7-12 Language Arts Curriculum

SEVENTH GRADE SECTION

PURPOSE:  Students will demonstrate skills in time management and note taking, and will prioritize assigned tasks.  They will identify the parts of speech, and demonstrate the correct use of spelling and punctuation in terms of classroom activities and writing assignments. Students will summarize in writing the plot, setting, characters, point-of-view, and conflict of selected readings. They will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources.

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT UNIT OUTCOMES:

Outcome I: Students will demonstrate the correct use of punctuation.

Components:

•         identify correct punctuation marks.

•         use punctuation marks correctly in sentences.

•         apply correct punctuation to compositions.

Outcome II: Students will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources.

Components:

•         locate information from a variety of sources

•         evaluate information for relevance and accuracy

•         produce a written document

Outcome III: Students will identify and organize information for note taking from a variety of sources.

Components:

•         devise format for notebook

•         identify important information

•         organize information logically

Outcome IV:  Students will discern and summarize the plot, setting, characters, conflict, and point-of-view of selected readings.

Components:

•         read literature selections

•         discern the primary literary elements

•         summarize the selection

Outcome V: Students will label and utilize in writing the parts of speech.

Components:

• define the  parts of speech
• identify the  parts of speech
• utilize the parts of speech in writing

Outcome VI: Students will produce correctly spelled words through oral and written activities.

Components:

•         list the assigned spelling words

•         define the words

•         identify the correct usage

•         spell words correctly

Outcome VII: Students will prioritize and categorize assigned tasks utilizing time management.

Components:

•         list assignments

•         categorize assignments by due dates and  level of difficulty

•         prioritize time frame

Outcome VIII: Students will draft, revise, and edit personal writing and projects using the six traits of writing

Components:

•         construct a rough draft on assigned topic

•         revise and edit rough draft correcting errors

• produce a final draft

 

EIGHTH GRADE SECTION

PURPOSE:  Students will apply parts of speech, sentence structure, usage, capitalization rules and vocabulary, and spelling in the completion of classroom writing projects and assignments.  Students will recognize and explain the elements of literature (through the reading, reviewing and critiquing of short stories, plays, non-fiction literature and novels). Students will apply the six traits writing standards in descriptive writing projects.  Students will apply the Mechanistic System of Communication in the organization, development, and application of class presentations and audience evaluation.  Students will access, evaluate, and use information for their various assignments and projects from a variety of sources.  Students will compile, develop, and create Careers Project papers and speech presentations.

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT UNIT OUTCOMES:

Outcome I: Students will apply and demonstrate knowledge of the Mechanistic System of Communication through their presentations.

Components:

• Dissect the responsibilities of the sender, receiver and feedback response
• Demonstrate and evaluate Interference—physical and psychological
• Summarize Spare Brain Time and Frame of Reference development

Outcome II: Students will organize and produce speeches using the three-bubble method of organization, and will evaluate the results

Components:

• Compose and construct an Introduction

•         Outline and organize the body of presentation

•          Develop a conclusion

Outcome III: Students will identify, explain and apply rules of grammar and the six traits to their writing activities and assignments

Components:

• Define and apply Noun-Verb-Adjective-Adverb-Preposition usage to daily work
• Demonstrate proper sentence structure throughout daily work
• Apply punctuation rules to all assignments and projects
• Demonstrate proper capitalization skills in written work
• Define and apply Direct/Indirect Object usage

•          Describe Verb Usage/Agreement and apply to daily work

Outcome IV:  Students will draft, revise, edit and critique personal writings and projects, using the six traits writing standards as the basis for scoring and grading

Components:

• Compose projects showing word usage appropriate for the assignment and theme
• Develop Editing skills and responsibilities

•          Give examples of idea, voice, conventions, organization, word choice, and fluency

Outcome V: Students will illustrate their comprehension of literary terms, plot construction and genres through the reading and interpretation of short stories, plays, non-fiction literature and novels

Components:

• Identify the elements of plot—Basic situation, complication, climax, denouement—within any/all literature works assigned
• Give examples of Outer/Inner Conflict found within characters
• Identify the Point of view of written works
• Explain the elements of characterization within a selection

Outcome VI: Students will create essays for the VFW Patriotism writing contest

Components:

• Show grammar and composition skills mastery within the essay

•         Demonstrate proper theme usage and development within the essay

Outcome VII: Students will read and evaluate “Night” and “Diary of Anne Frank”, then they will research, construct and present a Holocaust research project in class

Components:

• Research selected topic
• Develop and compose 500 word minimum presentation

•          Create and present classroom timeline exhibit

Outcome VIII: Students will access, evaluate and use information for their various assignments and projects from a variety of sources

Components:

• Use the library for primary source research
• Compare Internet research items for validity
• Conduct personal interviews if applicable to topic

 Outcome IX: Students will research, develop and present both a five-page written paper on their Career Project, as well as a speech outlining their findings.

Components:

• Develop and write a five page research paper
• Present a speech summarizing their results
• Show proper audience response with assigned questions for presenters

 

ENGLISH I SECTION

PURPOSE:  Students will read and interpret a variety of types of literature and demonstrate comprehension of the works through objective tests, written plot summaries, descriptions of characters, and explanations of motives and themes.  Students will also write essays on assigned topics and show organizational skills and creative thought. Students will identify and correct errors in the use of pronouns, modifiers, and punctuation marks in assigned work and their own writing. Students will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources as indicated by the class assignments.

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT UNIT OUTCOMES:

Outcome I: Students will read, interpret, and demonstrate comprehension of various short stories.

Components:

•         read assigned stories

•         write notes on literary terms

•         write summaries or sequels for the stories   

•         demonstrate comprehension through oral and written tests

Outcome II: Students will read, summarize, and demonstrate comprehension of Romeo and Juliet

Components:

•         read the play orally in class

•         write summaries of the reading

•         write detailed character descriptions

•         demonstrate comprehension through written quizzes and tests

Outcome III: Students will identify and memorize various characters in mythology and relate them to today’s world.

Components:

•         read stories of Greek and Roman mythology

•         write notes on the characters

•         memorize the information on the characters

•         relate the characters to allusions in modern life and literature

Outcome IV:  Students will read, interpret, and demonstrate comprehension of an appropriate classic novel.

Components:

•         read a classic novel as assigned

•         write study guide questions and worksheets

•         identify vocabulary words that pertain to the novel

•         write essay questions

•         demonstrate comprehension through written quizzes and final test

Outcome V: Students will read and interpret various poems and identify poetic elements and styles.

Components:

•         read assigned poems

•         define poetic terms in their notes

•         apply the poetic terms to the poems

Outcome VI: Students will read and demonstrate comprehension of individually read novels.

Components:

•         read novels independently

•         demonstrate comprehension of one novel in a formal written composition

•         demonstrate comprehension of one novel in a written objective and essay test

Outcome VII: Students will organize and write essays on the literature and other assigned topics.

Components:

•         organize using the five paragraph essay form

•         use the six traits elements for writing effective essays

•         write and revise essays

Outcome VIII: Students will identify and correct errors in pronoun and modifier usage in assigned work and their own writing.

Components:

•         identify the rules for correct pronoun usage

•         identify the rules for correct modifier usage

•         use the rules in classroom assigned practice, quizzes, and tests

•         apply the rules to their own writing

Outcome IX: Students will identify and correct errors in punctuation marks in assigned work and their own writing.

Components:

•         identify the rules for correct use of commas, semi-colons, colons, italics, quotation marks, apostrophes, hyphens, dashes, and parentheses

•         use the rules in classroom assigned practice, quizzes, and tests

•         apply the rules to their own writing

Outcome X: Students will identify and correct errors in sentence structure. (complements, phrases, clauses, fragments, sentence types)

Components:

• identify direct objects, indirect objects, predicate nominatives, and predicate adjectives correctly
• identify prepositional and verbal phrases correctly
• identify noun, adjective, and adverb clauses correctly
• identify fragments, run-ons, simple, compound, and complex sentences
• diagram for visual understanding of sentences
• write correct sentences

Outcome XI: Students will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources as indicated by the class assignments.

Components:

• check out books for independent reading
• access information on characters in mythology
• access print shop for illustrations
• use other information as needed

 

ENGLISH II SECTION

PURPOSE:  Students will identify and use the parts of speech in preparation for the class writing projects.  Students will illustrate correct sentence structure, paragraphing, phrases, clauses, punctuation, and capitalization in their writing assignments and classroom activities.  Students will compare, contrast and evaluate a variety of non-fiction elements in terms of plot, character, and theme.  Students will read Shakespeare’s MacBeth and Julius Caesar, and will distinguish plots, characters and themes, and explain the literary and historical themes within the plays.  Students will identify and explain the elements of literature through their literature-based compositions and presentations. The student will access, use, and evaluate information for their various assignments and projects from a variety of sources.  Students will research, outline, organize, compose, and produce a research paper as a culmination of their classroom studies.

 

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT UNIT OUTCOMES:

Outcome I: Students will identify and use the parts of speech throughout their writing projects.

Components:

• Compose writing assignments showing proper noun-verb-adjective-adverb usage
• Demonstrate subject/verb agreement knowledge

Outcome II: Students will identify and apply proper sentence structure use to classroom study and to their own written works.

Components:

• Identify sentence fragment/run-on sentence errors
• Correct sentence fragment/run-on sentence errors

•         Compose writing assignments showing proper sentence structure knowledge

Outcome III: Students will identify the three phrase forms (prepositional, verbal, appositive) and they will be able to use them properly in a sentence.

Components:

• Identify and define prepositional phrases
• Identify and define verbal/gerund phrases
• Identify and define appositive phrases
• Compose sentences and written works showing proper usage of these phrases

Outcome IV:  Students will show correct pronoun usage (nominative and objective cases) in their writing projects.

Components:

• Define and demonstrate nominative case use
• Define and demonstrate objective case

•         Identify and correct usage errors within assignments and written work

Outcome V: Students will write compositions demonstrating correct usage of capitalization and punctuation.

Components:

• Construct compositions showing proper capitalization usage
• Construct compositions showing proper punctuation usage
• Edit compositions showing identification of usage errors 

Outcome VI: Students will integrate proper paragraphing and organization into their written work.

Components:

• Outline composition material
• Organize composition material for written product
• Construct written works using “three/five bubble” method

•         Demonstrate knowledge of proper paragraph organization

Outcome VII: Students will draft, revise, edit and critique personal writings and projects, using the six traits writing standards as the basis for scoring and grading.

Components:

• Draft writings focusing on idea use, personal voice, conventions
• Revise and edit identifying good organization, word choice and sentence fluency

•         Critique writings of other students using six traits standards

Outcome VIII: Students will apply their knowledge of the course’s studies into their VFW Voice of Democracy essays.

Components:

• Write essays dealing with required topic
• Compose focusing on six traits standards

•         Show mastery of sentence structure and grammar usage

Outcome IX: Students will read both MacBeth and Julius Caesar, and will be able to distinguish significant plot, character and theme elements within the plays.

Components:

• Identify and define plot elements in Macbeth
• Identify and define plot elements in Julius Caesar
• Describe character elements found in Macbeth
• Describe character elements found in Julius Caesar

•         Compare theme elements found in both plays

Outcome X: identify and explain the elements of literature through literature-based compositions and presentations.

Components:

• Organize, research and compose theme papers on To Kill a Mockingbird
• Organize, research and compose theme papers on Macbeth/Julius Caesar
• Identify literature/drama elements found within both plays

Outcome XI: read To Kill a Mockingbird, The Man Who Would Be King and Puddn’head Wilson and will distinguish significant plot, character and theme elements within the novels.

Components:

• Identify and describe plot elements within each novel
• Distinguish elements of characterization within each novel

•         Research and compose theme papers over each novel

Outcome XII: access, evaluate and use information for their various assignments and projects from a variety of sources.

Components:

• Use the library for primary source research
• Compare Internet research items for validity

•          Conduct personal interviews if applicable to topic

Outcome XIII: research, outline, organize and produce a research paper.

Components:

• Select a topic valid for project
• Research topic
• Outline and organize research paper
• Evaluate and edit paper for grammar, sentence structure and fluency
• Compose paper following classroom guidelines and instruction

 

ENGLISH III SECTION

PURPOSE:  Students will read literary works of American authors from the beginnings of our history to the present time and explain how the historical events of each time period influenced the literature.  Students will write essays to describe settings, characters, and conflicts; identify common themes; compare and contrast different authors and works; and analyze how the motives of characters show aspects of human nature and society.  Students will demonstrate correct grammar and punctuation skills in their writing and will defend and support with logical arguments a position on a persuasive topic.  Students will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources as indicated by the class assignments.

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT UNIT OUTCOMES:

Outcome I: Students will read literary works from America’s beginning to 1800 and examine settings, characters, and conflicts to see how the historical events of the time influenced the writing, recognize common themes, and relate them to modern day.

Components:

•         read  essays, biographies, and a play or novel from the time

•         use worksheets and activities to examine the settings, characters, and conflicts

•         identify and use literary terms correctly

•         use oral discussions and written work to explore the historical relationships

•         write about themes and other assigned topics

Outcome II: Students will read literary works from 1800 to 1900 and examine settings, characters, and conflicts to see how the historical events of the time influenced the writing, recognize common themes, and relate them to modern day.

Components:

•         read poems, short stories, and a novel from the time

•         use worksheets and activities to examine the settings, characters, and conflicts

•         identify and use literary terms correctly

•         use oral discussions and written work to explore the historical relationships

•         write about themes and other assigned topics

Outcome III: Students will read literary works from 1900 to the present and examine settings, characters, and conflicts to see how the historical events of the time influenced the writing, recognize common themes, and relate them to modern day.

Components:

•         read short stories and a novel from the time

•         use worksheets and activities to examine the settings, characters, and conflicts

•         identify and use literary terms correctly

•         use oral discussions and written work to explore the historical relationships

•         write about themes and other assigned topics

Outcome IV:  Students will read specific poetry assignments and demonstrate understanding of poetic devises and meaning.

Components:

•         read assigned poetry

•         identify poetic devises

•         use poetic devises to discern meaning

Outcome V: Students will write essays to analyze how the motives of characters show aspects of human nature and society.

Components:

•         organize essays using the five paragraph form

•         use the six traits elements for writing effective essays

•         write essays about characters and the motives that drive them

Outcome VI: Students will organize and write a persuasive essay in which they defend and support a position with logical arguments

Components:

•         use the writing process and six traits of writing to organize and write an effective essay

•         identify and use logical arguments with detailed supports and a creative introduction and conclusion

•         write and revise a persuasive essay

Outcome VII: Students will demonstrate correct grammar and punctuation skills in their writing.

Components:

•         use correct grammar and punctuation in all written work

•         identify and review problem areas through diagnostic testing

•         use review and classroom practice to eliminate problem areas

Outcome VIII: Students will apply classroom instruction and practice to various high level tests.

Components:

•         apply ongoing classroom instruction to high level tests

•         identify and use tactics for success on high level tests

•         use classroom practice tests to improve scores on high level tests

Outcome IX: Students will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources to organize and write an American author research report.

Components:

•         access information from written and electronic sources

•         evaluate the information to choose the most current and valid facts

•         compose, type, and document a short research paper

 

ENGLISH IV (ENGLISH COMPOSITION I) SECTION

PURPOSE:  Students will use the writing process and the elements of writing to plan, organize, and improve their written essays and will apply the writing process and the elements of writing to different types of writing assignments.  Students will evaluate sample essays and their own essays in terms of revision and proofreading rules and make corrections or improvements.  Students will demonstrate creativity and depth of thought and wording as they compose essays.  Students will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources as they write a research paper.

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT UNIT OUTCOMES:

Outcome I: Students will identify and use the different parts of the writing process in practice exercises and their own writing.

Components:

•         identify the parts of the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing/proofreading

•         use the writing process in class activities and assigned exercises

•         apply the writing process to the compositions they write

Outcome II: Students will identify the different elements of writing and apply the elements to their own writing.

Components:

•         identify the elements of writing (style, sentences, and paragraph structure)

•         use the elements of writing in assigned activities and exercises

•         apply the elements of writing to the compositions they write

Outcome III: Students will evaluate sample writings and their own writing in terms of revision and proofreading rules and make corrections and improvements.

Components:

•         identify revision errors and ways to correct

•         identify proofreading errors and ways to correct

•         demonstrate revision and proofreading skills by evaluating and correcting sample writings

•         apply revision and proofreading skills to the compositions they write

Outcome IV:  Students will write different types of academic compositions using correct style for each and demonstrating creativity and depth of thought.

Components:

•         write a personal type essay

•         write a summary or observation type essay

•         write a comparison/contrast essay

•         write a patriotic essay

•         show improvement in creativity and depth of thought

Outcome V: Students will write different types of business letters and a resume.

Components:

•         identify the different types of business writing and the various styles

•         use correct business style

•         write business letters

•         write a personal resume

Outcome VI: Students will write a news article to be published in a local paper

Components:

•         identify correct newspaper writing style

•         choose a topic for the class to write on

•         write articles appropriate for the topic

•         revise and proofread articles for publication

•         use electronic means to submit articles

Outcome VII: Students will compose and illustrate a creative children’s story.

Components:

•         identify the components for an exciting and relevant children’s story

•         compose a creative story with a specific age group in mind

•         illustrate the story using personal artwork or electronic means (follow all rules for copyrighted material)

•         produce a written and illustrated final product with cover

•         read the final product to age appropriate children

Outcome VIII: Students will read three classic novels independently and write literary essays.

Components:

•         select and read independent novels chosen from a provided list (one each month)

•         demonstrate comprehension through objective test questions

•         write a formal essay on each novel answering various in-depth questions

Outcome IX: Students will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources to produce a college level research paper using MLA style of documentation.

Components:

•         identify and use correct research techniques and MLA style

•         access print and electronic sources

•         evaluate sources to choose the most valuable and reliable

•         use notetaking, paraphrasing, and documentation to avoid plagiarism

•         write, revise, and proofread a formal research paper on a chosen topic

•        produce a final paper with title page, outline page, 7-10 page body, and works cited page

 

ENGLISH IV (SPEECH) SECTION

PURPOSE:  Students will summarize and apply the Mechanistic System of Communication to classroom and real-life communicative settings.  Students will identify the three parts of speech and the four purposes for communication as well as apply them within a presentation.  Students will research, write and present a variety of speech and non-verbal presentations, and will focus them on a variety of themes. Students will access, evaluate, and use information for their various assignments and projects from a variety of sources.

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT UNIT OUTCOMES:

Outcome I: Students will summarize the Mechanistic System of Communication’s elements, and their responsibilities to successful communication.

Components:

• Dissect the responsibilities of the sender, receiver and feedback response
• Demonstrate and evaluate Interference—physical and psychological
• Summarize Spare Brain Time and Frame of Reference development

Outcome II: Students will apply the Mechanistic System’s elements to their own communicative situations.

Components:

• Relate the responsibilities of the sender and receiver to daily life
• Evaluate feedback demonstrations

•          Compare Spare Brain Time to classroom situations

Outcome III: Students will identify the three parts of speech, and apply them to their own presentations.

Components:

• Construct an introduction valid to their presentation
• Research and develop the body of their speech for the assigned purpose
• Construct a conclusion valid to the presentation

Outcome IV:  Students will identify the four purposes of communication, and apply them to their own presentations.

Components:

• Identify the purpose and structure of informing an audience
• Identify the purpose and structure of persuading an audience
• Identify the purpose and structure of entertaining an audience
• Identify the purpose and structure of introducing an item to an audience

•          Apply the four purposes to assigned presentations

Outcome V: Students will research, write, and present a variety of speech and non-verbal presentations that will focus on a variety of selected themes.

Components:

• Research, organize, compose and present a procedural speech
• Research, organize, compose and present an informative speech
• Research, organize, compose and present a visual aide speech
• Research, organize, compose and present a persuasive speech

Outcome VI: Students will use the six traits writing standards as the basis for speech composition.

Components:

• Compose projects showing word usage appropriate for the assignment
• Develop editing skills and responsibilities

•          Give examples of proper use of idea, voice, conventions, organization, word choice, and fluency 

Outcome VII: Students will access, evaluate and use information for their various assignments and projects from a variety of sources.

Components:

• Use the library for primary source research
• Compare Internet research items for validity

•          Conduct personal interviews if applicable to topic

Outcome VIII: Students will read three novels from a select collection of classic literature found in the school library, and they will be tested once a month over three months during the semester.

Components:

• Read the novels on their own time
• Test over the novels using processed tests

•          Grade test as equivalent to one presented speech

Outcome IX: Students will participate in the VFW Voice of Democracy contest, and will show their grammar, composition, and editing skills in the finished project, in addition to their speech presentation

Components:

• Write essays dealing with required topic
• Compose focusing on six traits standards
• Show mastery of sentence structure and grammar usage

•         Show mastery of basic speech presentation skills

 

ENGLISH IV (SURVEY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE I) SECTION

PURPOSE:  Students will examine various works of English literature from 700-1800 to see how literary themes and styles developed through the years.  Students will interpret each work through oral discussion and written tests.  Students will use correct literary terms as they write in-depth, grammatically correct essays on themes, symbolism, conflicts, character motives, style, and authors. Students will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources as indicated by the class assignments.

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT UNIT OUTCOMES:

Outcome I: Students will read Beowulf and explain literary themes and styles of the Old English period.

Components:

•         read and discuss Beowulf

•         identify themes and styles of the period

•         write to analyze the themes and styles in terms of the time

Outcome II: Students will read King Arthur tales and compare and contrast literary themes and styles of Arthurian Romance with those of the Old English period.

Components:

•         read and discuss different King Arthur tales

•         identify themes and styles of the period

•         write to analyze the themes and styles and compare/contrast them with the Old English

Outcome III: Students will read The Canterbury Tales and compare and contrast literary themes and styles of the Medieval period with those of the Old English period and Arthurian Romance.

Components:

•         read and discuss The Canterbury Tales

•         identify themes and styles of the work and the period

•         compare and contrast the work to the previous works

Outcome IV:  Students will read poetry of the Middle Ages and analyze the content and poetic techniques to better discern the meanings.

Components:

•         read assigned poetry of the Middle Ages

•         identify and use poetic techniques to discern the meanings of the poems

•         demonstrate discernment through oral discussions and written work

Outcome V: Students will read Shakespeare’s Hamlet and relate literary themes and styles of  Elizabethan drama to modern plays and evaluate Hamlet as the tragic hero.

Components:

•         read and discuss Hamlet and Shakespeare’s techniques

•         identify the literary themes in Hamlet

•         relate the dramatic style of Elizabethan drama to modern plays

•         identify the traits of the tragic hero and evaluate Hamlet as that hero

Outcome VI: Students will read Gulliver’s Travels or another novel of the eighteenth century and examine the writing style and themes to find similarities and differences to earlier and later works.

Components:

•         read and discuss Gulliver’s Travels

•         identify the writing style and themes in works of this time period

•         compare and contrast the style and themes to the earlier works and to more modern works

Outcome VII: Students will write in-depth, grammatically correct essays on themes, symbolism, conflicts, character motives, style, and authors using literary terms correctly.

Components:

•         identify and use literary terms correctly

•         organize and revise for effective essays

•         use correct grammar and punctuation in all writing

•         write in-depth essays on the assigned topics

Outcome VIII: Students will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources as indicated by the class assignments.

Components:

•         access print and electronic information as needed for research and reports

•         evaluate the information for relevance and reliability

•         use the information for class assigned reports

 

ENGLISH IV (GENERAL LITERATURE) SECTION

PURPOSE:  Students will read and interpret literary works by authors from different countries and time periods.  Students will use literary terms correctly as they write to evaluate each work by theme, conflicts, characters, and societal influences.  Students will show depth of thought in their writing as well as correct use of grammar and punctuation.  Students will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources as indicated by the class assignments.

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT UNIT OUTCOMES:

Outcome I: Students will read short stories from a variety of countries and time periods and compare and contrast their settings, characters, conflicts, and themes.

Components:

•         read a variety of short stories

•         demonstrate comprehension through worksheet questions, quizzes, and tests

•         compare and contrast the settings, characters, conflicts, and themes

Outcome II: Students will read  an ancient Greek play, Oedipus Rex,  and identify the elements of Greek tragedy and relate those elements to modern plays.

Components:

•         read Oedipus Rex orally

•         identify the elements of Greek tragedy

•         use the elements to compare/contrast the play to modern drama

•         evaluate the timelessness of the subject matter and theme

Outcome III: Students will read A Doll’s House and examine the characters to see their strengths and weaknesses and relate the play’s theme to modern day ideas.

Components:

•         read A Doll’s House (some orally and some independently)

•         examine the strengths and weaknesses of each of the characters

•         relate the theme to modern day ideas

Outcome IV:  Students will read Silas Marner and distinguish the qualities that make a common person a hero

Components:

•         read Silas Marner

•         demonstrate comprehension through quizzes and tests

•         distinguish qualities that make a common person a hero

•         evaluate Silas as a hero

Outcome V: Students will read A Tale of Two Cities and identify and evaluate the historical events and motives of the French Revolution.

Components:

•         read A Tale of Two Cities

•         demonstrate comprehension through quizzes and tests

•         research and report on historical events and causes of the French Revolution

•         compare the historical motives with the motives of characters in the novel

Outcome VI: Students will identify and use literary terms correctly in oral and written work

Components:

•         identify and define literary terms in their notes

•         use literary terms correctly on quizzes and tests

•         use literary terms correctly in written work

Outcome VII: Students will write about the individual themes, conflicts, characters, and societal influences evident in the literary works, showing depth of thought and correct use of grammar and punctuation.

Components:

•         use correct grammar and punctuation

•         use the writing process and six traits of writing

•         organize and write essays on the assigned topics

•         show depth of thought in the content of the essays

Outcome VIII: Students will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources as indicated by the class assignments.

Components:

•         access print and electronic information for research and reports

•         use Inspiration for activities

•         evaluate the information for relevance and reliability

•         use the information for class activities, assignments, and reports

 

LANGUAGE ARTS I and II SECTION

PURPOSE:  Students will read and demonstrate comprehension through study guides, timelines, vocabulary, and writing activities that connect the stories to personal experiences. They will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources for use in technical writing pertaining to occupations. They will identify the parts of speech, and use correct spelling and punctuation in classroom activities and writing assignments.  They will compare and contrast real life media information, and will make decisions based on their career and life goals.

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT UNIT OUTCOMES:

Outcome I: Students will demonstrate the correct use of punctuation.

Components:

•         identify correct punctuation marks

•         use punctuation marks correctly in sentences

•         apply correct punctuation to compositions

Outcome II: Students will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources.

Components:

•         locate information from a variety of sources

•         evaluate information for relevance and accuracy

•         produce a written document

Outcome III: Students will compare and contrast a variety of media information

Components:

• read details from a  variety of  media
• compare and contrast details with other examples
• decide relevance and value

Outcome IV:  Students will reiterate information from a variety of literary forms.

Components:

•         read literature selections

•         discern the primary literary elements

•         summarize the selection

Outcome V: Students will label and utilize the parts of speech in writing

Components:

• define the parts of speech
• identify the parts of speech
• use the parts of speech correctly in compositions

Outcome VI: Students will identify and produce correctly spelled words.   

Components:

•         list commonly misspelled  words

•         memorize words

•         identify the correct spelling

•         spell words correctly in writing

Outcome VII: Students will write grammatically correct compositions on a variety of topics.

Components:

•         write a composition on an assigned topic

•         revise and edit composition  for grammatical errors

•         produce a final draft of the composition

 

LANGUAGE ARTS III and IV SECTION

PURPOSE:  Students will read and interpret a variety of written works, such as magazines and short fiction.  Students will apply basic grammar and spelling skills in class writing projects, and simulated products used in real life. Students will compose a variety of job search-related letters as well as a resume for student use outside of school.    Students will read novels and other written works, and will identify and explain the basic elements of plot from each.  Students will research, organize, and compose a research paper on a career choice following school.  Students will access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of resources as indicated by the class assignments.

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT UNIT OUTCOMES:

Outcome I: Students will read, interpret, and review written works from a variety of sources, such as magazines, trade manuals, and short fiction.

Components:

• Select a magazine article approved by instructor
• Read and evaluate article’s content
• Compose a personal review evaluating value, content, and structure

Outcome II: Students will apply basic grammar and spelling skills in class writing projects, and in simulated real life products.

Components:

• Find and identify grammar errors in selected assignments
• Compose written assignments showing basic grammar usage

•          Write and compose simulated real-life products showing basic grammar

Outcome III: Students will read technical manuals/literature, and will respond to various selected situations found within the reading.

Components:

• Read and evaluate technical writings
• Respond to classroom situations requiring application of manual

Outcome IV:  Students will write a variety of technical processes, explaining the process by steps and showing organization.

Components:

• Organize a procedure for depiction in class
• Compose and present technical writing for process in class

•          Follow through literal directions for procedure evaluation

Outcome V: Students will draft, revise, and edit personal writings and projects, using the six traits writing standards as the basis for scoring and grading.

Components:

• Compose projects showing word usage appropriate for the assignment
• Develop editing skills and responsibilities
• Give examples of proper use of idea, voice, conventions, organization, word choice, and fluency

Outcome VI: Students will participate in the VFW Voice of Democracy contest, and will show their grammar, composition, and editing skills in the finished project.

Components:

• Write essays dealing with required topic
• Compose focusing on six traits standards

•          Show competence of sentence structure and grammar usage

Outcome VII: Students will compose and edit a variety of job search-related letters as well as a resume for student use outside of school.

Components:

• Draft, edit, and compose a letter of application
• Draft, edit, and compose a letter of acceptance
• Draft, edit, and compose a letter or refusal

•          Draft, edit and compose a professional resume

Outcome VIII: Students will read a wide variety of novels and other written works (rotated every other year), and they will identify and explain the basic elements of plot from each selection.

Components:

• Read aloud in class different novels
• Identify the basic plot elements from each

•          Explain the basic plot elements from each

Outcome IX: Students will research, organize and compose a research paper on a career choice following graduation, and make a verbal presentation revealing their findings.

Components:

•         Identify and select a career choice for project

•         Organize research material for paper presentation

•         Compose presentation following six traits writing standards

•         Compile and outline notes for verbal presentation

Outcome X: Students will access, evaluate and use information for their various variety of sources assignments and projects from a variety of sources.

Components:

• Use the library for primary source research
• Compare Internet research items for validity

•          Conduct personal interviews if applicable to topic

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