Virginia Standards of Learning for English

The student will develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills to build a community of learners that pro...

Communication, Listening, and Collaboration

Listening actively and following agreed-upon rules for participating in discussions (e.g., waiting for a turn to speak w...

Respectfully building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly

Asking questions to seek help, get information, or clarify information for further understanding

Expressing ideas and needs in complete sentences

Speaking and Presentation of Ideas

Describe personal experiences using complete sentences

Speak audibly with appropriate pacing, prosody, and voice level

Participate in a variety of oral language activities, including choral speaking and recitation of short poems, rhymes, s...

Retell, create, and dictate stories, rhymes, poems, and events in sequential order using drama, props, and/or pictures i...

The student will build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading and listening to a range of texts. This includes ...

Use knowledge of letter-sound correspondences to read and reread controlled decodable sentences and texts that include p...

(Text Complexity, 2-12) - Introduced in Grade Two

With prompting and support, when responding to text through discussions and/or writing, draw several pieces of evidence ...

Regularly engage in listening to a series of conceptually related texts organized around topics of study to build knowle...

(Reading Strategies, 3-12) - Introduced in Grade Three

Print Concepts: The student will apply knowledge of how print is organized and read

Follow words from left to right and from top to bottom on a printed page, including the return sweep from line to line

Demonstrate knowledge of a sentence, word, and letter

Demonstrate knowledge that spoken words are represented in print and separated by spaces

Identify the author and illustrator of a text and define the role of each

Identify the front cover, back cover and title of a text

Recognize the distinguishing features of a sentence (e.g., first word, capitalization, ending punctuation)

Phonological and Phonemic Awareness: The student will orally identify and produce various phonemes (individual sounds) w...

Demonstrate ability to segment spoken words in sentences and syllables in words

Blend and segment one syllable words by onset and rime.

Isolate the initial, medial, and final sounds in three phoneme (individual sound) words (excluding words ending with /l/...

Demonstrate ability to segment and blend one syllable words with two, three, and four phonemes (including words with con...

Phonics and Word Analysis: The student will apply phonetic principles to read and spell words

Identify capital and lowercase letters of the alphabet

Identify common letter-sound correspondences

Discriminate between long and short sounds with common spellings for the five major vowels with open and closed syllable...

Demonstrate knowledge that every word has a vowel sound

Identify the letter-sound correspondences for consonant digraphs (e.g., ch, sh, th, wh)

Demonstrate knowledge of letter-sound correspondences to blend CV, CVC, VC words

Decode (read) and encode (spell) words with short vowels, including words beginning or ending in a digraph (e.g., ch, sh...

Use letter-sound correspondences to read grade-level high frequency words, including decodable and irregular words, with...

The student will print legibly in manuscript

Handwriting

Use functional pencil grasp for letter formation

Accurately and automatically print capital and lowercase letters of the alphabet independently

Write left to right and top to bottom

Accurately print first and last names, beginning each with a capital letter

Apply spaces between written words in phrase or sentence level writing.

Encode (spell) one syllable words with short vowels and one syllable words beginning or ending in a digraph (e.g., ch, s...

Encode (spell) unknown words using logical invented spelling

With prompting and support, use phoneme/grapheme (sound/symbol) correspondences to spell grade-level high-frequency word...

The student will use the conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing, differentiating between contexts tha...

Produce and expand complete sentences in shared language activities

Use nouns to identify and name people, places, and things

Use pronouns to identify individuals and groups (he, she, they, his, hers, their(s)

Use adjectives to describe specific objects (quantity, size, age, shape, color, or location)

Use verbs to locate specific actions

With guidance and support, begin each sentence with a capital letter and capitalize the pronoun I

With guidance and support, identify statements and questions and use ending punctuation (e.g., period and question mark)

Phonetically spell words containing unknown letter-sound correspondences

The student will conduct research and listen to a series of conceptually related texts on selected topics to build knowl...

Evaluation and Synthesis of Information

With prompting and support, generate a topic of interest and question to explore a given topic

With prompting and support, find information on the topic from pictures, texts, people or provided sources

With prompting and support, use drawing, writing, or dictation to record facts and information collected from the resear...

With prompting and support, in small or large group settings, informally share recorded information collected from resea...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of informational t...

Key Ideas and Confirming Details

With prompting and support, ask and answer literal (who, what, when, where) or inferential (why, how) questions about wh...

With prompting and support, identify the main topic and key details of a text

Craft and Style 

With prompting and support, identify the purpose of common text features: table of contents, headings, bolded words, and...

Integration of Concepts

With prompting and support, identify basic similarities in and differences between two texts on the same topic

With prompting and support, describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in ...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of literary texts ...

Key Ideas and Plot Details

With prompting and support, activate prior (experience) and background (content) knowledge and make connections to what ...

With prompting and support, demonstrate knowledge of story structure by orally identifying characters, setting,important...

With prompting and support, orally re-tell a familiar story in sequential order (beginning, middle, end)

With prompting and support, generate predictions about story characters and events using the text

Integration of Concepts

With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., wh...

With prompting and support, compare and contrast characters, plot events, or settings between two familiar stories

With prompting and support, monitor listening comprehension

The student will systematically build vocabulary and word knowledge based on kindergarten content and texts heard

Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis

Discuss meanings of words from a variety of texts and experiences

Ask questions about words not understood

Use vocabulary from across content areas

Identify the purpose of simple reference materials (e.g., pictures, dictionary, digital dictionary)

Increase and develop breadth of vocabulary knowledge by listening to high quality, complex text

Use newly learned words and phrases in discussions and speaking activities

The student will write in a variety of forms, linked to kindergarten content and texts

Modes and Purposes for Writing

Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose narrative stories in sequential order (beginning, middle...

Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose descriptive writing that identifies a topic and provides...

Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to write in response to texts heard.

Organization and Composition

Identifying the audience and purpose of the writing (e.g., letters, stories, “all about” book, etc)

Composing or dictating simple sentences that include a subject (noun) and predicate(verb) focused on the topic

The student will develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills to build a community of learners that pro...

Communication, Listening, and Collaboration

Listening actively and following agreed-upon rules for participating in discussions (e.g., waiting for a turn to speak w...

Respectfully building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Asking questions to seek help, get information, or clarify information for further understanding.

Expressing ideas and needs in complete sentences.

Speaking and Presentation of Ideas

Describe people, places, things, and events with relevant details and using appropriate vocabulary.

Speak audibly with appropriate pacing, prosody, and voice level.

Participate in a variety of oral language activities, including choral speaking and recitation of short poems, rhymes, s...

Retell, create, and dictate stories, rhymes, poems, and events in sequential order using drama, props, and/or pictures i...

The student will build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading and listening to a range of challenging, content-...

Use knowledge of letter-sound correspondences to read a variety of decodable and gradelevel texts with accuracy, automat...

(Text Complexity, 2-12) Introduced in Grade Two. 

With prompting and support, when responding to text through discussions and/or writing, draw several pieces of evidence ...

Regularly engage in listening to a series of conceptually related texts organized around topics of study to build knowle...

(Reading Strategies, 3-12): Introduced in Grade Three.

Phonological and Phonemic Awareness: The student will orally identify and produce various phonemes (individual sounds) w...

Isolate sounds in four and five phoneme words.

Demonstrate ability to blend words with four and five phonemes, including words with consonant digraphs (e.g., th, sh, c...

Demonstrate the ability to segment words with four and five phonemes, including words with consonant digraphs (e.g., th,...

Phonics and Word Analysis: The student will apply phonetic principles to read and spell words

Decode and encode words with short vowels to include blends with digraphs, closed syllables (CVC, CCVC, CVCC, CCVCC).

Decode and encode words with long vowels, open syllables, (CV, CCV) and vowelconsonant-e (CVCE, CCVCE).

Use letter-sound correspondences to decode words containing common vowel teams and rcontrolled vowels. 

Decode multisyllabic words following basic patterns by breaking the words into syllables. 

Read grade-level high-frequency words, including decodable and irregular words with automaticity and accuracy.

Write grade-level high-frequency words with automaticity and accuracy.

The student will print legibly in manuscript

Handwriting

Use functional pencil grasp for letter formation.

Accurately and automatically form all capital and lowercase letters and numbers using manuscript letter formation. 

Accurately and automatically apply spaces between written words in phrases or sentencelevel writing.

Use phoneme-grapheme (sound/symbol) correspondence to encode (spell) single-syllable words containing closed syllables (...

Encode (spell) 2-syllable words (e.g., pancake) following basic patterns by breaking the words into syllables. 

Encode (spell) unfamiliar words by recognizing and applying taught word patterns. 

Use phoneme/grapheme (sound/symbol) correspondences to encode (spell) grade-level high-frequency words with automaticity...

The student will use conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing, differentiating between contexts that ca...

Produce and expand simple sentences, including a noun, verb, and adjective.

Form regular plural nouns orally by adding ‘s’ or ‘es’ sound. 

Use personal and possessive pronouns to represent nouns. 

Use frequently occurring adjectives to describe specific objects (quantity, size, age, shape, color, or location).

Form and use simple verb tenses (past, present, and future) for regular verbs.

Use proper verb tense and correct subject-verb agreement.

Use articles correctly (e.g., a, an, the).

Use interrogatives to ask questions in complete sentences (e.g., who, what, where, when, why, how).

Capitalize the first word in a sentence, proper nouns, and the pronoun I.

Identify statements and questions and, use correct ending punctuation (e.g., period, questions mark, and exclamation poi...

Use conventional spelling of words with commonly taught spelling patterns and for frequently occurring irregular words.

The student will conduct research and listen to a series of conceptually related texts on selected topics to build knowl...

Evaluation and Synthesis of Information

With prompting and support, generate research questions related to a given topic.

Locate and collect information related to the given topic from pictures, texts, people, or provided sources. 

Use templates to organize the information collected (e.g., charts, graphs).

Use drawing, writing, or dictation to record facts and information collected from research. 

In small or large group settings, informally share recorded information collected from research.

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of informational t...

Key Ideas and Confirming Details 

Ask and answer literal (who, what, when, where) and inferential (why, how) questions about what is read, including demon...

Identify the main idea and supporting details of a text. 

Explain the difference between facts and opinions in a text.

Craft and Style

Identify and use common text features to gain information: table of contents, headings, bolded words, and pictures, capt...

Distinguish between information provided by pictures or other illustrations and information provided by the words in a t...

Integration of Concepts

Identify basic similarities in and differences between two texts on the same topic.

Describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text.

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of literary texts ...

Key Ideas and Plot Details

Retell familiar stories sequentially and demonstrate an understanding of the story structure, the central message or les...

Identify the elements of a familiar story, including the characters, setting, and important events (e.g., conflict and r...

Ask and answer literal (who, what, when, where) or inferential (how, why) questions about what is read. 

Generate predictions about story characters and events using the text.

Integration of Concepts

Set a purpose for reading by providing a guiding question, activating prior (experience) and background (content) knowle...

Make connections between characters, settings, and major events in stories heard, using key details. 

Compare and contrast the adventures or experiences of characters in stories heard, using key details.

The student will systematically build vocabulary and word knowledge based on gradeone content and texts heard or read

Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis

Discuss meanings of words in context from a variety of texts.

Identify antonyms and synonyms of familiar words to deepen understanding of word meaning and relationships. 

Ask for the meaning of unknown words and make connections to familiar words. 

Use vocabulary across content areas.

Determine the meaning of an unknown word using frequently occurring root words and inflectional affixes (e.g. -s, -ing, ...

Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs and adjectives

Identify the purpose of simple reference materials (e.g. picture dictionary, digital dictionary).

Increase and develop breadth of vocabulary knowledge by listening to high quality, complex text. 

Use newly learned words and phrases in discussions and speaking activities. 

The student will write in a variety of forms for diverse audiences and purposes linked to grade one content and texts

Modes and Purposes for Writing

Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to recount two or more sequenced events or experiences and include ...

Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose informative/expository texts that name a topic and suppl...

Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose opinion pieces that state an opinion and supply a reason...

Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing about text(s) read or heard in which students share their thinking ...

Organization and Composition

Identifying the audience and purpose of the writing (e.g., letters, stories, journals, etc.).

Composing a series of simple sentences focused on the topic, including sentences with a subject and predicate, subject/v...

Usage and Mechanics

With guidance and support from adults, edit writing for conventions e.g., spelling, capitalization, usage, punctuation)....

The student will develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills to build a community of learners that pro...

Communication, Listening, and Collaboration 

Listening actively and following agreed upon rules for participating in discussions.

Respectfully building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. 

Asking and responding to questions that acquire or confirm information on a topic. 

Demonstrating active engagement when listening to a speaker and asking for clarification to ensure understanding.

Speaking and Presentation of Ideas

Use topic specific language and vocabulary to communicate ideas.

Speak audibly with appropriate pacing, prosody, and voice level.

Engage the audience by asking and/or responding to questions.

Create and participate in oral language activities that include oral storytelling and dramatics.

Retell information in an organized manner, focused on a key topic or experience.

Integrating Multimodal Literacies

Create a simple presentation using multimodal tools that enhance the topic or presentation.

The student will build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading and listening to a range of challenging, content-...

Read a variety of grade-level text with accuracy, automaticity, appropriate rate, and meaningful expression in successiv...

Proficiently read and comprehend texts from a variety of literary forms that exhibit complexity at the lower range of th...

When responding to text through discussion and/or writing, draw several pieces of evidence from read-alouds and grade-le...

Regularly engage in listening to a series of conceptually related texts organized around topics of study to build knowle...

(Reading Strategies, 3-12): Introduced in Grade Three.

Phonological and Phonemic Awareness: The student will orally identify and produce various phonemes (individual sounds) w...

Isolate sounds in four and five phoneme words. 

Demonstrate the ability to blend words with four and five phonemes, including words with consonant digraphs (e.g., th, s...

Demonstrate the ability to segment words with four and five phonemes, including words with consonant digraphs (e.g., th,...

Phonics and Word Analysis: The student will apply phonetic principles to read and spell words. 

Decode and encode words with short vowels to include blends, digraphs, and trigraphs in closed syllables (CVCC, CCVC, CV...

Decode and encode words with vowel teams and r-controlled vowels. 

Use knowledge of syllabication and syllable types to decode words. 

Use knowledge of affixes (e.g., suffixes, prefixes) to decode words. 

Read grade-level high frequency words, including decodable and irregular words, with automaticity and accuracy.

The student will print legibly in manuscript and cursive while applying grade level word knowledge to spell words correc...

Handwriting

Maintain legible printing and begin to make the transition to cursive. 

Begin to write capital and lowercase letters of the alphabet in cursive.

Begin to sign his/her first and last names. 

Use phoneme-grapheme (sound/symbol correspondence to encode (spell) single-syllable words containing closed syllables (c...

Use phoneme-grapheme (sound/symbol) correspondence to encode (spell) multisyllabic words.

Use phoneme/grapheme (sound/symbol) correspondences to encode (spell) grade-level high-frequency words with automaticity...

The student will use conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing, differentiating between contexts that ca...

Produce and expand complete sentences, both simple and compound.

Use indefinite (e.g., anybody, anything) reflexive (e.g., yourself, herself) pronouns. 

Form and use regular and frequently occurring irregular plural nouns (e.g., men, teeth). 

Use frequently occurring conjunctions to signal simple relationships (e.g., and, but, or, so, because). 

Use proper verb tense, including for frequently occurring irregular verbs (e.g., ran, told, went).

Use subject-verb agreement in simple sentences. 

Use common abbreviations.

Use contractions and singular possessives.

Eliminate double negatives when speaking.

Identify statements, questions, and commands and use correct ending punctuation (e.g., period, question mark, and exclam...

Use commas in salutation and closing of a letter.

Generalize learned spelling patterns when writing words.

The student will conduct research and read or listen to a series of conceptually related texts on selected topics to bui...

Evaluation and Synthesis of Information

Identify a topic and generate questions to explore the topic.

Locate information in reference texts, electronic resources, interviews, or provided sources.

Use templates to organize the information collected (e.g., charts, graphs). 

Record information on sources using own words, organizing evidence into provided categories.

Share information orally in writing, or through visual display, avoiding plagiarism and using own words.

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate and build knowledge from a variety of grade level complex informati...

Key Ideas and Confirming Details

Ask and answer literal and inferential questions (who, what, where, when, how, and why) about key details in a text. 

Retell key details of texts that demonstrate an understanding of the main topics of texts.

Differentiate facts from opinions within a text.

Craft and Style

Use text features (table of contents, headings, pictures, captions, maps, and charts) to preview, set a purpose for read...

Identify the main purpose of a text, including what the author wants to answer, explain, or describe.

Integration of Concepts

Use prior (experience) and background (content) knowledge as context for new learning.

Compare and contrast the most important points presented by two texts on the same topic. 

Describe the interactions between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in texts.

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of grade-level com...

Key Ideas and Plot Details

Retell stories sequentially, including their overall structure, essential story events, and the central message, lesson,...

Identify a story’s central conflict using events from the plot as evidence.

Describe character’s attributes (e.g., traits, motivations, or feelings) and how they respond to major events and challe...

Generate predictions about story characters and events using the text.

Integration of Concepts

Set a purpose for reading by providing guiding questions, activating prior (experience) and background (content) knowled...

Recognize dialogue in text and explain how it can reveal characters’ thoughts and perspectives.

Compare and contrast characters, settings, and plots in two versions of the same story from different cultures (e.g., Ci...

The student will systematically build vocabulary and word knowledge based on gradetwo content and texts heard or read.

Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis 

Discuss meanings of new words or phrases acquired through conversations and literature.

Use vocabulary across content areas.

Determine the meaning of an unknown word using frequently occurring root words and inflectional affixes (e.g. -s, -ing, ...

Use the context of a sentence to apply knowledge of homophones. 

Apply knowledge of morphology (e.g., common grade appropriate suffixes, prefixes), synonyms, and antonyms to determine t...

Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs and adjectives. 

Develop breadth of vocabulary knowledge by listening to and reading high quality, complex text.

Use newly learned words and phrases in discussions and speaking activities. 

The student will write in a variety of forms for diverse audiences and purposes, linked to grade two content and texts.

Modes and Purposes for Writing 

Write narratives that recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events and include details about the events a...

Write informative/explanatory texts that introduce a topic and develop the ideas with facts and examples.

Write opinion pieces on topics or texts that support a point of view with reasons.

Write in response to text(s) read or heard to share thinking with a couple supporting details from the text.

Organization and Composition

Writing a clear topic sentence focusing on the main idea.

Identifying the audience and purpose of the writing.

Developing, selecting, and organizing ideas and details relevant to the topic, purpose, and genre.

Providing a concluding statement or section.

Usage and Mechanics

With guidance and support from adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising for quality of ideas, organi...

With guidance and support from adults, edit writing for conventions (e.g., spelling, capitalization, usage, punctuation)...

The student will develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills to build a community of learners that pro...

Communication, Listening, and Collaboration

Listening actively and speaking using agreed-upon discussion rules.

Respectfully building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. 

Asking and responding to questions that acquire or confirm information on a topic and link their comments to the remarks...

Actively engaging throughout the collaboration. 

Speaking and Presentation of Ideas

Using descriptive details and appropriate facts to support themes or central ideas.

Speaking audibly with appropriate pacing, prosody, and voice level. 

Using language (formal or informal) and style as appropriate to audience, topic, and purpose. 

Integrating Multimodal Literacies 

Create a simple presentation using multimodal tools that enhance the topic and/or presentation.

The student will build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading and listening to a range of challenging, content-...

Read a variety of grade-level complex texts with accuracy, automaticity, appropriate rate, and meaningful expression in ...

Proficiently read and comprehend a variety of literary and informational texts that exhibit complexity at the higher ran...

When responding to texts through discussions and/or writing, draw several pieces of evidence from read alouds and grade-...

Regularly engage in listening to a series of conceptually related texts organized around topics of study to build knowle...

Use reading strategies as needed to monitor comprehension when encountering challenging sections of text. These sense-ma...

Phonics and Word Recognition: The student will apply grade level phonics and word analysis skills to decode (read) unfam...

Decode and encode words with vowel teams and r-controlled vowels. 

Use knowledge of syllabication and syllable types to decode and encode words. 

Use knowledge of affixes (e.g., suffixes, prefixes) to decode and encode words. 

Read grade-level high-frequency words, including decodable and irregular words, with automaticity and accuracy. 

The student will print legibly in manuscript and cursive while applying grade level word knowledge to spell words correc...

Handwriting

Maintain legible printing.

Write capital and lowercase letters of the alphabet using correct letter formation in cursive. 

Sign his/her first and last name. 

Form cursive letters with flow from one letter to the next within names and words. 

Use phoneme-grapheme correspondence to encode (spell) multisyllabic words. 

Use common affixes to encode (spell) words. 

Use phoneme/grapheme (sound/symbol) correspondences to encode (spell) grade-level high-frequency words with automaticity...

The student will use the conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing, differentiating between contexts tha...

Produce, expand, and rearrange simple and compound sentences when speaking and writing.

Distinguish between complete and incomplete sentences.

Form and use comparative and superlative adjectives when speaking and writing. 

Form and use regular and irregular verbs when speaking and writing.

Use subject-verb agreement in simple sentences.

Eliminate double negatives when speaking and writing. 

Use commas in series, dates, addresses, and in greetings and closings of letters.

Use apostrophes to form contractions and frequently occurring possessions in writing. 

Capitalize holidays, names, and places. 

Use learned spelling patterns when writing words, including high frequency words and grade level word analysis knowledge...

Consult reference materials, including beginning dictionaries to check and correct spelling.

The student will conduct research and read or listen to a series of conceptually related texts on selected topics to bui...

Evaluation and Synthesis of Information

Identify a topic and generate questions that explore the topic.

Locate information in reference texts, electronic resources, provided sources, or through interviews and take brief note...

Organize evidence into relevant categories, recognizing that some sources may be more reliable than others.

Organize and share information orally, in writing, or through visual display.

Avoid plagiarism, giving credit to sources of information (title and author when available).

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from grade-level complex informat...

Key Ideas and Confirming Details

Determine the main idea of multi-paragraph texts as well as specific paragraphs within them. 

Summarize texts using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause and effect, referring to historical events, sc...

Identify and explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support specific points in texts.

Craft and Style

Describe major structural differences between the organizational patterns of different informational texts (e.g., cause/...

Use text features and search tools (e.g., sidebars, hyperlink) to locate and gain information efficiently.

Identify the author’s purpose for writing, including what the author wants to answer, explain, or describe.

Integration of Concepts

Use prior (experience) and background (content) knowledge as context for new learning.

Compare and contrast the most important points and key details presented in two texts on the same topic.

Describe the connection between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical proce...

Demonstrate comprehension by writing about what is read using the text for support.

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of grade-level com...

Key Ideas and Plot Details

Identify thematic topics of stories (e.g. friendship, survival, determination) and the lessons learned.

Identify the central conflict and resolution using events from the plot to summarize the text. 

Describe a character’s attributes, including their traits, motivations, or feelings and how they develop throughout the ...

Craft and Style

Discuss how an author uses characters and settings to advance the plot. 

Identify and explain how an author uses sensory language (e.g., sights, sounds, smells, and tastes) to impact a reader’s...

Identify the narrator of a story and the speaker of a poem.

Identify the characteristics of different genres.

Integration of Concepts

Set a purpose for reading by looking at the illustrations and activating prior (experience) and background (content) kno...

Compare and contrast details in paired literary and informational nonfiction texts including their treatment of similar ...

Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories written by the same author about the same or similar cha...

The student will systematically build vocabulary and word knowledge based on gradethree content and texts read or heard.

Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis

Develop general academic language and content specific vocabulary by listening to, reading, and discussing a variety of ...

Discuss meanings of complex words and phrases acquired through conversations and literature.

Determine the meaning of complex words using frequently occurring root words and inflectional affixes (e.g. -s, -ing, -e...

Use the context of a sentence to apply knowledge of homophones. 

Apply knowledge of morphology, synonyms, and antonyms to determine the meaning of complex words.

Develop breadth of vocabulary knowledge by listening to and reading high quality, complex text.

Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs and adjectives.

Use strategies to infer word meanings.

Use glossaries, beginning dictionaries and thesauruses, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the meaning of w...

Use newly learned words and phrases in discussions and speaking activities.

The student will compose various works for diverse audiences and purposes, linked to grade three content and texts.

Modes and Purposes for Writing

Recognize different forms of writing (narrative, expository, and opinion) have distinctive patterns of organization to s...

Write personal or fictional narratives that organize event sequences that unfold naturally.

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic that develops the topic with facts and details. 

Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with facts and reasons. 

Write in response to text(s) read or heard to share thinking using supporting details from the text. 

Organization and Composition

Writing a clear topic sentence focusing on a main idea.

Developing, selecting, and organizing ideas relevant to topic, audience,purpose, and genre.

Elaborating writing by including supporting details. 

Using transition words to vary sentence structure.

Providing a concluding statement.

Usage and Mechanics

With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising for quality of ide...

With guidance and support from peers and adults, edit writing for format and conventions such as capitalization, usage, ...

The student will develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills to build a community of learners that pro...

Communication, Listening, and Collaboration

Listening actively and speaking using agreed-upon discussion rules.

Respectfully building on others’ ideas and clearly expressing their own. 

Asking and answering specific questions to clarify concepts, share, or follow up on information, make connections, and c...

Using evidence, examples, or details to support opinions and conclusions.

Actively engaging throughout the collaboration

Speaking and Presentation of Ideas

Using descriptive details and appropriate facts to support themes or central ideas.

Speaking audibly with appropriate pacing, prosody, and voice level.

Using language (formal or informal) and style as appropriate to the audience, topic, or purpose.

Encouraging audience participation through planned interactions (e.g., questioning, discussion, gathered responses, and ...

Integrating Multimodal Literacies

Select, organize, and create engaging presentations that include multimedia components and visual displays.

Strategically use two or more interdependent modes of communication to convey the intended message and enhance the devel...

Examining Media Messages

Differentiate between auditory, visual, and written media messages (e.g., videos, podcasts, print advertisements) and th...

Compare and contrast how ideas and topics are depicted (e.g., animation, famous images and words, music and sound, photo...

The student will build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading a range of challenging, content-rich texts. This ...

Read a variety of grade-level complex texts with accuracy, automaticity, appropriate rate, and meaningful expression in ...

Proficiently read and comprehend a variety of literary and informational texts that exhibit complexity at the lower rang...

When responding to texts through discussion and/or writing, draw several pieces of evidence from grade-level complex tex...

Regularly engage in reading a series of conceptually related texts organized around topics of study to build knowledge a...

Use reading strategies as needed to aid and monitor comprehension when encountering challenging sections of text. These ...

Phonics and Word Analysis: The student will apply grade level phonics and word analysis skills to decode (read) unfamili...

Use knowledge of syllabication and syllable types to decode and encode words.

Use knowledge of morphology (suffixes, prefixes, root/base) to decode words.

Read grade-level high-frequency words, including decodable and irregular words, with automaticity and accuracy.

The student will print legibly in manuscript and cursive while applying grade level word knowledge to spell words correc...

Handwriting

Maintain legible printing.

Maintain legible cursive.

Sign his/her first and last name.

Use combined knowledge of all letter-sound correspondences, syllabication patterns, and morphology (e.g., roots and affi...

Use phoneme/grapheme (sound/symbol) correspondences to decode (read) and encode (spell) grade-level high-frequency words...

The student will use the conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing, differentiating between contexts tha...

Produce, expand, and rearrange simple and compound sentences, including prepositional phrases, when speaking and writing...

Use coordinating (e.g., and, but), subordinating (e.g., although, because) conjunctions to join words and phrases in a s...

Use adjectives to compare and describe noun or noun phrases with specificity when speaking and writing.

Use modal words (e.g., can, may, must) to convey various conditions when speaking and writing. 

Use standard subject-verb agreement when speaking and writing.

Use standard noun-pronoun agreement when speaking and writing. 

Use commas in series, dates, addresses, and letters in writing. 

Use commas and quotation marks to indicate dialogue in writing. 

Use apostrophes to form contractions and to show possession in writing.

Use conventional spelling for high-frequency and other studied words and grade level word analysis knowledge. 

Consult reference materials to check and correct spelling.

The student will conduct research and read a series of conceptually related texts on selected topics to build knowledge ...

Evaluation and Synthesis of Information

Construct and formulate questions about a topic.

Identify search terms to locate information on the topic and gather relevant information from various print and digital ...

Organize and synthesize information from the print and digital resources determining the relevance and reliability of th...

Develop notes that include important concept, summaries, and identification of information sources. 

Organize and share information orally, in writing, or through visual display.

Avoid plagiarism and give proper credit by providing citations whenever using another person’s media, facts, ideas, grap...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from grade-level complex informat...

Key Ideas and Confirming Details

Summarize the main idea of multi-paragraph texts and the specific paragraphs within them, explaining how key details sup...

Summarize events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in historical, scientific, or technical texts, including what happened ...

Distinguish between fact and opinion and explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support opinions within text...

Craft and Style

Explain how authors select an organizational pattern (e.g., cause/effect, comparison/contrast, problem/solution) using t...

Apply knowledge of text features and search tools in multiple print and digital sources to locate and categorize informa...

Explain the author’s purpose for writing, including what the author wants to answer, explain, or describe based on the c...

Integration of Concepts

Use prior (experience) and background (content) knowledge as context for new learning. 

Compare and contrast multiple accounts of the same event or topic and describe the differences in focus and the informat...

Describe the relationships between a series of historical events, scientific concepts, or steps in technical procedures ...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of grade-level com...

Key Ideas and Plot Details

Summarize the theme of stories, dramas, or poetry, including the thematic topic (e.g., courage, loyalty, family) and how...

Describe the central conflict and explain the resolution using an understanding of text structure and events from the pl...

Analyze characters in-depth, drawing on specific details from the text, including their words, actions, or a character’s...

Craft and Style 

Determine how an author uses language (dialogue, sensory language, and dialect), characters, and settings to advance the...

Identify the characteristics of different genres of literary texts (e.g., drama, poems, stories) and refer to the struct...

Identify the narrator of a story and the speaker of a poem.

Differentiate between first-and third-person point of view.

Integration of Concepts

Set a purpose for reading by activating prior (experience) and background (content) knowledge.

Compare and contrast details in paired literary and informational nonfiction texts including their treatment of similar ...

Explain the overall structure of stories, poems, and plays and how each successive part builds on earlier sections.

The student will systematically build vocabulary and word knowledge based on gradefour content and texts.

Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis

Develop general academic language and content specific vocabulary by listening to, reading, and discussing a variety of ...

Discuss meanings of complex words and phrases acquired through conversations and literature.

Determine the meaning of complex words using frequently occurring root words and inflectional affixes (e.g. -s, -ing, -e...

Use the context of a sentence to apply knowledge of homophones.

Apply knowledge of morphology, synonyms, and antonyms to determine the meaning of complex words.

Develop breadth of vocabulary knowledge by listening to and reading high quality, complex text.

Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs and adjectives. 

Use strategies to infer word meanings.

Use glossaries,beginning dictionaries, and thesauruses, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the meaning of w...

Use newly learned words and phrases in discussions and speaking activities.

The student will compose various works for diverse audiences and purposes, linked to grade four content and texts. 

Modes and Purposes for Writing

Recognize different forms of writing (narrative, expository, and persuasive) have distinctive patterns of organization t...

Write personal or fictional narratives that are logically organized around a central problem or experience. 

Write expository texts to examine a topic that develops the focus with facts, details, or other information and uses lin...

Write persuasive pieces on topics or texts that express a clear opinion supported by facts, details, and reasons.

Write in response to text(s) read (including summaries, reflections and descriptions) to demonstrate thinking with detai...

Organization and Composition

Providing an introduction that includes a clear topic sentence that connects to the central idea.

Developing, selecting, and organizing ideas relevant to the topic, purpose, and genre using precise language and topic-s...

Using transition words and prepositional phrases to vary sentence structure and link sentences.

Providing a concluding statement or section.

Usage and Mechanics

With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising for quality of ide...

Self-and peer-edit the writing for capitalization, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, paragraphing, and Standard...

The student will develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills to build a community of learners that pro...

Communication, Listening, and Collaboration

Listening actively and speaking using agreed-upon discussion rules.

Respectfully demonstrating agreement or disagreement with others’ ideas.

Asking and answering relevant questions to build on others’ ideas, clarify ideas, and acquire or confirm information. 

Summarizing the main ideas being discussed, using evidence, examples, and details to support opinions and conclusions. 

Share responsibility for the learning based on assigned roles and/or task expectations.

Speaking and Presentation of Ideas

Using content specific vocabulary, appropriate fact,s and relevant descriptive details to support themes or central idea...

Demonstrating appropriate speaking techniques (e.g., adequate volume and clear pronunciation) suitable to the audience, ...

Using facial expressions and gestures to support, accentuate, or dramatize the message during oral presentations.

Demonstrating awareness of and sensitivity to the appropriate use of words (e.g., avoiding stereotypes, multiple meaning...

Encouraging audience participation through planned interactions (e.g., questioning, discussion, gathering responses, and...

Integrating Multimodal Literacies

Select, organize, and create engaging presentations that include multimedia components and visual displays.

Strategically use two or more interdependent modes of communication to convey the intended message and enhance the devel...

Examining Media Messages

Deconstruct various types of media to identify the characteristics and determine the effectiveness of the intended messa...

Identify the purpose, intended audience, and credibility of information (e.g., auditory, visual, and written media messa...

Compare and contrast techniques used in a variety of media messages (e.g., animation, famous images and words, music and...

The student will build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading a range of challenging, content-rich texts. This ...

Read a variety of grade-level complex texts with accuracy, automaticity, appropriate rate, and meaningful expression in ...

Proficiently read and comprehend a variety of literary and informational texts that exhibit complexity at the higher ran...

When responding to text through discussions and/or writing, draw several pieces of evidence from grade-level complex tex...

Regularly engage in reading a series of conceptually related texts organized around topics of study to build knowledge a...

Use reading strategies as needed to aid and monitor comprehension when encountering challenging sections of text. These ...

Phonics and Word Analysis: The student will apply grade level phonics and word analysis skills to decode (read) unfamili...

Use knowledge of syllabication and syllable types to decode and encode words.

Use knowledge of morphology (suffixes, prefixes, root/base) to decode words.

Read grade-level high-frequency words, including decodable and irregular words, with automaticity and accuracy.

The student will print legibly in manuscript and cursive while applying grade level word knowledge to spell words correc...

Handwriting

Maintain legible printing. 

Maintain legible cursive.

Sign first and last name.

Use combined knowledge of all letter-sound correspondences, syllabication patterns, and morphology (e.g., roots and affi...

Use phoneme-grapheme (sound/symbol) correspondences to decode (read) and encode (spell) grade-level high-frequency words...

The student will use the conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing, differentiating between contexts tha...

Expand, combine, and reduce sentences for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style. 

Use adverbs to express time, frequency, degree, and level of certainty when speaking and writing.

Use interjections, prepositional phrases, and coordinating and subordinating conjunctions in writing to join words and p...

Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense and number in writing.

Use standard subject-verb agreement when speaking and writing.

Use commas correctly in compound sentences.

Use colons to separate hours and minutes and to introduce a list.

Use a hyphen to divide words at the end of a line in writing.

Use spelling patterns and generalizations (e.g., word families, syllable patterns, ending rules) when pronouncing and wr...

Consult reference materials to check and correct spelling.

The student will conduct research and read a series of conceptually related texts on selected topics to build knowledge ...

Evaluation and Synthesis of Information

Formulate questions that help narrow the topic and revise questions as needed based on research.

Identify search terms to locate information and gather relevant information from various print and digital sources to ad...

Organize and synthesize information from the print and digital resources, evaluating their relevance, reliability, and c...

Develop notes that include important concepts, summaries, and identification of information sources.

Organize and share information orally, in writing, or through visual display.

Avoid plagiarism and give proper credit by providing citations whenever using another person’s media, facts, ideas, grap...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from grade-level complex informat...

Key Ideas and Confirming Details

Summarize the main ideas of texts and specific paragraphs within them, including how they are developed through the deta...

Summarize events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in historical, scientific, or technical texts, including what happened,...

Describe how an author uses reasons, evidence, and opinions to support points in a text, by identifying (and accurately ...

Craft and Style

Describe the overall organization patterns of texts (e.g., cause/effect, comparison/contrast, problem/solution, descript...

Examine text features and search tools in multiple print and digital sources to evaluate and gain meaning from the infor...

Determine the author’s purpose(s) and describe how the author’s perspective (e.g., beliefs, assumptions, biases) influen...

Integration of Concepts

Use prior (experience) and background (content) knowledge as context for new learning.

Analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences in the point of view...

Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a h...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of grade-level com...

Key Ideas and Plot Details

Summarize the story or play, including the overarching theme and lessons learned, and explain how they are developed or ...

Describe plots in stories as a sequence of events that develops the central conflict and resolution, including initiatin...

Explain how events from the plot cause the character(s) to change or evolve and how the development of character(s) or s...

Craft and Style

Describe how an author develops a character through what characters say, think, do, and how other characters respond.

Analyze the author’s use of language (e.g., synonyms, figurative language, sensory words, dialogue, dialect) and their i...

Analyze how the characteristics of a poem and the author’s use of patterns of sound (e.g., rhyme, rhythm, alliteration, ...

Integration of Concepts

Set a purpose for reading by activating prior (experience) and background (content) knowledge.

Compare and contrast the point of view from which different stories are narrated, including the difference between first...

Compare and contrast details in paired literary and informational nonfiction texts including their treatment of similar ...

The student will systematically build vocabulary and word knowledge based on gradefive content and texts.

Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis

Develop general academic language and content specific vocabulary by listening to, reading, and discussing a variety of ...

Discuss meanings of complex words and phrases acquired through conversations and literature. 

Determine the meaning of complex words using frequently occurring root words and inflectional affixes (e.g., -s, -ing,-e...

Use the context of a sentence to apply knowledge of homophones. 

Apply knowledge of grade-level appropriate synonyms and antonyms to better understand each word.

Analyze the morphological relationships between words, including how Greek and Latin affixes and roots impact the meanin...

Develop breadth of vocabulary knowledge by listening to and reading high quality, complex text.

Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs and adjectives.

Use strategies to infer word meanings.

Use glossaries, beginning dictionaries, and thesauruses, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the meaning of ...

Use newly learned words and phrases in discussions and speaking activities.

The student will compose various works for diverse audiences and purposes, linked to grade five content and texts.

Modes and Purposes for Writing

Write personal or fictional narratives in prose or poetic form that organize the writing around a central problem, confl...

Write expository texts to examine a topic and convey ideas that develop the focus with relevant facts, concrete details,...

Write persuasive pieces on topics or texts, including media messages, supporting a clear perspective with adequate facts...

Write in response to texts read (including summaries, reflections, and descriptions) in which students demonstrate their...

Organization and Composition

Introducing a clear topic sentence and logically organizing ideas and factual evidence to support the position in persua...

Developing, selecting, and organizing ideas relevant to topic, purpose, and genre, using precise and descriptive languag...

Using transition words and prepositional phrases for sentence variety and link one sentence and paragraph to another.

Providing a concluding statement or section.

Usage and Mechanics

With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising for quality of ide...

Self-and peer-edit the writing for capitalization, spelling, punctuation, sentence structures, paragraphing, and Standar...

The student will develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills to build a community of learners that pro...

Communication, Listening, and Collaboration

Listening actively through verbal and nonverbal communication and using agreed-upon discussion rules.

Working respectfully by building on others’ ideas and showing value for others’ ideas and contributions.

Asking relevant questions to clarify others’ perspectives. 

Communicating agreement or tactful disagreement with others’ ideas, using carefully constructed responses.

Paraphrasing and summarizing key ideas being discussed by using ample evidence, examples, or details to support opinions...

Evaluating the effectiveness of participant interactions and one’s own contributions to the collaborative work.

Speaking and Presentation of Ideas

Clearly communicating information in an organized or succinct manner.

Providing evidence to support the main idea.

Using language, vocabulary, and style appropriate to the audience, topic, and purpose.

Using verbal communication skills, such as volume, tone, and enunciation to enhance the overall message.

Using nonverbal skills, such as proper posture and stance, gestures, and eye movement to enhance the overall message.

Encouraging audience participation through planned interactions (e.g., questioning, discussion, gathering responses, and...

Referencing source material as appropriate during the presentation.

Integrating Multimodal Literacies

Use media and visual literacy skills to select, organize, and create multimodal content that articulates the purpose of ...

Craft and publish audience-specific media messages that present claims and findings in a logical sequence.

Examining Media Messages

Interpret information presented in diverse media formats and explain how it contributes to the topic.

Explain how media messages are intentionally constructed to impact a specific audience. 

Explain the characteristics and analyze the effectiveness of a variety of media messages by considering the results and/...

The student will build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading a range of challenging, content-rich texts. This ...

Read a variety of grade-level complex text with accuracy, automaticity, appropriate rate, and meaningful expression in s...

Proficiently read and comprehend a variety of literary and informational texts that exhibit complexity at the lower rang...

When responding to text through discussion and/or writing, draw several pieces of evidence from grade-level complex text...

Regularly engage in reading a series of conceptually related texts organized around topics of study to build knowledge a...

Use reading strategies as needed to aid and monitor comprehension when encountering challenging sections of text. These ...

The student will use the conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing, differentiating between contexts tha...

Construct simple, compound, and complex sentences to communicate ideas clearly and add variety to writing. 

Use pronoun-antecedent agreement, including indefinite and reflexive pronouns when speaking and writing. 

Use adverbs to modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs to express manner, place, time, frequency, degree, and level ...

Use phrases and clauses within a sentence and apply appropriate subject-verb agreement when speaking and writing.

Form and use often confusing verbs (e.g., lie/lay, sit/set, rise/raise) correctly in sentences. 

Construct complete sentences with appropriate punctuation, avoiding comma splices and run-ons in writing.

Use and punctuate dialogue and direct quotations appropriately in writing.

Recognize and consistently spell frequently used words accurately. 

Consult reference materials to check and correct spelling.

The student will conduct research and read a series of conceptually related texts on selected topics to build knowledge ...

Evaluation and Synthesis of Information

Formulate appropriately narrow questions about a research topic and refocus the inquiry when appropriate. 

Collect information from multiple sources, using search terms effectively. 

Organize and synthesize information from multiple sources (primary, secondary, digital, and print) evaluating the releva...

Develop notes that include important concepts and summaries, including quoting, summarizing, and paraphrasing research f...

Organize and share findings in formal and informal oral or written formats. 

Give credit for information quoted or paraphrased using standard citations (e.g., author, article title, webpage, and pu...

Demonstrate ethical and responsible use of all sources, including the Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and new te...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from grade-level complex informat...

Key Ideas and Confirming Details

Summarize texts, including their main idea(s) and how they are developed with specific details.

Describe how a key individual, event or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in historical, scientific, or te...

Trace the argument and specific claims in texts, distinguishing claims that are supported by evidence and reasons, from ...

Craft and Style

Determine the purpose of text features (e.g., boldface and italics type; type set in color; underlining; graphics and ph...

Explain how an author’s word choice, organizational pattern, and language structure convey the author’s purpose.

Explain how an author establishes and conveys a perspective or purpose in an informational text.

Integration of Concepts

Describe ideas within and between selections including how specific sentences, paragraphs, or sections contribute to the...

Compare and contrast one author’s presentation of ideas or events with another’s, identifying where the texts agree or d...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of grade-level com...

Key Ideas and Plot Details

Summarize texts, including determining the central theme of stories, plays, or poems, and how they are conveyed through ...

Describe plot developments in stories and dramas by examining the exposition, initiating event, central conflict, rising...

Differentiate between internal and external conflicts (e.g., individual vs. Individual, individual vs. Nature, individua...

Explain how static and dynamic characters impact the plot. 

Explain the role of the protagonist and antagonist on plot events. 

Craft and Style

Describe the poetic elements in prose and poetry (e.g., rhyme, rhythm, repetition, alliteration, and onomatopoeia) and t...

Explain elements of author’s style as purposeful choices (e.g., imagery, figurative language, and word choice) to develo...

Explain how an author develops the point of view (e.g., first-person, third person limited, third-person omniscient) of ...

Integration of Concepts

Describe how the interactions between individuals, settings, events, and ideas within a text influence one another.

Compare and contrast details in two or more paired literary fiction and nonfiction texts on the same topic or with simil...

The student will systematically build vocabulary and word knowledge based on grade six content and texts.

Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis

Develop and accurately use general academic language and content-specific vocabulary by listening to, reading, and discu...

Use context and sentence structure to determine multiple meanings of words and clarify the meanings of unfamiliar words ...

Apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots and affixes to predict the meaning of unfamiliar words. 

Use the relationship between particular words, including synonyms and antonyms to better understand each word.

Explain the construction and meaning of figurative language, including simile, hyperbole, metaphor, and personification.

Clarify the meaning of an unknown word or select the applicable definition of a word from a text by using word reference...

Use general and specialized word-reference materials, print and digital, to identify word origins, derivations, and pron...

Use newly learned words and phrases in multiple contexts, including in students’ discussions and speaking and writing ac...

The student will compose various works for diverse audiences and purposes, linked to grade six content and texts.

Modes and Purposes for Writing

Write narratives to entertain, to share a personal experience, or to alter an existing story that uses narrative techniq...

Write expository texts to examine a topic or concept, logically conveying ideas and information using text structures su...

Write persuasively about topics or texts, including media messages, supporting welldefined claims with clear reasons and...

Write reflectively in response to text(s) read to demonstrate thinking with details, examples, and other evidence from t...

Organization and Composition

Composing a thesis statement that focuses the topic and introduces the piece clearly.

Establishing a central idea incorporating evidence and maintaining an organized structure to fit the form and topic.

Elaborating and supporting ideas, using relevant facts, definitions, details, quotations, and/or examples. 

Using transitions to show relationships between ideas, signal a shift or change in the writer’s thoughts, and make sente...

Selecting vocabulary and information to enhance the central idea, tone, and voice.

Expanding and embedding ideas to create sentence variety.

Providing a concluding statement or section. 

Usage and Mechanics 

Revise writing for clarity of content, word choice, sentence variety, and transition among paragraphs.

Self-and peer-edit for capitalization, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, paragraphing, and Standard English (Se...

The student will develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills to build a community of learners that pro...

Communication, Listening, and Collaboration

Listening actively through verbal and nonverbal communication and using agreedupon discussion rules. 

Working effectively and respectfully by building on others’ ideas, actively contributing relevant and well-supported ide...

Asking and responding to probing questions and providing appropriate feedback within structured discussions.

Communicating agreement or tactful disagreement with others’ ideas using carefully constructed statements. 

Paraphrasing, summarizing, and writing reflectively in response to the ideas being discussed.

Evaluating the effectiveness of participant interactions and one’s own contributions to small group activities.

Speaking and Presentation of Ideas

Clearly communicating information in an organized and succinct manner.

Providing evidence to support the main ideas, including pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples.

Adjusting verbal and nonverbal communication skills appropriate to audience, topic, and purpose to enhance the overall m...

Responding to audience questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas. 

Referencing source material as appropriate during the presentation.

Memorize and recite a poem demonstrating inflection and meaningful expression that is appropriate to the tone and voice ...

Integrating Multimodal Literacies

Use medial and visual literacy skills to select, organize, and create multimodal content that articulates and enhances t...

Craft and publish audience-specific media messages that present claims and findings with relevant evidence in a logical ...

Examining Media Messages 

Explain persuasive/informative techniques used in media to sway the audience (e.g., innuendo, card stacking, bandwagon, ...

Analyze media messages for facts, opinions, persuasive messages, word choice, and viewpoint. 

Compare and contrast the effectiveness of techniques in auditory, visual, and written media messages (e.g., authorship, ...

The student will build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading a range of challenging, content-rich texts. This ...

Read a variety of grade-level complex text with accuracy, automaticity, appropriate rate, and meaningful expression in s...

Proficiently read and comprehend a variety of literary and informational texts that exhibit complexity at the mid-range ...

When responding to text through discussion and/or writing, draw several pieces of evidence from grade-level complex text...

Regularly engage in reading a series of conceptually related texts organized around topics of study to build knowledge a...

Use reading strategies as needed to aid and monitor comprehension when encountering challenging sections of text. These ...

The student will use the conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing, differentiating between contexts tha...

Construct simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to communicate ideas clearly and add variety to writ...

Recognize and use pronoun-antecedent agreement, including indefinite, reflexive, and relative pronouns, when speaking an...

Use specific adjectives and adverbs to enhance speech and writing.

Arrange phrases and clauses within a sentence and apply appropriate subject-verb agreement to improve meaning, reader/li...

Maintain consistent verb tense across paragraphs in writing. 

Construct complete sentence with appropriate punctuation, avoiding comma splices and run-ons in writing. 

Use and punctuate dialogue and direct quotations appropriately in writing. 

Recognize and consistently spell frequently used words accurately

Consult reference materials to check and correct spelling.

The student will conduct research and read a series of conceptually related texts on selected topics to build knowledge ...

Evaluation and Synthesis of Information

Formulate questions about a research topic, broadening or narrowing the inquiry as necessary. 

Collect, organize, and synthesize information from multiple sources using various notetaking formats. 

Evaluate and analyze the relevance, validity, and credibility of each source (primary, secondary, digital, and print), d...

Quote, summarize, and paraphrase research findings from primary and secondary sources, avoiding plagiarism by using own ...

Organize and share findings in formal and informal oral written formats. 

Give credit for information quoted or paraphrased, using standard citations (e.g., author, article title and webpage, an...

Demonstrate ethical and responsible use of all sources, including the Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and new te...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from grade-level complex informat...

Key Ideas and Confirming Details 

Create a main idea statement and provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop through the text.

Analyze how the author unfolds a perspective or series of ideas or events in historical, scientific, or technical texts,...

Trace the argument and specific claims in texts and assess whether all the evidence presented is relevant and whether ir...

Craft and Style

Analyze how an author uses text features (e.g., boldface and italics; type set in color; underlining; indentation; sideb...

Analyze how an author’s word choice, organizational pattern, and language structure impact the author’s purpose and supp...

Analyze how an author’s purpose(s) reflects the author’s perspective (e.g., beliefs, assumptions, biases) and influences...

Integration of Concepts

Analyze ideas within and between selections including how specific sentences, paragraphs, or sections contribute to the ...

Compare and contrast how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations or viewpoints of key...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of grade-level com...

Key Ideas and Plot Details

Describe stated or implied themes of texts and analyze their development throughout the texts using specific details.

Analyze how the central conflict and key elements (e.g., exposition, initiating event, rising action, climax, falling ac...

Explain how static and dynamic characters and the roles of protagonist and antagonist influence plot events.

Craft and Style 

Analyze how elements of authors’ styles (e.g., word choice, dialogue, form, voice, rhyme, rhythm, and/or sound devices) ...

Analyze how the elements of an author’s style (e.g., word choice, sentence structure, dialogue, figurative language, ima...

Explain how an author develops the points of view of different characters in a text (e.g., first-person, third person li...

Integration of Concepts

Explain how particular elements of stories or dramas interact including how settings shape and influence characters and ...

Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories)...

The student will systematically build vocabulary and word knowledge based on grade seven content and texts.

Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis

Develop and accurately use general academic language and content-specific vocabulary by listening to, reading, and discu...

Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) to deter...

Apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots and affixes to predict the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Use the relationship between particular words, including synonyms, antonyms, and analogies to better understand each wor...

Analyze the construction and meaning of figurative language, including simile, hyperbole, metaphor, and personification....

Distinguish among the nuances in the meaning of connotations of words with similar denotations.

Use general and specialized word-reference materials, print and digital, to identify word origins and derivations, pronu...

Use newly learned words and phrases in multiple contexts, including in students’ discussions and speaking and writing ac...

The student will compose various works for diverse audiences and purposes, linked to grade seven content and texts.

Modes and Purposes for Writing

Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or to alter an existing text, using a variety of precise words ...

Write expository texts to examine a topic or concept that develops the focus with relevant facts, definitions, concrete ...

Write persuasively supporting a well-defined point of view with appropriate claims, relevant evidence, and clear reasoni...

Write reflectively in response to reading to demonstrate thinking with details, examples, and other evidence from the te...

Organization and Composition

Composing a thesis statement that states a position or explains the purpose.

Establishing a central idea that aligns with the thesis and maintains an organized structure to fit form and topic. 

Defending conclusions or positions with reasons and precise, relevant evidence (e.g., facts, definitions, details, quota...

Using transitions within and between paragraphs to signal shifts in writing and clarify the relationships among ideas an...

Developing voice and tone by using language that provides vivid and precise vocabulary to enhance the meaning of the wri...

Expanding and embedding ideas to create sentence variety.

Providing a concluding statement or section.

Usage and Mechanics

Revise writing for clarity of content, word choice, sentence variety, and transition among paragraphs.

Self-and peer-edit writing for capitalization, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, paragraphing, and Standard Eng...

The student will develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills to build a community of learners that pro...

Communication, Listening, and Collaboration

Listening actively, offering and seeking ideas, and setting guidelines for presentations and discussions.

Working effectively and respectfully by actively contributing relevant and wellsupported ideas and opinions and sharing ...

Asking clarifying questions and responding appropriately to others’ questions to encourage discussion, foster understand...

Communicating agreement or tactful disagreement with others’ ideas, using carefully constructed responses. 

Thoughtfully paraphrasing and summarizing ideas made during discussions.

Acknowledging new insights expressed by others, and, when justified, modifying their own views.

Valuing contributions made by each group member while exhibiting a willingness to make necessary concessions to accompli...

Using self-reflection to evaluate one’s own role in preparation and participation in small-group activities. 

Speaking and Presentation of Ideas

Clearly communicating information in an organized and succinct manner.

Incorporating pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples to support the main ideas.

Using language and vocabulary appropriate to the audience, topic, and purpose, including speaking clearly at an understa...

Responding to audience questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas.

Referencing source material as appropriate during the presentation.

Integrating Multimodal Literacies 

Plan and present a multimodal presentation that

Sequences ideas logically.

Uses pertinent descriptions, facts, and details.

Uses two or more communication modes to make meaning (e.g., still or moving images, gestures, spoken language, and writt...

Emphasizes different points of view. 

Craft and publish audience-specific media messages that present claims and findings with relevant evidence and reasoning...

Examining Media Messages

Examine how the media can influence beliefs, behaviors, and interpretations by using persuasive techniques (e.g., name c...

Analyze how similar information is presented in diverse media formats by examining electronic, print, propaganda, and ma...

Evaluate sources for their relationships, motives, intent, and content (e.g., social, emotional, commercial). 

The student will build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading a range of challenging, content-rich texts. This ...

Read a variety of grade-level complex text with accuracy, automaticity, appropriate rate, and meaningful expression in s...

Proficiently read and comprehend a variety of literary and informational texts that exhibit complexity at the higher ran...

When responding to text through discussion and/or writing, draw several pieces of evidence from grade-level complex text...

Regularly engage in reading a series of conceptually related texts organized around topics of study to build knowledge a...

Use reading strategies as needed to aid and monitor comprehension when encountering challenging sections of text. These ...

The student will use the conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing, differentiating between contexts tha...

Construct simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to communicate ideas clearly and add variety to writ...

Recognize and use pronoun-antecedent agreement, including indefinite, reflexive, and relative pronouns, when speaking an...

Use specific adjectives and adverbs to enhance speech and writing. 

Arrange phrases and clauses within a sentence to improve meaning reader/listener interest, and style in writing. 

Maintain consistent verb tense across paragraphs in writing. 

Construct complete sentences with appropriate punctuation, avoiding comma splices and run-ons in writing.

Use and punctuate dialogue and direct quotations appropriately in writing. 

Recognize and consistently spell frequently used words accurately.

Consult reference materials to check and correct spelling. 

The student will conduct research and read a series of conceptually related texts on selected topics to build knowledge ...

Evaluation and Synthesis of Information

Formulate and revise questions about a research topic, broadening or narrowing the inquiry as necessary.

Collect, organize, and synthesize information from multiple sources using various notetaking formats.

Evaluate and analyze the relevance, validity, and credibility of sources (primary, secondary, digital, and print) identi...

Quote, summarize, and paraphrase research findings from primary and secondary sources, avoiding plagiarism by using own ...

Organize and share findings in formal and informal oral or written formats.

Cite primary and secondary sources using the Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (AP...

Demonstrate ethical and responsible use of all sources, including the Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and new te...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from grade-level complex informat...

Key Ideas and Confirming Details

Create a main idea statement and provide an accurate summary, clarifying the relationships among the key details and ide...

Analyze how the author unfolds a perspective or series of ideas or events in historical, scientific, or technical texts,...

Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning and evidence are relevant...

Craft and Style 

Evaluate an author’s use of text features (e.g., boldface and italics; type set in color; underlining; indentation; side...

Analyze how an author’s word choice, organizational pattern, language structure, viewpoints, and qualifications impact m...

Analyze how an author establishes and conveys a perspective or purpose in a text and acknowledges and responds to confli...

Integration of Concepts

Analyze ideas within and between selections including how specific sentences, paragraphs, sections, and text features co...

Compare and contrast how two or more authors present conflicting information on the same topic by assessing where the te...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of grade-level com...

Key Ideas and Plot Details

Analyze and explain the development of theme(s) over the course of texts and their relationship to the characters, setti...

Explain how different plot patterns (e.g., comedy, drama, tragedy) and subplots create meaning and examine their influen...

Justify the decisions and actions of dynamic versus static characters using dialogue or specific events from the text. 

Craft and Style

Interpret the meaning and analyze the impact of poetic elements in prose and poetry (e.g., rhyme, rhythm, repetition, al...

Analyze how the elements of an author’s style (e.g., dialogue, sentence structure and word choices) are used to influenc...

Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text. 

Analyze how an author’s use of literary devices including foreshadowing, flashback, symbolism, and irony are used to bui...

Integration of Concepts 

Compare and contrast the structure of two or more stories, poems, and plays and analyze how the differing structure of e...

Compare and contrast fictional portrayals of a time, place, or character with historical accounts of the same period as ...

Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories;...

The student will systematically build vocabulary and word knowledge based on grade eight content and texts.

Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis

Develop and accurately use general and academic language and content-specific vocabulary by listening to, reading, and d...

Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) to deter...

Apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots and affixes to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Use the relationship between particular words, including synonyms, antonyms, and analogies to better understand each wor...

Analyze the construction and meaning of an author’s use of symbols, analogy, and figurative language such as simile, met...

Discriminate between the meanings of connotative words and their denotative meanings.

Use general and specialized word-reference materials, print and digital, to determine pronunciation, etymology, derivati...

Use newly learned words and phrases in multiple contexts, including in students’ discussions and speaking and writing ac...

The student will compose various works for diverse audiences and purposes, linked to grade eight content and texts. 

Modes and Purposes for Writing

Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or to alter an existing text, using well-structured event seque...

Write expository texts to examine a topic or concept that conveys ideas and information by maintaining a clear focus wit...

Write persuasively, supporting well-defined points of view effectively with relevant evidence and clear reasoning in way...

Write reflectively in response to reading to demonstrate thinking with details, examples, and other evidence from the te...

Organization and Composition 

Composing a thesis statement that states a position or explains the purpose.

Establishing a central idea that aligns with the thesis and maintaining an organized structure and formal style to fit f...

Stating and defending conclusions or positions with reasons and precise, relevant evidence and complete explanation of h...

Using appropriate and varied transitions to signal shifts in writing to clarify the relationships among ideas and concep...

Developing voice and tone by using language that provides vivid and precise vocabulary to enhance the meaning of the wri...

Expanding and embedding ideas to create sentence variety.

Providing a concluding statement or section.

Usage and Mechanics

Revise writing for clarity of content, word choice, sentence variety, and transition among paragraphs.

Self-and peer-edit writing for capitalization, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, paragraphing, and Standard Eng...

The student will develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills to build community of learners that proce...

Communication, Listening, and Collaboration

Applying a variety of strategies to listen actively and speak purposefully and respectfully.

Setting guidelines for group presentations and discussions.

Incorporating all group members in the development of new understandings, making decisions, and solving problems. 

Setting clear goals and deadlines and defining individual roles as needed. 

Responding thoughtfully, respectfully, and tactfully with evidence to diverse perspectives.

Summarizing points of agreement and disagreement.

Assessing, evaluating critically, and using information accurately for a common purpose or goal. 

Using reflection to evaluate one's own role in the process in pairs or small-group activities.

Speaking and Presentation of Ideas

Choosing vocabulary, language, and tone appropriate to the topic, audience, and purpose.

Using active listening and speaking strategies effectively with awareness of verbal and nonverbal cues (e.g., appropriat...

Evaluating the effectiveness of presentations, including the introduction, central ideas, organization, and conclusion.

Memorize and accurately recite a speech with intonation, meaningful expression, and emotion that conveys the intended mo...

Integrating Multimodal Literacies 

Make strategic use of multimodal tools, including using information from two or more interdependent modes of communicati...

Monitor, analyze, and use multiple streams of simultaneous information.

Create media messages for diverse audiences and purposes.

Examining Media Messages

Analyze the viewpoint of print and digital publications (e.g., advertisements, editorials, blogs, and websites).

Analyze, compare, and contrast visual and verbal media messages for content (e.g., word choice and choice of information...

Examine and analyze how media messages are constructed based on varying opinions, values, and viewpoints.

Evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, and political) behind media messages used to determine author’s purpose,...

Describe possible cause-and- effect relationships between mass media coverage and public opinion trends.

The student will build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading a range of challenging, content-rich texts. This ...

Read a variety of grade-level complex text with accuracy, automaticity, appropriate rate, and meaningful expression in s...

Proficiently read and comprehend a variety of literary and informational texts that exhibit complexity at the higher ran...

When responding to text through discussions and/or writing, draw several pieces of evidence from grade-level complex tex...

Regularly engage in reading a series of conceptually related texts organized around topics of study to build knowledge a...

Use reading strategies as needed to aid and monitor comprehension when encountering challenging sections of text. These ...

The student will use the conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing, differentiating between contexts tha...

Use, edit, and revise parallel structure across complex sentences and paragraphs in writing. 

Use complex sentence structure (made up of main and subordinate clauses and subordinating conjunctions) to infuse senten...

Recognize and use active and passive voice to convey a desired effect in speaking and writing. 

Use subordination, coordination, apposition, and other devices to indicate the relationship between ideas clearly. 

Maintain consistent verb tense when speaking and writing.

Know and apply the rules for the use of a colon (e.g., joining independent clauses, introducing a list, introducing a qu...

Apply a style manual, such as that of the Modern Language Association (MLA) or the American Psychological Association (A...

Spell correctly, consulting reference materials to check as needed.

The student will conduct research and read a series of conceptually related texts on selected topics to build knowledge ...

Evaluation and Synthesis of Information

Formulate and revise questions about a research topic, broadening or narrowing the inquiry as necessary.

Gather and organize information from various sources, including internet resources, electronic databases, and other tech...

Objectively evaluate primary and secondary sources for their credibility, reliability, accuracy, usefulness, and limitat...

Synthesize multiple streams of information from a variety of sources to support claims and introduce counterclaims.

Create research products aligned with the demands of the reading and writing standards.

Cite primary and secondary sources for quoted and paraphrased ideas using a standard method of documentation, such as th...

Define the meaning and legal consequences of plagiarism and follow ethical and legal guidelines for gathering and using ...

Demonstrate ethical and responsible use of all sources, including the Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and new te...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from grade-level complex informat...

Key Ideas and Confirming Details 

Explain how authors organize an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which points are made, how...

Compare characteristics of the information from informational, historical, scientific, and technical texts and interpret...

Evaluate the argument and specific claims in texts, examining whether the reasoning is valid, the evidence is relevant, ...

Craft and Style

Analyze how authors use structure to explain relationships among concepts in a text, including how key sentences, paragr...

Analyze key terms (e.g., words and phrases, technical terminology) and ideas of historical, scientific, and technical te...

Analyze the author’s purpose and impact of literary techniques such as hyperbole, analogy, and paradox as they appear in...

Integration of Concepts

Evaluate how different authors write about the same topic and shape their presentations or viewpoints of key information...

Analyze multiple texts addressing the same topic to determine how authors reach similar or different conclusions.

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of grade-level com...

Key Ideas and Plot Details

Analyze the development of universal themes (e.g., survival of the fittest, coming of age, power of love) prevalent in w...

Analyze how authors structure texts to advance the plot, explaining how each event gives rise to the next or foreshadows...

Describe the different character roles in literary texts (e.g., foil, tragic, hero) and their impact on the theme.

Identify and explain how dramatic conventions (e.g., soliloquy, aside, narration, direct address to the audience) contri...

Craft and Style 

Explain the overall structure of a poem, including how each successive part builds on earlier sections and how rhyme, rh...

Analyze how authors use literary devices and figurative language, including allusion, allegory, and paradox to impact th...

Analyze how authors use specific word choices, syntax, tone, and voice to convey the author’s intent and viewpoint.

Analyze point of view and distinguish between what is directly stated in a text from what is implied or intended because...

Integration of Concepts

Explain and analyze the influence of the historical and cultural context of a text on its form, style, characters, and p...

Compare and contrast character development, dramatic plot structure, and conventions in a play to character development,...

Analyze the similarities and differences represented in the literature of different cultures and eras. 

The student will systematically build vocabulary and word knowledge based on grade ten content and text.

Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis 

Develop and accurately use general academic and content-specific vocabulary through reading, discussing, and writing abo...

Use context and sentence structure to clarify the literal and figurative meanings of words and phrases. 

Use structural analysis of roots, affixes, and etymology to clarify the meanings of unfamiliar and complex words. 

Discriminate between the connotative and denotative meanings and interpret the connotation(s).

Identify and explain idiomatic language in context. 

Explain the meaning of literary and classical allusions and figurative language in context and analyze their roles in te...

Use newly learned words and phrases in multiple contexts, including in students’ discussions and speaking and writing ac...

The student will write in a variety of forms for diverse audiences and purposes linked to grade ten content and texts wi...

Modes and Purposes for Writing

Introduce a topic clearly by providing context, presenting well-defined theses, and previewing what follows.

Adopt an organizational structure that clarifies relationships among ideas and concepts.

Develop the topic through sustained use of the most significant and relevant facts, concrete details, quotations, or oth...

Provide a concluding section that follows from the information or explanation presented. 

Develop a thesis that demonstrates knowledgeable judgements. 

Support well-defined points of view effectively with relevant evidence and clear reasoning in ways that logically advanc...

Address and refute counterclaims. 

Provide conclusions that follow from and support the argument presented. 

Write reflectively in response to readings in which students compare two or more texts with details, examples, and other...

Develop flexibility in writing by routinely producing shorter and longer pieces that adapt writing content, technique, a...

Organization and Composition

Composing a thesis statement that clearly communicates the writer’s position or assertion.

Introducing and developing central idea(s), and organizing ideas in a logical sequence to exhibit unity. 

Defending a position using sufficient reasons with evidence from credible sources as support.

Embedding narrative techniques (e.g., anecdotes, dialogue, and description) to develop and enhance writing.

Using transitions effectively to connect ideas within and across paragraphs.

Elaborating ideas clearly through intentional word choice and varied sentence structure.

Usage and Mechanics

Revise writing for clarity of content, accuracy, and adequate elaboration.

Use peer- and self-evaluation to edit writing for clarity and quality of information, addressing strengths and making su...

Edit writing for appropriate conventions, style, and language (See Language Usage for grade level expectations).

The student will develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills to build a community of learners that pro...

Communication, Listening, and Collaboration 

Applying a variety of strategies to listen actively and speak purposefully and respectfully.

Demonstrating the ability to work effectively by coming to a consensus, exercising flexibility, making necessary comprom...

Responding thoughtfully and tactfully with evidence to diverse perspectives.

Summarizing points of agreement and disagreement.

Assessing, evaluating critically, and using information accurately to fulfill a task.

Using reflection to evaluate one's own role in the group process in small-group activities.

Speaking and Presentation of Ideas

Selecting the modes and purposes for presentations and synthesizing multiple streams of information.

Choosing diction and tone appropriate to the topic, audience, and purpose.

Using a variety of active listening and speaking strategies, with awareness of intent and impact of verbal and nonverbal...

Utilizing rhetorical techniques (e.g., ethos, pathos, and logos), repetition, and figurative language to deliver a messa...

Anticipating and addressing alternative or opposing perspectives and counterclaims using counter arguments and rebuttals...

Evaluating the content and effectiveness of presentations; that includes the introduction, organization, strengths/weakn...

Integrating Multimodal Literacies

Create, publish, and deliver multimodal presentations and pieces aimed at a variety of audiences and with different purp...

Demonstrate understanding of multimodal literacy by identifying and evaluating elements such as authorship, format, audi...

Monitor, organize, analyze, and synthesize multiple streams of simultaneous information to create a summary or formulate...

Ethically, purposefully, and strategically incorporate multimodal tools including the Internet and varying technology.

Examining Media Messages

Analyze the sources and viewpoint(s) of publications including advertisements, editorials, blogs, and websites.

Analyze and critique how media reach the targeted audience for specific purposes

Analyze, compare, and contrast visual and verbal media messages for content (e.g., word choice and choice of information...

The student will build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading a range of challenging, content-rich texts. This ...

Read a variety of grade-level complex texts with accuracy, automaticity, appropriate rate, and meaningful expression in ...

Proficiently read and comprehend a variety of literary and informational texts that exhibit complexity at the lower rang...

When responding to text through discussions and/or writing, draw several pieces of evidence from grade-level complex tex...

Regularly engage in reading a series of conceptually related texts organized around topics of study to build knowledge a...

Use reading strategies as needed to aid and monitor comprehension when encountering challenging sections of text. These ...

The student will use the conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing, differentiating between contexts tha...

Use verbal phrases to achieve sentence conciseness and variety in speaking and writing. 

Use complex sentence structure to infuse sentence variety in writing.

Differentiate and apply active and passive voice to convey a desired effect in speaking and writing.

Use commas, semi-colons, and colons correctly in complex sentences in writing. 

Write and edit work so that it conforms to the guidelines in style manual, such as that of the Modern Language Associati...

Spell correctly, consulting reference materials to check as needed.

The student will conduct research and read a series of conceptually related texts on selected topics to build knowledge ...

Evaluation and Synthesis of Information

Formulate and revise questions about a research topic broadening or narrowing the inquiry as necessary.

Gather and organize information from various sources.

Objectively evaluate primary and secondary sources for their credibility, reliability, accuracy, usefulness, and limitat...

Synthesize multiple streams of evidence to support claims and acknowledge counterclaims.

Create research products aligned with the demands of the reading and writing standards.

Cite primary and secondary sources for quoted and paraphrased ideas using a standard method of documentation such as the...

Define the meaning and consequences of plagiarism and follow ethical and legal guidelines for gathering and using inform...

Demonstrate ethical and responsible use of all sources, including the Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and new te...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from grade-level complex informat...

Key Ideas and Confirming Details

Interpret and complete an application for employment or college admission, and summarize the intent, main ideas, and pur...

Analyze the hypotheses, data, analysis, and/or conclusions in informational, historical, scientific, or technical texts,...

Evaluate the relevance and quality of an author’s premises, claims, counterclaims, and evidence by corroborating or chal...

Craft and Style 

Examine how textual elements and organizational patterns contribute to meaning and the author’s purpose.

Analyze and interpret the key terms (e.g., content-specific words and phrases, technical terminology) and ideas of histo...

Recognize and analyze the author’s purpose and impact of ambiguity, contradiction, paradox, oxymoron, irony, sarcasm, ov...

Integration of Concepts

Analyze information within and between paired passages for similar and conflicting ideas and how authors reach similar o...

Compare and contrast informational and technical texts for intent, content, and clarity.

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of grade-level com...

Key Ideas and Plot Details

Analyze the development of universal themes (e.g., loss of innocence, coming of age, relationship with nature) prevalent...

Describe how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes ...

Analyze how characters are revealed through particular lines of dialogue or events.

Analyze and evaluate how dramatic conventions (e.g., soliloquy, aside, narration, direct address to the audience) contri...

Craft and Style 

Interpret and analyze how the sound and imagery of poetry support the subject, mood, form, and theme and appeal to the r...

Evaluate how authors use specific word choices, syntax, tone, and voice to convey the author’s intent and viewpoint. 

Critique how authors use key literary devices (e.g., imagery, personification, symbolism) to contribute to the meaning o...

Analyze the use of satire, sarcasm, irony, and understatement to differentiate between what is directly stated and what ...

Integration of Concepts

Explain the influence of the historical and cultural context on form, style, and point of view of texts that represent d...

Relate themes, patterns of events, or character types from myths, traditional stories, or religious works to contemporar...

Analyze how authors’ attitudes, viewpoints, and beliefs reflect larger historical, social, or cultural contexts.

The student will systematically build vocabulary and word knowledge based on grade eleven content and texts.

Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis

Develop and accurately use general academic and content-specific vocabulary through reading, discussing, and writing abo...

Use context and sentence structure to clarify the meanings of words and phrases.

Use structural analysis of roots, affixes, and etymology to understand the meanings of unfamiliar and complex words. 

Analyze the nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations (e.g., clever, cunning, brainy). 

Explain and analyze idiomatic language in context.

Explain the meaning of figurative language and literary and classical allusions and analyze their role in texts.

Use newly learned words and phrases in multiple contexts, including in students’ discussions and speaking and writing ac...

The student will write in a variety of forms for diverse audiences and purposes linked to grade eleven content and text ...

Modes and Purposes for Writing

Introduce a topic clearly by providing context, presenting well-defined theses, and previewing what follows.

Adopt an organizational structure that clarifies relationships among ideas and concepts.

Develop the topic through sustained use of the most significant and relevant facts, concrete details, quotations, or oth...

Provide a concluding section that follows from the information or explanation presented. 

Develop a thesis that demonstrates knowledgeable judgments.

Interpret and investigate evidence from various sources and texts to draw reasonable conclusions that support the writer...

Examine and evaluate processes and/or problems to propose solutions.

Organize claims, counterclaims, and evidence in a sustained and logical sequence that explains how the credible evidence...

Write to describe personal qualifications for potential occupational or educational opportunities, producing clear and c...

Choose appropriate modes and blend multiple forms of writing by routinely engaging in the production of shorter and long...

Organization and Composition

Composing a thesis statement that clearly communicates the writer’s position or assertion.

Organizing claims, counterclaims, and evidence in a sustained and logical sequence to exhibit unity.

Effectively contextualizing evidence from sources with proper introduction and thorough explanation.

Applying varied transitions and sentence structures to connect ideas within and across paragraphs.

Elaborating ideas clearly through purposeful and precise word choice. 

Usage and Mechanics

Revise writing for clarity of content, accuracy, and depth of information.

Use peer- and self-evaluation to edit writing for clarity and quality of information, addressing strengths and making su...

Edit writing for appropriate conventions, style, and language (See Language Usage for grade level expectations).

Write and revise to a standard acceptable both in the workplace and in post-secondary education.

The student will develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills to build a community of learners that pro...

Communication, Listening, and Collaboration 

Applying a variety of strategies to listen actively and speak purposefully and respectfully.

Responding thoughtfully and tactfully with evidence to diverse perspectives.

Summarizing points of agreement and disagreement.

Selecting and applying multimodal tools to design and develop presentation content appropriate for topic and purpose.

Evaluating the content of presentations, including introduction, organization, strengths/weaknesses and evidence and rea...

Using reflection to evaluate one's own role in the group process in small group activities.

Speaking and Presentation of Ideas

Selecting the modes and purposes for presentations and synthesizing multiple streams of information. 

Choosing appropriate vocabulary, language, and tone for a selected topic, purpose, context, and audience when speaking a...

Incorporating various rhetorical devices to enhance purpose and strengthening clarity of ideas. 

Anticipating and addressing alternative or opposing perspectives and counterclaims and rebuttals, as appropriate.

Monitoring audience engagement effectively and adjusting delivery accordingly during presentations.

Evaluating the content and effectiveness of one's presentations, including the introduction, organization, strengths/wea...

Memorize and recite an excerpt or monologue from a dramatic work portraying the emotions and motivations of the characte...

Integrating Multimodal Literacies 

Create and deliver planned, multimodal, interactive presentations collaboratively and individually for a variety of purp...

Examine multimodal sources’ claims, arguments, ideas, and any point of personal bias by evaluating them for reliability ...

Synthesize multiple streams of information on the same or similar topic to create a summary or formulate a position.

Organize information to create media messages with visual, audio, and graphic components to convey meaning.

Provide appropriate citation of all content from external sources.

Examining Media Messages

Defend hypotheses about an author’s underlying values, viewpoints, and purposes and reflect on how they shape the conten...

Analyze and critique the effectiveness of media messages by evaluating the purpose, evidence, and clarity for specific p...

Analyze and evaluate how the media's use of symbolism, imagery, metaphor, and bias impacts the message.

Explain and analyze how values and viewpoints are included or excluded and how media influences beliefs, interpretations...

Analyze media to determine the cause-and-effect relationship(s) between media coverage and public opinion trends.

The student will build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading a range of challenging, content-rich texts. This ...

Read a variety of grade-level complex text with accuracy, automaticity, appropriate rate, and meaningful expression in s...

Proficiently read and comprehend a variety of literary and informational texts that exhibit complexity at the higher ran...

When responding to text through discussions and/or writing, draw several pieces of evidence from grade-level complex tex...

Regularly engage in reading a series of conceptually related texts organized around topics of study to build knowledge a...

Use reading strategies as needed to aid and monitor comprehension when encountering challenging sections of text. These ...

The student will use the conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing, differentiating between contexts tha...

Use various clauses (independent, dependent, noun, relative, adverbial) to infuse sentence variety, add interest, and en...

Apply a style manual, such as that of the Modern Language Association (MLA) or the American Psychological Association (A...

Spell correctly, consulting reference materials to check as needed. 

The student will conduct research and read a series of conceptually related texts on selected topics to build knowledge ...

Evaluation and Synthesis of Information 

Formulate and revise questions about a research topic broadening or narrowing the inquiry as necessary.

Gather and organize information from various sources. 

Objectively evaluate primary and secondary sources for their credibility, reliability, accuracy, usefulness, and limitat...

Synthesize multiple streams of evidence to support claims and acknowledge counterclaims.

Create research products aligned with the demands of the reading and writing standards.

Cite sources for quoted and paraphrased ideas using a standard method of documentation, such as the Modern Language Asso...

Define the meaning and consequences of plagiarism and follow ethical and legal guidelines for gathering and using inform...

Demonstrate ethical and responsible use of all sources, including the Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and new te...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from grade-level complex informat...

Key Ideas and Confirming Details 

Interpret and complete an application for employment or college admission, and summarize the intent, main ideas, and pur...

Evaluate the effectiveness of the structure(s) and rhetorical devices authors use in their exposition or argument, inclu...

Analyze the argument and specific claims in texts, examining whether the reasoning is valid, the evidence is relevant, a...

Craft and Style

Analyze text structures to discern how they affect the meaning and message of informational and technical writing and ho...

Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning, author’s attitude toward the subject, and mood.

Integration of Concepts

Evaluate texts with differing points of view on the same or similar events or issues by assessing claims, reasoning, evi...

Analyze how the author organizes an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are m...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of grade-level com...

Key Ideas and Plot Details

Analyze the development of universal themes (e.g., loss of innocence, coming of age, relationship with nature) prevalent...

Examine how authors structure a text and order events within it through parallel episodes, subplots, and conflicts, and ...

Analyze how complex characters-those with multiple or conflicting motivations-develop over the course of texts, interact...

Analyze and evaluate how dramatic conventions (e.g., soliloquy, aside, narration, direct address to the audience) contri...

Craft and Style 

Evaluate how the use of figurative language in poetry and prose contributes to the reader’s understanding of the subject...

Interpret and analyze how authors create intended effects using diction and impact the tone and mood of the story, play,...

Evaluate the use of satire, sarcasm, irony, and understatement to differentiate between what is directly stated and what...

Integration of Concepts

Compare and contrast traditional and contemporary texts that draw on similar themes, patterns of events, or character ty...

Compare and contrast the development of a universal theme over the course of two or more literary works including how ea...

Analyze how authors’ attitudes, viewpoints, and beliefs reflect larger historical, social, or cultural contexts.

The student will systematically build vocabulary and word knowledge based on grade twelve content and texts.

Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis 

Develop and accurately use general academic and content-specific vocabulary through reading, discussing, and writing abo...

Use context and sentence structure to clarify the meanings of words and phrases. 

Use structural analysis of roots, affixes, and etymology to understand the meanings of unfamiliar and complex words.

Analyze the nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations (e.g., assertive, aggressive, domineering).

Explain and analyze idiomatic language in context. 

Interpret the meaning of figurative language and literary and classical allusions and analyze their role in texts.

Use newly learned words and phrases in multiple contexts, including in students’ discussions and speaking and writing ac...

The student will write in a variety of forms for diverse audiences and purposes linked to grade twelve content and text,...

Modes and Purposes for Writing

Introduce a topic clearly by providing context, presenting well-defined theses, and previewing what follows.

Adopt an organizational structure that clarifies relationships among ideas and concepts. 

Develop the topic through sustained use of the most significant and relevant facts, concrete details, quotations, or oth...

Provide a concluding section that follows from the information or explanation presented.

Describe personal qualifications for potential occupational or educational opportunities.

Create clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style matches the intended audience and pu...

Generate technical writing (e.g., job description, questionnaire, job application, or business communication) that clear...

Blend multiple modes of writing, by routinely engaging in the production of shorter and longer pieces that adapt vocabul...

Organization and Composition 

Composing a thesis statement that clearly communicates the writer’s position or assertion.

Organizing claims, counterclaims, and evidence in a sustained and logical sequence to exhibit unity.

Selecting appropriate evidence from multiple texts to clarify ideas, illustrate a counterargument, and/or strengthen a t...

Contextualizing evidence from sources effectively with proper introduction and thorough explanation and appropriate cita...

Embedding narrative techniques and organizing information logically and effectively to guide the audience from one idea ...

Elaborating ideas clearly and effectively through syntactic structure, subordination of ideas, sensory/ concrete details...

Usage and Mechanics

Revise writing for clarity of content, accuracy, and depth of information.

Use peer- and self-evaluation to edit writing for clarity and quality of information, addressing strengths and making su...

Edit writing for appropriate conventions, style, and language in informal and formal contexts. (See Language Usage for g...

Write and revise to a standard acceptable both in the workplace and in postsecondary education.

The student will develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills to build a community of learners that pro...

Communication, Listening, and Collaboration

Applying a variety of strategies to listen actively and speak purposefully and respectfully. 

Setting guidelines for group presentations and discussions.

Incorporating all group members in the development of new understandings, making decisions, and solving problems. 

Setting clear goals and deadlines and defining individual roles as needed.

Responding thoughtfully and tactfully with evidence to diverse perspectives, including challenging, clarifying, or verif...

Summarizing points of agreement and disagreement. 

Using reflection to evaluate one’s own role and the process in paired or small-group activities. 

Speaking and Presentation of Ideas

Choosing vocabulary, language and tone appropriate to the topic, audience, and purpose.

Using listening and speaking strategies effectively with awareness of verbal and nonverbal cues (e.g., using body langua...

Analyzing the effectiveness of one’s presentation, including introduction, central idea, organization, and conclusion.

Memorize and accurately recite a short selection from a longer text demonstrating inflection and meaningful expression t...

Integrating Multimodal Literacies

Make strategic use of multimodal tools.

Monitor, analyze, and use multiple streams of simultaneous information.

Create media messages for diverse audiences and purposes.

Examining Media Messages

Determine the purpose of the media message and its effect on the audience. 

Analyze the persuasive techniques used in diverse media formats (e.g., name calling, innuendo, glittering generalities, ...

Evaluate the credibility, word choice, viewpoints, and bias in media presentations.

Examine how values and viewpoints are included or excluded and how the media can influence beliefs, behaviors, and inter...

Evaluate sources including advertisements, editorials, political cartoons, and feature stories for relationships between...

Identify the possible cause and effect relationships between mass media coverage and public opinion trends in media mess...

The student will build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading a range of challenging, content-rich texts. This ...

Read a variety of grade-level complex text with accuracy, automaticity, appropriate rate, and meaningful expression in s...

Proficiently read and comprehend a variety of literary and informational texts that exhibit complexity at the lower rang...

When responding to text through discussions and/or writing, draw several pieces of evidence from grade-level complex tex...

Regularly engage in reading a series of conceptually related texts organized around topics of study to build knowledge a...

Use reading strategies as needed to aid and monitor comprehension when encountering challenging sections of text. These ...

The student will use the conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing, differentiating between contexts tha...

Use parallel structure across sentences and paragraphs to link and compare/contrast ideas in writing and speaking. 

Craft and apply a variety of sentence structures to infuse sentence variety in writing.

Use and apply the active and passive voice as appropriate when speaking and writing.

Use appositives and main and subordinate clauses to convey and clarify a message when speaking and writing. 

Maintain consistent verb tense when speaking and writing. 

Use commas and semicolons to distinguish and divide main and subordinate clauses to link two or more closely related ind...

Apply a style manual, such as that of the Modern Language Association (MLA) or the American Psychological Association (A...

Spell correctly, consulting reference materials to check as needed.

The student will conduct research and read a series of conceptually related texts on selected topics to build knowledge ...

Evaluation and Synthesis of Information 

Formulate and revise questions about a research topic, broadening or narrowing the inquiry as necessary. 

Gather and organize information from various sources, including internet resources, electronic databases, and other tech...

Analyze and evaluate the primary and secondary sources gathered for their credibility, reliability, accuracy, and useful...

Synthesize multiple streams of information to support claims and introduce counterclaims.

Create research products aligned with the demands of the reading and writing standards. 

Cite sources for quoted and paraphrased ideas using a standard method of documentation, such as the Modern Language Asso...

Define plagiarism's meaning and legal consequences and follow ethical and legal guidelines for gathering and using infor...

Demonstrate ethical and responsible use of all sources, including the Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and new te...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from grade-level complex informat...

Key Ideas and Confirming Details 

Analyze the development of main ideas over the course of texts, including how they emerge, are shaped, and are refined b...

Explain the purpose and interpret the use of data and information in maps, charts, graphs, timelines, tables, and diagra...

Distinguish among, facts, reasoned judgments, and/or speculation in texts to determine where a position/argument is to b...

Craft and Style

Compare characteristics of expository, technical, and persuasive texts, including their differences in purpose, format, ...

Analyze an author’s word choice and use of rhetorical devices to persuade or convince an audience.

Analyze how authors use rhetorical devices to create ethos, logos, and pathos and impact the reader.

Integration of Concepts

Compare the perspectives and viewpoints of two or more authors regarding their treatment of the same or similar topics, ...

Evaluate the clarity and accuracy of information found in informational texts, corroborating or challenging conclusions ...

The student will use textual evidence to demonstrate comprehension and build knowledge from a variety of grade-level com...

Key Ideas and Plot Details

Explain stated or implied themes, analyzing their development over the course of texts, and the relationship of characte...

Examine and analyze the characteristics that distinguish literary forms (e.g., fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose, novel...

Differentiate between character types in literary texts (e.g., dynamic/round character, static/flat character, and stere...

Identify and describe how dramatic conventions (e.g., soliloquy, aside, narration, direct address to the audience) contr...

Craft and Style 

Analyze the use of rhyme, rhythm, sound, imagery, and other literary devices in poetry to convey a message and elicit a ...

Explain how an author’s specific word choices, syntax, tone, and voice shape the meaning of the text.

Explain the point of view and distinguish between what is implied or intended because of the use of hyperbole, irony, sa...

Integration of Concepts

Describe how the historical or social function of a text depends on its context (e.g., cultural, situational, historical...

Explain the relationships between and among particular literary elements of a story or play, including how the setting s...

The student will systematically build vocabulary and word knowledge based on grade nine content and texts.

Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis

Develop and accurately use general academic and content-specific vocabulary through reading, discussing, and writing abo...

Use context and sentence structure to clarify the literal and figurative meanings of words and phrases. 

Use structural analysis of roots, affixes, and etymology to explain the meanings of unfamiliar and complex words.

Discriminate between the connotative and denotative meanings and interpret the connotation(s).

Identify and explain idiomatic language in context. 

Explain the meaning of literary and classical allusions and figurative language in context and analyze their roles in te...

Use newly learned words and phrases in multiple contexts, including students’ discussions and speaking and writing activ...

The student will write in various forms for diverse audiences and purposes linked to grade nine content and texts with a...

Modes and Purposes for Writing

Introduce a topic clearly by providing context, presenting well-defined theses, and previewing what follows.

Adopt an organizational structure that clarifies relationships among ideas and concepts.

Develop the topic through sustained use of the most significant and relevant facts, concrete details, quotations, or oth...

Provide a concluding section that follows from the information or explanation presented.

Write reflectively in response to readings in which students compare two or more texts with details, examples, and other...

Develop flexibility in writing by routinely producing shorter and longer pieces for a range of tasks, purposes, and audi...

Organization and Composition

Composing a thesis statement that clearly communicates the writer’s position or assertion.

Establishing, supporting, and maintaining a central idea with evidence throughout a piece of writing, organizing ideas i...

Using transitions, precise vocabulary, and sentence variety to create a cohesive structure that shows the relationship b...

Using background knowledge to expand ideas and add depth, utilizing reference materials when necessary.

Identifying and addressing counterarguments and providing a rebuttal where appropriate.

Usage and Mechanics

Revise writing for clarity of content, accuracy, and adequate elaboration.

Use peer- and self-evaluation to edit writing for clarity and quality of information, addressing strengths and making su...

Edit writing for appropriate conventions, style, and language (See Language Usage for grade level expectations).