Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for English Language Arts (2025)
Each standard below is explained in plain language, with lesson ideas and a free generator that builds a full lesson plan aligned to it. Standard text is verified against msde.maryland.gov.
Kindergarten
- RF.K.1
Demonstrate understanding of the organization of print and knowledge of letters. Demonstrate knowledge that words are re...
- RF.K.2
Demonstrate understanding of rhyming words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes). Recognize and produce rhyming words. Count...
- RF.K.2.c
Distinguish between sounds (phonemes) using knowledge of place and manner of articulation.
- RF.K.2.f
Orally blend and segment individual phonemes in two; three; and four-phoneme words.
- RF.K.3
Know and apply phonics and word analysis skills in decoding and encoding words. Demonstrate knowledge of the alphabetic ...
- RF.K.3.a
Demonstrate knowledge of the alphabetic principle.
- RF.K.3.b
Form/print all upper and lowercase letters correctly, using a common path of movement.
- RF.K.3.d
Know and apply phonics skills in order to decode and encode one-syllable words.
- RF.K.3.f
Decode and encode words that are minimal pairs.
- RF.K.3.g
Decode words with the most common inflectional suffixes.
- RF.K.4
Read grade-appropriate texts with sufficient accuracy to support comprehension. Engage in a variety of experiences with ...
- RF.K.4.a
Engage in a variety of experiences with texts in order to develop an understanding of fluent reading.
- RF.K.4.b
Demonstrate accuracy and automaticity with naming letters and producing their corresponding sounds.
- RF.K.4.c
Read grade-appropriate text with developing fluency in order to support comprehension.
- RI.K.1
With modeling, prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in an informational text.
- RI.K.10
With prompting, modeling, and support, read informational texts appropriately complex for kindergarten.
- RI.K.2
With modeling, prompting and support, identify the main topic and retell key details of an informational text.
- RI.K.3
With modeling, prompting and support, describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of infor...
- RI.K.4
With modeling, prompting and support, ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.
- RI.K.7
With modeling, prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the text in which they appear ...
- RI.K.8
With modeling, prompting and support, identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.
- RI.K.9
With modeling prompting and support, identify basic similarities in and differences between two texts on the same topic ...
- RL.K.1
With modeling, prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
- RL.K.10
With prompting, modeling, and support, read literary texts appropriately complex for kindergarten.
- RL.K.2
With modeling, prompting and support, retell familiar stories, including key details.
- RL.K.3
With modeling, prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
- RL.K.6
With modeling, prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling ...
- RL.K.7
With modeling, prompting and support, describe the relationship between the illustrations and the text in which they app...
- RL.K.9
With prompting, modeling, and support, compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in familiar sto...
- SL.K.4
Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with modeling, prompting and support; provide additional detai...
- W.K.5
With modeling, guidance and support from adults, respond to questions and suggestions from peers and add details to stre...
Grade 1
- RI.1.10
With prompting, modeling, and support Read informational text of appropriate complexity for grade 1.
- RL.1.10
With prompting, modeling, and support, read literary text, prose and poetry of appropriate complexity for grade 1.
- SL.1.1.a
Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others with care; speaking one at a time about the topics a...
- SL.1.1.b
Build on others’ talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges. Identify the ...
- SL.1.1.c
Ask questions to clear up any confusion about the topics and texts under discussion. Identify the topic or text under di...
Grade 2
- RF.2.3
Know and apply phonics and word analysis skills in reading (decoding) and writing (encoding) words. Know and apply phoni...
- RF.2.3.a
Know and apply phonics skills to read (decode) and write (encode) one syllable words.
- RF.2.3.b
Read (decode) and write (encode) words with inflectional suffixes.
- RF.2.3.c
Read (decode) and write (encode) two-syllable words with known letter-sound correspondences. (dollar, wrestle, kidney, o...
- RF.2.3.d
Read (decode) and write (encode) words with common prefixes and derivational suffixes.
- RF.2.3.e
Know and apply spelling rules to write (encode) words with increased accuracy.
- RF.2.4
Read grade-appropriate texts with sufficient accuracy, rate, and prosody to support comprehension. of Engage in a variet...
- RF.2.4.a
of Engage in a variety of in of with texts Engage in a variety experiences with texts experiences with texts order to to...
- RF.2.4.b
Read a variety of grade-appropriate text with text with prosody. • Engage in fluency practice activities echo reading) to...
- RF.2.4.c
While reading, use context to to
- RI.2.1
Ask and answer questions such as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key ideas in a tex...
- RI.2.2
Identify the main topic of a multi paragraph text as well as the focus of specific paragraphs or sections within the tex...
- RI.2.9
Compare and contrast the most important points and key details presented in two texts on the same topic.
- RL.2.9
Compare and contrast two or more versions of the same story (e.g., Cinderella stories) by different authors or from diff...
Grade 3
- L.3.5
Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings. Distinguish the literal and nonliteral mea...
- RF.3.3
Know and apply phonics and word analysis skills in reading (decoding) and writing (encoding) words. Know and apply phoni...
- RF.3.3.a
Know and apply phonics skills to read (decode) and write (encode) words.
- RF.3.3.b
Read (decode) and write (encode) multi-syllable words with known letter-sound correspondences. (neighbor, suitcase, fasc...
- RF.3.3.c
Read (decode) and write (encode) words with common prefixes and derivational suffixes.
- RF.3.3.d
Know and apply spelling rules to write (encode) words with increased accuracy and automaticity.
- RF.3.4
Read grade-appropriate texts with sufficient accuracy, rate, and prosody to support comprehension Engage in a variety of...
- RF.3.4.a
Engage in a variety of experiences with texts in order to refine understanding of fluent reading.
- RF.3.4.b
Read a variety of grade-appropriate text with fluency in order to support comprehension.
- RF.3.4.c
While reading, use context to confirm accuracy or self-correct word recognition errors, rereading as necessary.
- W.3.2.d
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
- W.3.5
With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and edi...
Grade 4
Grades 4–5
- RF.4-5.3
Know and apply phonics and word analysis skills in reading (decoding) and writing (encoding) words. Know and apply phoni...
- RF.4-5.3.a
Know and apply phonics skills to read (decode) and write (encode) words.
- RF.4-5.3.b
Read (decode) and write (encode) multi-syllable words.
- RF.4-5.3.c
Read (decode) and write (encode) words with prefixes and derivational suffixes.
- RF.4-5.3.d
Read (decode) and write (encode) words containing Greek combining forms.
- RF.4-5.3.e
When appropriate, consider the etymology (word origin) of unknown words to support reading (decoding) and writing (encod...
- RF.4-5.3.f
Use knowledge of spelling rules, syllable types, morphology, and etymology to Write (encode) words with accuracy and aut...
Grade 5
- RI.5.1
Cite multiple pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences draw...
- RI.5.2
Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an obje...
- RL.5.1
Cite multiple pieces of textual evidence accurately when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing infer...
- SL.5.1.a
Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring...
- W.5.2.a
Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings),...
- W.5.2.c
Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., in contrast, especially).
- W.5.3
Write narratives to recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events, include details to describe actions, th...
- W.5.5
With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing...
Grade 6
- RI.6.10
By the end of the year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technica...
- RL.6.1
Cite multiple pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences draw...
- W.6.3.a
Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters; o...
- W.6.3.d
Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey exper...
- W.6.3.e
Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events.
Grade 7
- L.7.4.b
Use common, grade-appropriate Greek and Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, be...
- RI.7.1
Cite multiple pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences draw...
- RI.7.10
By the end of the year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technica...
- RL.7.1
Cite multiple pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences draw...
- RL.7.5
Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza from a text (story, drama, or poem) is formed or structured...
- SL.7.1.a
Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other in...
- SL.7.1.b
Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
- SL.7.4
Tell a story or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking audibly in cohe...
- W.7.5
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, ed...
Grade 8
- L.8.3.a
Use verbs in the active and passive voice and in the conditional and subjective mood to achieve particular effects (e.g....
- L.8.4.b
Use common, grade-appropriate Greek and Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., precede, recede...
- RL.8.1
Cite multiple pieces of textual evidence that most strongly support an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well...
- SL.8.1.a
Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other in...
- SL.8.1.b
Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
- SL.8.1.c
Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant observations and idea...
- SL.8.1.d
Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted, modify their own views.
- W.8.7
Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focu...
High School
- L.11-12.4.c
Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses) both print and digital...
- RI.11-12.1
Cite multiple pieces of evidence that most strongly support an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as infe...
- RI.9-10.1
Cite multiple pieces of evidence that most strongly and thoroughly support an analysis of what the text says explicitly ...
- RI.9-10.6
Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflic...
- RL.11-12.1
Cite multiple pieces of textual evidence that most strongly and thoroughly support an analysis of what the text says exp...
- RL.9-10.1
Cite multiple pieces of textual evidence that most strongly and thoroughly support an analysis of what the text says exp...
- W.11-12.1.b
Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing o...
- W.11-12.2.c
Use appropriate and varied transitions to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relation...
- W.11-12.3.c
Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build
- W.11-12.5
Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing o...
- W.9-10.1.c
Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and cl...
- W.9-10.2.a
Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which prece...
- W.9-10.5
Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing o...