Academic standards list

 

Standard 1 — Language
 

Language is the systematic means of communicating ideas and feelings through the use of signs, gestures, words, and/or auditory symbols. Language Arts is the name given to the curriculum area that includes four types of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Language Arts teaching constitutes a significant area in education, since listening, speaking, reading, and writing pervade the curriculum. They are vital to learning and the display of learning in all areas- math, science, and social studies. Teachers must teach students to be proficient in all four areas of language to be successful in their learning across the curriculum.Conceptual StrandStandard American English conventions and vocabulary are essential to ensure effective use of language and promote success in college as well as all types of career opportunities.Guiding QuestionIn what ways do Standard American English conventions and vocabulary promote success in education and in careers?
 

Grade Level Expectation

Demonstrate knowledge of Standard English usage, mechanics, and spelling.

Demonstrate knowledge of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, and usage of words and phrases.

Demonstrate knowledge of Standard English sentence structure.

State Performance Indicator

Identify the correct use of nouns (i.e., singular/plural, possessives, predicate nouns, nouns as objects) and pronouns (i.e., agreement, subject, object) within…

 

Identify the correct use of verbs (i.e., action/linking, regular/irregular, agreement, tenses) within context.

Identify the correct use of adjectives (i.e., common/proper, comparative forms, predicate adjectives) and adverbs (i.e., comparative forms, negatives) within…

 

Recognize usage errors occurring within context (e.g., double negatives, troublesome words {to/too/two, their/there/theyre, lie/lay, sit/set, leave/let,…

 

Identify sentences with correct use of commas (i.e., series, dates, addresses, friendly letters, compound sentences, coordinating conjunctions, and introductory…

 

Choose the correct use of quotation marks and commas in direct quotations.

 

Identify correctly or incorrectly spelled words in context, including the correct spelling of plurals and possessives.

 

Identify within context a variety of appropriate sentence-combining techniques (i.e., comma used with a coordinating conjunction, use of semicolon, introductory…

 

Select the most appropriate method to correct a run-on sentence (i.e., conjunctions, semicolons, periods to join or separate elements) within context.

 

Select the best way to correct incomplete sentences within context.

 

Determine word meanings within context.

Recognize root words, prefixes, and syllabication as aids in determining meaning within context.

Select appropriate synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms within context.

 

Identify compound words, contractions, and common abbreviations within context.

 

Recognize and use grade appropriate vocabulary within context.

Determine the correct meaning/usage of multiple meaning words within context.

 

Standard 2 — Communication
 

Communication is the practice of conveying information from one person to another. The language arts are all essential to the communication process. Listening and speaking are fundamental to oral communication. Reading and writing are vital to written communication; viewing and visually representing are critical to visual communication. Listening, reading, and viewing are ways to receive information. Speaking, writing, and visually representing are ways of sharing information.Conceptual StrandEffective communication through clear and persuasive expression and attentive listening is necessary for success in school, the workplace, and the larger community. Guiding QuestionHow do good listening and speaking skills help to communicate clearly and persuasively in all interactive settings?
 

Grade Level Expectation

Continue to develop critical listening skills necessary for comprehension and task completion.

Continue to develop strategies for expressing thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively.

Explore the organizational structures of speeches.

Participate in teams for work and discussion.

State Performance Indicator

Identify the audience for a given speech.

 

Identify the criteria necessary for a good group leader appropriate to a particular task (i.e., understands the group task, works well with others, keeps the…

 

Choose the best summary of a speech.

 

Organize ideas in the most effective order for an oral presentation.

 

Standard 3 — Writing
 

Writing is a way of sharing language in a visual or tactile form. Throughout the world writing systems have been developed independently using a variety of symbols to represent speech, punctuation, and numbers. All of the writing systems utilize visible representations except the Braille system used for the visually impaired. Writing is one of the most commanding communication tools.Conceptual StrandThe ability to write clearly and coherently to a specific topic is vital to effective communication. Authors write for a variety of purposes and to a variety of audiences.Guiding QuestionIn what ways does good writing contribute to effective communication in a variety of purposes and to a variety of audiences?
 

Grade Level Expectation

Write for a variety of purposes and to different audiences.

Write in various modes and genres, including narration, literary response, personal expression, description, and imaginative.

Know and apply the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, evaluating, and publishing.

State Performance Indicator

Identify the audience for which a text is written.

 

Identify the purpose for writing (i.e., to entertain, to inform, to share experiences, to persuade, to report).

 

Choose the supporting sentence that best fits the context and flow of ideas in a paragraph.

 

Identify the sentence irrelevant to a paragraphs theme or flow.

 

Select an appropriate concluding sentence for a well-developed paragraph.

 

Rearrange sentences to form a sequential, coherent paragraph.

 

Select details that support a topic sentence.

 

Select vivid and active words for a writing sample.

 

Choose the sentence that best supports the topic sentence and fits the flow of ideas in a paragraph.

 

Select appropriate time-order or transitional words/phrases to enhance the flow of a writing sample.

Rearrange paragraphs from a narrative writing selection in sequential and chronological order.

 

Select an appropriate title that reflects the topic of a written selection.

 

Complete a graphic organizer (i.e., clustering, listing, mapping, webbing) to group ideas for writing.

 

 

Standard 4 — Research
 

Research is the dynamic, attentive, and systematic process of inquiry to discover, interpret, or rework facts, events, behaviors, or theories. Additionally, it makes practical applications with the help of facts, laws, or theories. The term research is also used to describe the collection of information about a particular subject.Conceptual StrandEffective research is the ability to frame, to analyze, and to investigate solutions to problems, while building on and evaluating the credibility of existing research. Effective research leads to the formulation of questions and ultimately to the exploration of new ideas.Guiding QuestionHow does effective research enhance inquiry about any aspect of life?
 

Grade Level Expectation

Conduct research to access and present information.

Collect, organize, determine reliability, and use information researched.

Present the research results in a written report, citing the resources used.

State Performance Indicator

Identify the most reliable information sources available for preparing a research report.

 

Identify information that should or should not be included in a citation.

 

Complete a graphic organizer (e.g., chart, web) organizing material collected from text or technological sources.

 

Select appropriate sources from which to gather information on a given topic.

 

 

Standard 5 — Logic
 

From Guide To Inductive & Deductive Reasoning Induction vs. Deduction October, 2008, by The Critical Thinking Co.™ Staff Logic refers to the systematic study and application of the principles of valid inference and correct reasoning. Logic is the skill of correct thinking and conceptual development. It is the thinking through of similarities, comparisons, and differences in order to induce the correct general conclusions. Studying logic and practicing logical thinking prepares students for the development of reasoning. Logic is often divided into two parts: inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning. The first is associated with drawing general conclusions from specific examples; the second involves drawing logical conclusions from definitions and axioms.Conceptual StrandLogic is the ability to reason soundly, to think critically, to argue persuasively, and to infer appropriately in order to function successfully in society. Guiding QuestionHow is the ability to reason soundly, to think critically, to argue persuasively, and to infer appropriately necessary to function successfully in school and the workplace?
 

Grade Level Expectation

Refine logic skills to facilitate learning and to enhance thoughtful reasoning.

Use logic to make inferences and to draw conclusions in a variety of oral and written contexts.

Explore the concept of persuasive devices.

State Performance Indicator

Locate information to support opinions, predictions, and conclusions.

Identify stated or implied cause and effect relationships in text.

Distinguish between fact/opinion and reality/fantasy.

 

Determine the conflict in a text and recognize its solution.

 

Select a logical word to complete an analogy using synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, categories, and subcategories.

 

Make inferences and draw appropriate conclusions from text.

Indicate the correct sequence of events in text.

 

 

Standard 6 — Informational Text
 

In the Information Age the importance of being able to read and write informational texts critically and well cannot be overstated. Informational literacy is central to success, and even survival, in schooling, the workplace, and the community. - Nell Duke, Michigan State University Informational text is designed to convey factual information rather than tell or advance a narrative. Informational texts contain ideas, facts, and principles related to the physical, biological, or social world. They may take many different forms: picture books, photo essays, chapter books, articles and essays, letters, diaries and journals, observational notes, factual references (almanacs, books of statistics, books of world records), brochures, manuals, and text books. Informational text may employ techniques such as lists, comparing/contrasting, or demonstrating cause/effect, and may be accompanied by graphs or charts.Conceptual StrandThe world is filled with a variety of informational texts; learners must have a comprehensive set of skills for effective interpretation of this type of text.Guiding QuestionWhy is it important for learners to have a comprehensive set of skills for interpreting a variety of texts?
 

Grade Level Expectation

Apply appropriate skills and strategies to comprehend informational texts (e.g., pre-reading strategies, comprehension strategies, graphic organizers,…

Recognize the different text features of informational texts (e.g., separate text boxes, diagrams, captions, charts, graphs).

Explore the organizational structures of informational texts.

State Performance Indicator

Select questions used to focus and clarify thinking before, during, and after reading text.

 

Select and use common text features to make meaning from text (e.g., headings, key words, graphics, captions, sidebars).

 

Locate information using available text features (e.g., maps, charts, graphics).

Identify the stated main idea and supporting details in text.

 

Select the best summary of a text.

 

Arrange a set of instructions in sequential order.

 

 

Standard 7 — Media
 

According the National Association for Media Literacy Education: The purpose of media literacy education is to help individuals of all ages develop the habits of inquiry and skills of expression that they need to be critical thinkers, effective communicators and active citizens in todays world. Media (or Cine) literacy is a repertoire of competences that enable people to analyze, evaluate, and create messages in a wide variety of media modes, genres, and forms. Education for media literacy often uses an inquiry-based pedagogic model that encourages people to ask questions about what they watch, hear, and read. Media literacy education provides tools to help people critically analyze messages, offers opportunities for learners to broaden their experience of media, and helps them develop creative skills in making their own media messages.Conceptual StrandAll students must understand, analyze and use multi-media technology in all facets of life to keep pace with society and ensure lifelong learning. Guiding QuestionHow can students understand, analyze and use multi-media technology to keep pace with society and ensure lifelong learning?
 

Grade Level Expectation

Recognize that media can be a source of information and entertainment.

Use media to publish and present information.

Understand that the choice of medium influences the message in a presentation.

Be aware of how message or meaning changes when a written work is translated into a visual presentation.

State Performance Indicator

Select the most appropriate medium or media for accessing information, writing a report, or enhancing an oral presentation.

 

Determine the main idea in a visual image.

Identify the mood created by a visual image.

 

Identify the various functions of media in daily life (i.e., communication, entertainment, information, persuasion).

 

 

Standard 8 — Literature
 

Literature is a term used to describe written or spoken material. Broadly speaking, "literature" is used to describe anything from creative writing to more technical or scientific works, but the term is most commonly used to refer to works of the creative imagination, including works of poetry, drama, fiction, and nonfiction.Conceptual StrandStudents will become educated members of society by gaining knowledge of themselves and others through the study of literature, thus becoming critical readers and lifelong learners. Guiding QuestionHow does the knowledge gained through the study of literature enable students to become critical readers and lifelong learners?
 

Grade Level Expectation

Use previously learned comprehension strategies before, during, and after reading.

Experience various literary genres, including fiction and nonfiction, poetry, drama, chapter books, biography/autobiography, short stories, folk tales, myths,…

Understand the basic characteristics of the genres (e.g., narratives, prose, poetry, drama) studied.

Recognize and understand basic literary terms (e.g., simile, metaphor, setting, point of view, alliteration, onomatopoeia).

State Performance Indicator

Identify setting, characters, plot, and theme.

Recognize reasonable predictions of future events within a given context.

 

Distinguish among various literary genres (e.g., poetry, drama, letters, ads, historical fiction, biographies, autobiographies).

 

Identify and interpret the main incidents of a plot, their causes, how they influence future actions, and how they are resolved.

 

Recognize that a story is told from first person point of view.

Determine whether the theme is stated or implied within a passage.

 

Identify similes, metaphors, personification, and hyperbole in context.

Identify the effect of sound within context (i.e., onomatopoeia, alliteration, rhythm, rhyme, repetition).

 

Identify the authors purpose (i.e., to inform, to entertain, to share feelings, to describe, to persuade).