Welcome to 5922. This is the capstone course for this major. In this class, you will make final preparations to step into the classroom as a secondary teacher of communication arts (reading, writing, speaking, listening, thinking) and of literature. Click below to access course requirements and information.

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GRADE 5 D. Research The student will locate and use information in reference materials. 1. Locate and keep notes on the information in various reference materials including print and online dictionaries, glossaries, encyclopedias, CD reference materials andthe Internet.2. Formulate research questions and collect relevant information or perform observations that address such questions.3. Define plagiarism and avoid its use.
GRADE 5 E. Handwriting and Word Processing The student will write legibly and demonstrate effective keyboarding skills. 1. Write legibly in cursive.2. Apply keyboarding skills.
GRADE 5 III. SPEAKING, LISTENING AND VIEWING A. Speaking and Listening The student will demonstrate understanding and communicate effectively through listening and speaking. 1. Participate in and follow agreed-upon rules for conversation and formal discussions in large and small groups.2. Demonstrate active listening and comprehension.3. Distinguish between speaker’s opinion and verifiable facts.4. Give oral presentations to various audiences for different purposes.5. Restate or summarize and organize ideas sequentially using evidence to support opinions and main ideas.6. Perform expressive oral readings of prose, poetry or drama.
GRADE 5 C. Media Literacy The student will critically analyze information found in electronic and printmedia, and will use a variety of these sources to learn about a topic and represent ideas. 1. Identify distinctions in how information is presented in print and non-print materials.2. Make informed judgments about messages promoted in the media, such as those in film, television, radio and newspapers.3. Evaluate the accuracy and credibility of information found on Internet sites.
GRADE 6 I. READING AND LITERATURE A. Word Recognition, Analysis, and Fluency The student will read with accuracy and fluency. 1. Read unfamiliar complex and multi-syllabic words using advanced phonetic analysis and structural analysis.2. Read narrative and expository text with fluency, accuracy and appropriate pacing.3. Apply correct word pronunciation and inflection.
GRADE 6 B. Vocabulary Expansion The student will use a variety of strategies to expand reading, listening and speaking vocabularies. 1. Acquire, understand and use new vocabulary through explicit vocabulary instruction and independent reading.2. Analyze word structure and use cueing systems to understand new words.3. Determine pronunciations, meanings and alternate word choices through the use of dictionaries, thesauruses and electronic tools.4. Determine the meaning of unknown words using knowledge of common Greek and Latin roots, suffixes and prefixes.5. Recognize and interpret similes, metaphors, and words with multiple meanings.
GRADE 6 C. Comprehension The student will understand the meaning of informational, expository orpersuasive texts, using a variety of strategies and will demonstrate literal, interpretive, inferential and evaluative comprehension. 1. Summarize and paraphrase what is read.2. Recall and use prior learning and preview text to prepare for reading.3. Generate and answer literal, inferential, interpretive and evaluative questions to demonstrate understanding about what is read.4. Apply a range of monitoring strategies and self-correction methods.5. Identify the main idea and supporting details.6. Retell significant sequences of events or ideas.7. Distinguish fact from opinion and give examples from text.8. Identify the author’s purpose (stated or implied), audience and message.9. Create outlines, logical notes and summaries across content areas.10. Use texts’ structural features, such as graphics, illustrations, references, notes, introductions, boldface type and subheadings across a range of subject areas toenhance comprehension.11. Utilize texts’ organizational structures (narrative, expository, chronological, compare and contrast) and generate graphic organizers to organize, recall and summarize content.12. Compare and contrast information from different sources on the same topic.13. Critically read and evaluate to determine the author’s purpose, point of view, audience and message.
D. Literature The student will actively engage in the reading process and read, understand, respond to, analyze, interpret, evaluate and appreciate a wide variety of fiction, poeticand nonfiction texts. 1. Read a variety of high quality, traditional, classical and contemporary literary works specific to America, as well as significant works from other countries.2. Identify and describe the characteristics of various genres.3. Identify and describe the relationships among elements of fiction including setting, character, plot, conflict/resolution, theme and tone.4. Analyze characters through identifying thoughts, words, actions and narrator’s description.5. Describe how figurative language (such as simile and metaphor) and literary devices contribute to the meaning of a text.6. Relate a given literary work to historical events (place, time and custom).7. Describe how meaning is conveyed in poetry the author’s stylistic choices.8. Respond to literature using ideas and details from the text to support reactions and make literary connections.9. Read from and respond to a variety of fiction, poetic and nonfiction texts of increasing complexity for personal enjoyment.
GRADE 6 II. WRITING A. Types of Writing The student will create informative, expressive and persuasive writing. 1. Write frequently in a variety of forms, including but not limited to the following: poems, stories, plays, essays, journals, letters, directions, editorials, businesscommunications and reports. By the end of grade 8,The student will have written in all of the forms listed.
GRADE 6 B. Elements of Composition The student will engage in a writing process, with attention to organization, focus, quality of ideas and a purpose. 1. Create multiple paragraph compositions that state, maintain and use details in a logical order to support a main idea.2. Create narratives that develop settings, people/characters, dialogue and conflicts using descriptive, concrete language to engage audiences.3. Create informative reports, including gathering material, formulating ideas based on gathered material, organizing information, and editing for logical progression.4. Use composing processes to develop writing, including:a. prewriting - planning strategies such as brainstorming, journaling, sketching, listing, outlining and determining audience, purpose and focusb. drafting – organizing, supporting and putting ideas into sentences and paragraphsc. revising – improving the quality of content, organization, sentence structure and word choiced. editing – correcting errors in spelling and grammare. publishing – producing a document and sharing the writing with the audience.5. Consider the intended audience when composing text.
GRADE 6 C. Spelling, Grammar, and Usage The student will apply standard English conventions when writing.(Use of standard English conventions is necessary to help a writer convey meaning to thereader. Spelling, grammar, and usage may be taught as a separate unit as well asintegrated into teaching writing processes.) 1. Compose complete sentences when writing.2. Edit writing for correct spelling and sentence clarity.3. Apply grammar conventions correctly in writing, including:a. consistent verb tenseb. subject and verb agreement with simple and compound subjectsc. nominative cased. objective, and possessive pronounse. subject and verb agreement when interrupted by a phrase.4. Apply punctuation conventions correctly in writing, including:a. apostrophesb. semi-colonc. capitalization of proper nounsd. abbreviationse. sentence beginnings and first words in quotesf. commas (after opening words, in compound sentences, and after subordinating conjunctions)g. quotation marks (to identify dialogue).
GRADE 6 D. Research The student will locate and use information in reference materials. 1. Gather and synthesize information from a variety of sources, including electronic and print.2. Clarify an understanding of text by creating outlines, logical notes and summaries across content areas.3. Cite sources for both quoted and paraphrased information in a bibliography when writing a research report.4. Define plagiarism and avoid its use.
GRADE 6 E. Handwriting and Word Processing The student will write legibly and demonstrate effective keyboarding skills. 1. Write legibly in cursive.2. Format handwritten and word-processed documents correctly.
GRADE 6 III. SPEAKING, LISTENING AND VIEWING A. Speaking and Listening Students will demonstrate understanding and communicate effectively through listening and speaking. 1. Participate in and follow agreed-upon rules for conversation and formal discussions in large and small groups.2. Know and apply listening rules and expectations for formal settings and demonstrate comprehension.3. Actively listen and comprehend messages.4. Apply assessment criteria to self-evaluate oral presentations.5. Distinguish between a speaker’s opinion and verifiable facts.6. Orally communicate information, opinions and ideas effectively to different audiences for a variety of purposes.7. Perform expressive oral readings of prose, poetry or drama.
GRADE 6 C. Media Literacy The student will critically analyze information found in electronic and printmedia, and will use a variety of these sources to learn about a topic and represent ideas. 1. Identify distinctions in how information is presented in print and non-print materials.2. Evaluate the accuracy and credibility of information found on Internet sites.3. Make informed evaluations about television, radio, film productions, newspapers and magazines with regard to quality of production, accuracy of information, bias, purpose,message and audience.
GRADE 7 I. READING AND LITERATURE A. Word Recognition, Analysis, and Fluency The student will read with accuracy and fluency. 1. Read unfamiliar complex and multi-syllabic words using cueing systems, advanced phonetic analysis and structural analysis.2. Read narrative and expository text with fluency, accuracy and comprehension at an appropriate silent reading rate.3. Apply correct word pronunciation and inflection.
GRADE 7 B. Vocabulary Expansion The student will use a variety of strategies to expand reading, listening and speaking vocabularies. 1. Acquire, understand and use new vocabulary through explicit vocabulary instruction and independent reading.2. . Analyze word structure and use context clues to understand new words.3. Recognize and interpret words with multiple meanings.4. Recognize the influences of other languages on the English language.5. Apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes to understand content area vocabulary and assist pronunciation.6. Identify and explain analogies, similes and metaphors.7. Determine pronunciation, meanings and alternate word choices through the use of dictionaries, thesauruses and electronic tools.
GRADE 7 C. Comprehension The student will understand the meaning of texts, using a variety of strategies, and will demonstrate literal, interpretive, inferential and evaluative comprehension. 1. Comprehend, interpret and evaluate text by asking and answering questions.2. Recall and use prior learning and preview text to prepare for reading.3. Use knowledge of narrative and expository text structures and subject specific texts to summarize content.4. Make inferences and draw conclusions based on explicit and implied information from texts.5. Create outlines, logical notes and summaries across content areas.6. Use texts' structural organizers, such as graphics, illustrations, references, notes, introductions, boldface type and subheadings to aid comprehension.7. Distinguish statements of fact from opinion and give examples from text.8. Critically read and evaluate to determine the author’s purpose, point of view, audience and message.9. Follow written directions in technical reading.10. Scan a passage to determine relevant information and skim the text to locate specific information.11. Identify devices used in persuasive text.
GRADE 7 D. Literature The student will actively engage in the reading process and read, understand, respond to, analyze, interpret, evaluate and appreciate a wide variety of fiction, poeticand nonfiction texts. 1. Read a variety of high-quality, traditional, classical, and contemporary literary works specific to America, as well as significant works from other countries.2. Identify and analyze various genres and subgenres as forms with distinct characteristics and purposes.3. Identify and analyze the relationships among elements of fiction including setting, character, plot, conflict/resolution, theme, and tone.4. Identify and analyze the effect of characters’ traits on the plot and resolution of the conflict.5. Analyze how figurative language and literary devices contribute to the meaning of a text.6. Identify and discuss the effect of the speaker and recognize the difference between first and third person point of view.7. Relate a given literary work to historical events (place, time and custom).8. Explain how form and stylistic devices convey the meaning of a poem.9. Identify and understand recurring themes across literary works, citing evidence from the texts.10. Respond to literature using ideas and details from the text to support reactions and make literary connections.11. Read from and respond to a variety of fiction, poetic and nonfiction texts of increasing complexity for personal enjoyment.
GRADE 7 II. WRITING A. Types of Writing The student will create informative, expressive and persuasive writing. 1. Write frequently in a variety of forms, including but not limited to the following: poetry, stories, essays, editorials, letters, directions and research reports. By the end of grade 8,The student will have written in all of the forms listed.
GRADE 7 B. Elements of Composition The student will engage in a writing process, with attention to context,organization, focus, quality of ideas and a purpose. 1. Create multiple paragraph compositions that state, maintain and use details in a logical order to support a main idea.2. Create narratives that develop settings, people/characters, dialogue, and conflicts using descriptive, concrete language to engage audiences.3. Create informative reports, including gathering material, formulating ideas based on gathered material, organizing information, and editing for logical progression.4. Employ composing processes to develop writing, including:a. prewriting - planning strategies such as brainstorming, journaling, sketching, listing, outlining and determining audience, purpose and focusb. drafting – organizing, supporting and putting ideas into sentences and paragraphsc. revising – improving the quality of content, organization, sentence structure and word choiced. editing – correcting errors in spelling and grammare. publishing – producing a document and sharing the writing with the audience.5. Consider the intended audience when composing text.
GRADE 7 C. Spelling, Grammar, and Usage The student will apply standard English conventions when writing.(Use of standard English conventions is necessary to help a writer convey meaning to thereader. Spelling, grammar, and usage may be taught as a separate unit as well asintegrated into teaching writing processes.) 1. Compose complete sentences when writing.2. Edit writing for correct spelling and sentence clarity.3. Apply grammar conventions correctly in writing, including:a. consistent verb tenseb. subject and verb agreement with simple and compound subjectsc. nominative, reflexive, objective, and possessive pronouns, pronoun/antecedent agreementd. subject and verb agreement when interrupted by a phrase.4. Apply punctuation conventions correctly in writing, including:a. apostrophesb. semi-colonc. capitalization of proper nounsd. abbreviationse. sentence beginnings and first words in quotesf. commas (in compound sentences, and after subordinating conjunctions, noun of address, and non-essential clauses)g. quotation marks (to identify dialogue).
GRADE 7 D. Research The student will locate and use information in reference materials. 1. Formulate questions and collect and assess relevant information to address these questions.2. Cite sources for quoted and paraphrased information in a bibliography when writing a research report.3. Gather and organize information from a variety of sources, including electronic and print.4. Define plagiarism, its consequences and avoid its use.
GRADE 7 E. Handwriting and Word Processing The student will write legibly and demonstrate effective keyboarding skills. 1. Write legibly using cursive.2. Format word-processed documents to present information in an organized, readable format, integrating graphics, illustrations and bulleting as needed.
GRADE 7 III. SPEAKING, LISTENING AND VIEWING A. Speaking and Listening Students will demonstrate understanding and communicate effectively through listening and speaking. 1. Participate in and follow agreed-upon rules for conversation and formal discussions in large and small groups.2. Know and apply listening rules for formal settings.3. Apply assessment criteria to self-evaluate oral presentations.4. Distinguish between speaker’s opinion and verifiable facts and analyze the credibility of the presentation.5. Follow a speaker’s presentation and represent it in notes.6. Orally communicate information, opinions, and ideas effectively to different audiences for a variety of purposes.7. Adjust delivery and language in oral presentations for the intended audiences and purposes.8. Perform expressive oral readings of prose, poetry or drama.
GRADE 7 C. Media Literacy The student will critically analyze information found in electronic and printmedia, and will use a variety of these sources to learn about a topic and represent ideas. 1. Identify distinctions in how information is presented in print and non-print materials.2. Evaluate the accuracy and credibility of information found on Internet sites.3. Make informed evaluations about television, radio, film productions, newspapers and magazines with regard to quality of production, accuracy of information, bias, purpose, message and audience.4. Critically analyze the messages and points of view employed in different media, including advertising, news programs, web sites, and documentaries.
GRADE 8 I. READING AND LITERATURE A. Word Recognition, Analysis, and Fluency (Standards under this heading may be locally determined and based on the individual needs of the student.)
GRADE 8 B. Vocabulary Expansion The student will use a variety of strategies to expand reading, listening and speaking vocabularies. 1. Acquire, understand and use new vocabulary through explicit and indirect vocabulary instruction and independent reading.2. Determine the meaning of unknown words by using a dictionary or context clues.3. Recognize and interpret words with multiple meanings.4. Describe the influences of other languages on the English language.5. Apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes to understand content area vocabulary.6. Determine word meanings by using definition, restatement, example, comparison or contrast.7. Identify and explain analogies, similes and metaphors.8. Apply correct word pronunciation and inflection.
GRADE 8 C. Comprehension The student will understand the meaning of texts using a variety of strategies and will demonstrate literal, interpretive, inferential and evaluative comprehension. 1. Summarize and paraphrase main idea and supporting details.2. Recall and use prior learning and preview text to prepare for reading.3. Comprehend, interpret and evaluate information in a variety of texts using a combination of strategies before, during and after reading.4. Make inferences and draw conclusions based on explicit and implied information from texts.5. Trace the development of an author’s argument, point of view or perspective.6. Evaluate the adequacy, accuracy, and appropriateness of the author’s evidence in a persuasive text.7. Use knowledge of narrative and expository text structures in a variety of content areas to summarize information.8. Create outlines, logical notes, and summaries of text in various content areas.9. Use texts' structural organizers, such as graphics, illustrations, references, notes, introductions, boldface type and subheadings, to aid comprehension.10. Monitor comprehension and use strategies to clarify understanding of selections.11. Distinguish fact from opinion in two selections on the same topic and give evidence.12. Follow written directions in technical reading.13. Identify and utilize a variety of sources to compare and contrast information.14. Critically read and evaluate to determine the author’s purpose, point of view, audience and message.
GRADE 8 D. Literature The student will actively engage in the reading process and read, understand, respond to, analyze, interpret, evaluate and appreciate a wide variety of fiction, poeticand nonfiction texts. 1. Read a variety of high quality, traditional, classical and contemporary literary works specific to America, as well as significant works from other countries.2. Analyze and evaluate the relationships among elements of fiction.3. Analyze a character’s traits, emotions or motivation and give supporting evidence from the text.4. Analyze and evaluate how figurative language and literary devices contribute to the meaning of a text.5. Contrast points of view (such as first and third person, limited and omniscient, subjective and objective) in narrative texts and explain how they affect the overall theme of the works.6. Relate a given literary work to historical events (place, time and custom).7. Respond to and analyze the effects of sound, form, figurative language and graphics in order to uncover meaning in poetry.8. Identify and understand recurring themes across literary works, citing evidence from texts.9. Identify and analyze structural elements particular to dramatic literature. 10. compare and evaluate recurring themes across literary works and historic eras.11. Identify and analyze structural elements particular to dramatic literature.12. Respond to literature using ideas and details from the text to support reactions and make literary connections.13. Read from and respond to a variety of fiction, poetic and nonfiction texts of increasing complexity for personal enjoyment.
GRADE 8 II. WRITING A. Types of Writing The student will create informative, expressive and persuasive writing. 1. Write frequently in a variety of forms, including but not limited to the following: poetry, stories, essays, editorials, letters, directions and research reports.By the end of grade 8, student will have written in all forms listed.
GRADE 8 B. Elements of Composition The student will engage in a writing process with attention to context,organization, focus, quality of ideas and a purpose. 1. Create multiple paragraph compositions that state, maintain and use details in a logical order to support a main idea.2. Create narratives that develop settings, people/characters, dialogue, and conflicts using descriptive, concrete language to engage audiences.3. Create informative reports, including gathering material, formulating ideas based on gathered material, organizing information and editing for logical progression.4. Create reports that employ word processing and formatting, using diagrams or definitions of terms to inform audiences.5. Formulate a position or opinion and provide supporting arguments and evidence for that position.6. Use composing processes to develop writing, including:a. prewriting - planning strategies, ideas, focusb. drafting – including strategies for avoiding writer’s blockc. revising – to improve quality of content, organization, sentence structure, voice, tone and word choiced. editing – to correct errors in writinge. publishing.7. Consider the intended audience when composing text.
GRADE 8 C. Spelling, Grammar, and Usage The student will apply standard English conventions when writing.(Use of standard English conventions is necessary to help a writer convey meaning to the reader. Spelling, grammar, and usage may be taught as a separate unit as well as integrated into teaching writing processes.) 1. Compose complete sentences when writing.2. Edit writing for correct spelling and sentence clarity.3. Apply grammar conventions correctly in writing, including:a. consistent verb tenseb. adjectives and adverbsc. subject and verb agreement with simple and compound subjectsd. nominative, reflexive, objective, and possessive pronounse. pronoun/antecedent agreementf. subject and verb agreement when interrupted by a phraseg. active/passive voiceh. subjunctive mood.4. Apply punctuation conventions correctly in writing, including:a. apostrophesb. semi-colonc. capitalizations of proper nounsd. commas (compound sentences, and after subordinating conjunctions, nouns ofaddress, non-essential clauses)e. quotation marks.
GRADE 8 D. Research The student will locate and use information in reference materials. 1. Formulate questions, collect, organize and synthesize relevant information from a variety of sources, including print and electronic media.2. Define plagiarism, its consequences and avoid its use.3. Cite sources for both quoted and paraphrased information in a bibliography when writing a research report.
GRADE 8 E. Handwriting and Word Processing The student will write legibly and demonstrate effective keyboarding skills. 1. Write legibly using cursive.2. Format word-processed texts to present information in an organized, readable format, integrating graphics, illustrations and bulleting as needed.
III. SPEAKING, LISTENING AND VIEWING A. Speaking and Listening The student will demonstrate understanding and communicate effectively through listening and speaking. 1. Participate in and follow agreed-upon rules for conversation and formal discussions in large and small groups.2. Actively listen and comprehend messages.3. Apply self-assessment criteria to prepare and give oral presentations.4. Distinguish between speaker’s opinion and verifiable facts and analyze the credibility of the presentation.5. Follow a speaker’s presentation and represent it in notes.6. Orally communicate information, opinions and ideas effectively to differentaudiences, adjusting delivery and language for intended audience and purpose.7. Participate effectively in group meetings.
GRADE 8 C. Media Literacy The student will critically analyze information found in electronic and print media, and will use a variety of these sources to learn about a topic and represent ideas. 1. Evaluate the accuracy and credibility of information found on Internet sites.2. Make informed evaluations about television, radio, film productions, newspapers and magazines with regard to quality of production, accuracy of information, bias, purpose,message and audience.3. Critically analyze the messages and points of view employed in different media, including advertising, news programs, web sites and documentaries.4. Analyze, evaluate and evaluate the strategies employed in news broadcasts, documentaries and web sites related to clarity, accuracy, effectiveness, bias and relevance of facts.5. Evaluate the content and effect of persuasive techniques used in print and broadcast media.
GRADE 9, 10, 11, 12 I. READING AND LITERATURE A. Word Recognition, Analysis, and Fluency (Standard under this heading may be locally determined.)
GRADE 9, 10, 11, 12 B. Vocabulary Expansion The student will apply a variety of strategies to expand vocabulary. 1. Acquire, understand and use vocabulary by learning words through explicit vocabulary instruction and independent reading, and appropriately use these words in writing.2. Determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and metaphors by using dictionaries, context clues and reference books.3. Identify and analyze analogies.4. Apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes to understand content area vocabulary.5. Understand the meaning of unknown words using derivations, such as word roots and word origins.
GRADE 9, 10, 11, 12 C. Comprehension The student will understand the meaning of informational, expository orpersuasive texts, using a variety of strategies and will demonstrate literal, interpretive, inferential and evaluative comprehension. 1. Monitor comprehension and know when and how to use strategies to clarify the understanding of a selection2. Comprehend and evaluate the purpose, accuracy, comprehensiveness, and usefulness of informational materials.3. Analyze and draw accurate conclusions about information contained in warranties, contracts, job descriptions, technical descriptions and other informational sources,selected from labels, warnings, manuals, directions, applications and forms in order to complete specific tasks.4. Analyze a variety of nonfiction materials selected from journals, essays, speeches, biographies and autobiographies.5. Summarize and paraphrase main idea and supporting details.6. Trace the logical development of an author's argument, point of view or perspective and evaluate the adequacy, accuracy and appropriateness of the author's evidence in apersuasive text.7. Make inferences and draw conclusions based on explicit and implied information from texts.8. Evaluate clarity and accuracy of information, as well as the credibility of sources.9. Identify, understand and explain the various types of fallacies in logic.10. Synthesize information from multiple selections in order to draw conclusions, make predictions, and form interpretations.
GRADE 9, 10, 11, 12 D. Literature The student will actively engage in the reading process and read, understand, respond to, analyze, interpret, evaluate and appreciate a wide variety of fiction, poetic andnonfiction texts. 1. Read, analyze and evaluate traditional, classical and contemporary works of literary merit from American literature.2. Read, analyze and evaluate traditional, classical and contemporary works of literary merit from British literature.3. Read, analyze and evaluate traditional, classical and contemporary works of literary merit from civilizations and countries around the world.4. Evaluate the impact of an author’s decisions regarding word choice, point of view, style and literary elements.5. Analyze, interpret and evaluate the use of figurative language and imagery in fiction and nonfiction selections, including symbolism, tone, irony and satire.6. Analyze and evaluate the relationship between and among elements of literature: character, setting, plot, tone, symbolism, rising action, climax, falling action, point of view, theme and conflict/resolution.7. Evaluate a literary selection from several critical perspectives.8. Analyze classic and contemporary poems for poetic devices.9. Analyze the characteristics of literary forms.10. Interpret the effect of literary and structural devices.11. Demonstrate how literary works reflect the historical contexts that shaped them.12. Synthesize ideas and make thematic connections among literary texts, public discourse, media and other disciplines.13. Read, analyze, and critique dramatic selections by comparing and contrasting ways in which character, scene, dialogue, and staging contribute to the theme and thedramatic effect.14. Respond to literature using ideas and details from the text to support reactions and make literary connections.15. Read from and respond to a variety of fiction, poetic and nonfiction texts of increasing complexity for personal enjoyment.
GRADE 9, 10, 11, 12 II. WRITING A. Types of Writing The student will write in narrative, expository, descriptive, persuasive and critical modes. 1. Plan, organize and compose narrative, expository, descriptive, persuasive, critical and research writing to address a specific audience and purpose.
GRADE 9, 10, 11, 12 B. Elements of Composition The student will engage in a writing process with attention to audience,organization, focus, quality of ideas, and a purpose. 1. Generate, gather, and organize ideas for writing.2. Develop a thesis and clear purpose for writing.3. Make generalizations and use supporting details.4. Arrange paragraphs into a logical progression.5. Revise writing for clarity, coherence, smooth transitions and unity.6. Apply available technology to develop, revise and edit writing.7. Generate footnotes, endnotes and bibliographies in a consistent and widely accepted format.8. Revise, edit and prepare final drafts for intended audiences and purposes.
GRADE 9, 10, 11, 12 C. Spelling, Grammar, and Usage The student will apply standard English conventions when writing. 1. Understand the differences between formal and informal language styles and use each appropriately.2. Use an extensive variety of correctly punctuated sentences for meaning and stylistic effect.3. Edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, verb tense, sentence structure, and paragraphing to enhance clarity and readability:a. Correctly use reflexive case pronouns and nominative and objective case pronouns, including who and whom.b. Correctly use punctuation such as the comma, semicolon, colon, hyphen, and dash.c. Correctly use like/as if, any/any other, this kind/these kinds, who/that, and every/many when they occur in a sentence.d. Correctly use verb forms with attention to subjunctive mood, subject/verb agreement, and active/passive voice.e. Correctly use the possessive pronoun before the gerund.
GRADE 9, 10, 11, 12 D. Research The student will locate and use information in reference materials. 1. Use print, electronic databases and online resources to access information, organize ideas, and develop writing.2. Identify key terms specific to research tools and processes.3. Narrow the focus of a search by formulating a concise research question or thesis.4. Develop a research plan.5. Evaluate and organize relevant information from a variety of sources, verifying the accuracy and usefulness of gathered information.6. Produce a report with detailed evidence to support a thesis.7. Distinguish between reliable and questionable Internet sources and apply responsible use of technology.8. Understand plagiarism and its consequences, and identify ethical issues of research and documentation.9. Organize and synthesize information from a variety of sources and present it in a logical manner.10. Credit sources for both quoted and paraphrased ideas.11. Cite sources of information using a standard method of documentation, such as a style sheet from the Modern Language Association (MLA) or from the AmericanPsychological Association (APA).12. Proofread the final copy, format correctly and prepare the document for publication or submission.
GRADE 9, 10, 11, 12 E. Handwriting and Word Processing (Standards under this heading may be locally determined.)
GRADE 9, 10, 11, 12 III. SPEAKING, LISTENING AND VIEWING A. Speaking and Listening The student will demonstrate understanding and communicate effectively through listening and speaking. 1. Distinguish between speaker’s opinion and verifiable facts and analyze the credibility of the presentation.2. Deliver a speech in a logical manner using grammatically correct language, including vocabulary appropriate to the topic, audience and purpose.3. Understand the relationship between nonverbal, interpersonal, and small group communication.4. Describe the role of communication in everyday situations (e.g., advertising, informal social, business, formal social, etc.)5. Understand the effects of media on society and culture.6. Identify and understand essential elements, skills and implications of persuasion, argumentation, and debate as essential oral skills.7. Apply assessment criteria to self-evaluation of oral presentations.
GRADE 9, 10, 11, 12 C. Media Literacy The student will critically analyze information found in electronic and print media, and will use a variety of these sources to learn about a topic and represent ideas.(At the high school level, media literacy should be addressed across content areas and integrated into the curriculum at the discretion of the local district.) 1. Evaluate the accuracy and credibility of information found on Internet sites.2. Evaluate the logic of reasoning in both print and non-print selections.3. Evaluate the source’s point of view, intended audience and authority.4. Determine whether the evidence in a selection is appropriate, adequate and accurate.5. Evaluate the content and effect of persuasive techniques used in print and broadcast media.6. Make informed evaluations about television, radio, film productions, newspapers and magazines with regard to quality of production, accuracy of information, bias, purpose, message and audience.7. Critically analyze the messages and points of view employed in different media, including advertising, news programs, web sites, and documentaries.8. Formulate critical, evaluative questions relevant to a print or non-print selection. 9. Critically analyze and evaluate the strategies employed in news broadcasts, documentaries, and web sites related to clarity, accuracy, effectiveness, bias and relevance of facts.10. Demonstrate an understanding of ethics in mass communication and describe the characteristics of ethical and unethical behavior.

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