Stage J - English Language Arts

Descriptors

1A - Students who meet the standard can apply word analysis and vocabulary skills to comprehend selections.

1. Analyze and interpret specialized vocabulary/ terminology.
2. Apply knowledge of word origins and derivations in a variety of practical settings.
3. Determine the relationship(s) between pairs of words in analogous statements.
4. Extend ideas and enrich vocabulary through independent exploration of words.
5. Select/use strategies to analyze the meaning of abstract concepts to facilitate comprehension.

1B - Students who meet the standard can apply reading strategies to improve understanding and fluency.

1. Relate reading to self, world, and other texts and experiences and make connections to related information.
2. Use both implicit and explicit information to form an interpretation of text.
3. Define the characteristics and structures of a variety of complex literary genres and analyze how genre affects the meaning and function of the texts.
4. Compare the author's strategies and organizational patterns in a variety of compositions.
5. Analyze and compare a variety of texts for purpose, structure, content, detail, and effect.
6. Demonstrate fluency with age-appropriate materials.
7. Select and read books for recreation.

1C - Students who meet the standard can comprehend a broad range of reading materials.

1. Use preview questions and predictions to guide reading across complex materials and confirm or deny predictions.
2. Use topic, theme, organizational pattern, context, and point of view to guide interpretation.
3. Analyze and defend an interpretation of text by integrating interpretation with text-based support.
4. Evaluate how authors and illustrators use text and art to express their ideas.
5. Critically evaluate information from multiple sources.
6. Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate them to the purpose of the material.
7. Analyze the techniques and effects of writing strategies.
8. Synthesize key points and supporting detail to form conclusions.
9. Analyze tables, graphs, diagrams, and/or maps for accuracy and relevancy for text support.
10. Construct tables, graphs, and/or maps that are accurate and support written text.
11. Recognize types of writing (e.g., expository, persuasive, narrative).

2A - Students who meet the standard can understand how literary elements and techniques are used to convey meaning.

1. Evaluate how the author uses literary elements and techniques to achieve the intended effect.
2. Support assertions with evidence from the text.
3. Critique the author's style or form.
4. Evaluate an understanding of the interrelationships among reader, author, form, and text.
5. Evaluate how a text reflects a culture, society, or historical period.

2B - Students who meet the standard can read and interpret a variety of literary works.

1. Analyze and compare ideas and impressions communicated through a variety of literary works.
2. Evaluate an interpretation by linking the interpretation to specific aspects of the text.
3. Demonstrate how a text reflects its time, place, and circumstances.
4. Construct connections to relevant aspects of contemporary and historical human experience.
5. Evaluate the treatment of issues in works from varying historical periods and cultural perspectives.
6. Engage in literary discussions (e.g., conflict, resolutions, relevance, background, effectiveness, realism).

3A - Students who meet the standard can use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and structure.

1. Edit/revise draft documents to more effectively communicate the intended message.
2. Produce grammatically correct document using standard manuscript specification for a variety of purposes and audiences.
3. Use appropriate style manuals and guides (e.g., MLA, APA).
4. Format documents in final form for submission and/or publication.
5. Proofread for correct English conventions.

3B - Students who meet the standard can compose well-organized and coherent writing for specific purposes and audiences.

1. Organize around a structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context.
2. Compose a clear thesis/claim that contains the main idea in an essay.
3. Communicate the intended message.
4. Elaborate ideas.
5. Employ appropriate editing and revision strategies.
6. Evaluate and demonstrate the use of figurative language.
7. Critique word and/or technique choices.
8. Publish writing using an appropriate format.

3C - Students who meet the standard can communicate ideas in writing to accomplish a variety of purposes.

1. Write on one topic for different audiences by adjusting tone, voice, vocabulary, and grammar conventions.
2. Compose an argumentative paper that objectively evaluates 2 or more positions on an issue and selects the best position, based on the evidence presented.
3. Accomplish the assumed purpose (e.g., job application, resume, petition).
4. Apply appropriate format and structure that effectively address a variety of real-life situations.
5. Adjust voice, tone, vocabulary, and grammatical conventions according to purpose and audience.
6. Evaluate a variety of compositions for purpose, structure, content, and details.

4A - Students who meet the standard can listen effectively in formal and informal situations.

1. Demonstrate understanding of materials, concepts, and ideas.
2. Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information.
3. Analyze possible alternative viewpoints related to the content of verbal presentations (e.g., debates).
4. Develop and ask questions related to the content and purpose of oral/media presentations.
5. Paraphrase and/or summarize information with appropriate editorial comment.
6. Critique the relationship between a speaker's verbal communication skills (e.g., work choice, pitch, feelings, tone, voice) and nonverbal messages (e.g., eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, posture, spatial proximity).

4B - Students who meet the standard can speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience.

1. Communicate effectively the intended message.
2. Use effective non-verbal feedback (response) strategies.
3. Use a variety of verbal and non-verbal cues.
4. Speak clearly and confidently (e.g., use good volume, eye contact, body language).
5. Use appropriate grammar, word choice, and pacing.
6. Demonstrate effective use of visual aids and available technology.
7. Analyze possible discussion roles; select, evaluate, and reselect as appropriate.
8. Analyze information to make appropriate predictions and judgments.

5A - Students who meet the standard can locate, organize, and use information from various sources to answer questions, solve problems, and communicate ideas.

1. Survey a subject and select a topic.
2. Distinguish among kinds of data needed to solve a problem, present possible solutions, or extend information about a topic or problem (e.g., fact/opinion, example/evidence).
3. Evaluate a number of informational sources for relevancy and accuracy.
4. Develop, collect, and analyze various kinds of information related to a topic.
5. Organize information for a presentation.
6. Follow appropriate style manual accurately (e.g., APA, MLA).

5B - Students who meet the standard can analyze and evaluate information acquired from various sources.

1. Identify information most pertinent to task.
2. Develop simple conclusions based on inductive and/or deductive reasoning.
3. Defend relevant information by linking it to the problem and/or area requiring clarification.
4. Cite all source(s) of quoted and borrowed information.
5. Develop a bibliography and a works/sources cited page using an appropriate format.

5C - Students who meet the standard can apply acquired information, concepts and ideas to communicate in a variety of formats.

1. Use multiple, reliable sources to develop and support major ideas in an oral or multimedia presentation.
2. Choose, evaluate, and use multiple primary and secondary sources.
3. Organize, edit, and revise information for presentation to an audience.
   • Design and present an individual and/or group written, oral, video, or multimedia project that:
   • Effectively communicates the intended message;
   • Engages the audience's interest;
   • Establishes and maintains a focus;
   • Organizes around a structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context;
   • Elaborates ideas through facts, details, description, analysis, and narration;
   • Cites or credits sources appropriately; and uses self, peer, or teacher feedback where appropriate.
   • Shows synthesis of multiple sources with new ideas/concepts generated.
4. Critique an individual or group project (e.g., written, oral, video, multimedia).

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