Language Arts

The English Language Arts curriculum includes common core foundations of building academic vocabulary, writing objective summaries, comprehension of complex text, close reading text, asking questions, analyzing arguments, and conducting research. Focus of this content area is on reading literature, reading informational text, writing, speaking and listening, and language. Students are asked to seek knowledge through guided exploration and text analysis, compare texts through literary analysis, demonstrate ELA based skills, develop insight through demonstrating an understanding of text sets and synthesize their learning through assessment of skills. Students use the Pearson Common Core.

Literature resource in Grades 6-8 including 8 Honors. Grade six and seven honors students use an accelerated text while Grade 8 Honors students engage with a more rigorous Pearson text written above grade level to challenge the more advanced readers in 8^th grade.

6^th grade students interpret a variety of text throughout the content areas utilizing vocabulary, reading strategies, and literacy skills. They formulate multi-paragraph compositions integrating the writing process for a specific audience and purpose. Students locate, organize, and use information from various sources to communicate ideas.

6^th grade Honors use multiple word analysis skills, knowledge of literary devices and text structures as well as analytical reading strategies to interpret meaning of grade level text across a variety of genres and content areas. Students write routinely over varied time- frames for various purposes and tasks. Students use listening and speaking skills effectively to a given setting and audience.

6^th grade Bilingual Language Arts students interpret a variety of text throughout the content areas. Students engage with text written in Spanish and English for the maintenance and improvement of the Spanish language. Not available at all sites.

7^th grade students use multiple word analysis skills, knowledge of literary devices and text structures, as well as analytical reading strategies to interpret meaning of grade level text across and wide variety of genres and content areas. Students will write routinely over varied time- frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences. By the end of the year, students will read and comprehend literary non-fiction.

7^th grade Honors will read and comprehend literary and informational grade level texts across multiple genres citing textual evidence to support analysis, reflection, and research. Students will write routinely over various time- frames to produce clear and coherent writing appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Students will locate, organize, and integrate information from various sources in order to communicate ideas.

8^th grade students will identify details that reveal genre and organizational patterns in fiction and non-fiction, locate basic facts, draw simple generalizations and conclusions about the main characters in uncomplicated texts. Students will explain how literary devices such as dramatic irony and figurative language contribute meaning through reading, writing and speaking. Students will also engage in the writing process by composing writing with appropriate organizational patterns, focus, and support.

8^th grade Honors students identify details that reveal genre and organizational patterns in fiction and non-fiction, locate basic and complex facts, draw simple generalizations and conclusions about the main characters in texts. Students will create narratives using narrative techniques, descriptive details and structured event sequences. Students will formulate and defend arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence and will use textual evidence to compare and contrast literary and informational texts. Students will engage in collaborative discussions on topics, texts, and issues appropriate to 8^th grade.