independent reading: fiction/multicultural fiction/folk tales.

-Quarter four: Drama  and Poetry Unit; analyze the elements of drama and poetry in Pygmalion, Julius Caesar, The Merchant of Venice, Cyrano De Bergerac, or Nicolas Nickleby and poetry selections

-Quarter four independent reading: fiction/multicultural fiction.

-Quarter one-four: read and analyze nonfiction articles, essays, memoirs, biographies.

-Complete Daily Oral Language and/or No Red Ink

-Quarter one-four: write multi-paragraph responses, blending two-three writing modes.

-Quarter one: write literary analysis paragraphs.

-Quarter two: write a literature response essay analyzing quarter two novel’s themes.

-Quarter three: write an argumentative essay, citing research.

-Quarter four: write poetry.

-Complete oral or visual presentations of their independent reading at least once per year through multimedia formats..

-Engage in Socratic Seminars to discuss fiction (novels, poetry, drama) and nonfiction articles.

Language Arts 3

-Quarter one: Short Fiction Unit.. Students will read and analyze 6-8 short stories at junior level, demonstrating understanding of structure, literary elements,  complex figurative language, and thematic relevance

-Quarter one independent reading: Novel

-Quarter two: Novel unit. Students will read, analyze, and evaluate The Great Gatsby or Of Mice and Men

-Quarter two independent reading: Novel.

-Quarter three: Drama unit. Students will read, discuss analyze, and evaluate the structure, characters, historical significance, and literary value of The Crucible.

-Quarter three independent reading: Reader’s choice.

-Quarters 1-3: Various nonfiction articles related to literary texts

-Quarter four: Post-secondary Unit. Students will read various nonfiction articles, research prospective post-secondary education and training.

-Quarter four independent reading: students will read a nonfiction book.

-make progress toward (or show growth on) the ACT Reading college readiness benchmark (22)

-Complete Daily Oral Language and/or No Red Ink

-progress toward college readiness benchmark (18) on the ACT English test.

-Quarter one: formal literary analysis essay.

-Quarter two:  formal novel comparison essay

-Quarter three: formal research-based argumentative essay

-Quarter four: Students will write a formal essay in response to a college, military, scholarship, or other post-secondary prompt

-Quarter four: Students will create a formal academic resume.

- oral and visual presentations of independent reading books each quarter through multimedia formats..

-Students will engage in Socratic seminars to discuss fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction.

-Podcasts related to controversial issues in their post-secondary field

Language Arts 4

-read and analyze course-level appropriate literature

-read and analyze course-level appropriate nonfiction literature

-prepare for and seek educational and job opportunities

-Utilize English 3200 grammar course as appropriate for the course level

-Write for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences as appropriate for the 12th grade course level -Produce an appropriate outline for a speech or essay

-participate  in Socratic discussions, recognizing and responding to the viewpoints of others

-complete and present an oral and/or visual presentation