English Language Arts

Detailed description of the Common Core English standards

In summary:

 

 

1. Reading 

• Interpret literal and figurative meaning in text.
• Identify key ideas and supporting details.
• Analyze the impact of word choice and text structure in a piece of text.
• Analyze the use of characters with different points of view in a piece of text.
• Compare and contrast different media (audio, film, or live performance) and the ways the use of a different medium changes the story.
• Compare and contrast different forms and genres and the different ways they portray central themes.

2. Writing

• Students should be proficient in argumentative writing, expository writing, narratives, and short research projects. Additionally, they should be proficient in writing in both long and short time frames.
• Students should be aware of the audience in their style of writing.
• Students should demonstrate a clear purpose and organization.

3. Speaking and Listening

• Students should be able to effectively collaborate in groups, not only expressing agreement or disagreement but also building on others' ideas.
• Students should be able to evaluate a speaker's reasoning and use evidence to support their own perspectives.
• Students should be able to use multimedia presentations when appropriate.
• Students should be able to demonstrate clear organization and purpose in speaking.

4. Language Conventions.

• Students will understand basic English grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
• Students will understand the different connotations of words so that they can use and interpret them effectively.
• Students will increase their vocabulary in addition to interpreting words using context clues.

• The language arts page at the LBUSD web site has these links to the writing rubrics:

  • Informative/Explanatory Rubric
  • Narrative Rubric
  • WFTB&B Rubrics
  • Conventions Rubric

• Language Arts classes generally use the following two textbooks:

  • Most text students analyze comes from the Language of Literature textbook.
  • The Language Network books are often used for grammar and writing strategies.