English Department Standards

 

 

1.      The student will be able to use the language arts to comprehend, interpret, and critique imaginative texts in every medium, drawing on personal experiences and knowledge to understand the text recognizing the social, historical, and cultural features of the text.

 

2.      The student will be able to apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g. sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).

 

3.      The student will be able to adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g. conversation, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences for different purposes.

 

4.      The student will be able to apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g. spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and non-print text.

 

5.      The student will be able to plan, revise, edit, and publish clear and effective writing.

 

6.      The student will be able to conduct research and inquiry on self-selected or assigned topics, issues or problems and use an appropriate form to communicate their findings.

 

7.      The student will be able to recognize and interpret various uses and adaptations of language in social, cultural, regional, and professional situations, and learn to be flexible and responsive in their use of English.

 

8.      The student will be able to use a variety of technological and informational resources (e.g. libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.


Standard #1

 

            The student will be able to use the language arts to comprehend, interpret, and critique imaginative texts in every medium, drawing on personal experiences and knowledge to understand the text recognizing the social, historical, and cultural features of the text.

 

Benchmarks

 

            Level          Pre - Kindergarten

 

1.   Begins to show an interest in reading-related activities, such as looking at books, talking about books, and recalling details using pictures.

 

2.      Begins to retell stories.

 

3.      Starts to make predictions using pictures of stories read aloud.

 

4.      Begins to ask and answer questions about text read aloud.

 

          Level I        Kindergarten - Second Grade

 

1.      Demonstrates an interest and ability to use a variety of strategies to derive meaning from texts by looking at books and pictures.

 

2.      Reads independently for pleasure, to gain information and derive questions and answers from the text.

 

3.      Demonstrates the ability to make connections between texts read aloud or independently, while applying his or her prior knowledge.

 

4.      Demonstrates the ability to identify the title, author, and illustrator of a text.

 

5.      Demonstrates the ability to make predictions and conclusions, summarize main ideas, and determine cause and effect.

 

          Level II       Third - Fifth Grade

 

1.      Uses a variety of strategies and word recognition skills, including re-reading, finding context clues, applying their knowledge of letter-sound relationships, and analyzing word structures.

 

2.      Deduces the meaning of unfamiliar words in the context of a passage by examining known words, phrases, and structures.

 

3.      Comprehends reading by using strategies, such as activating prior knowledge establishing purposes, self-correcting, self-monitoring, re-reading, making predictions, finding context clues, developing visual images, applying knowledge of text structures, and adjusting reading rate according to purpose and difficulty.

 

4.      Identifies a purpose for reading, such as gaining information, learning about a viewpoint, and appreciating literature.

 

          Level III      Sixth - Eighth Grade

 

1.      Identifies the defining features and structure of literary texts (e.g. conflict, representation of character, point of view).

 

2.      Analyzes the effect of characters, plot, setting, language, topic, style, purpose, and point of view on the overall impact of literature.

 

3.      Draws on a broad base of knowledge about the genres of literature, such as the structure and conventions of essays, epics, fables, myths, plays, poems, short stories, and novels, when interpreting the meaning of a literary work.

 

4.      Develops criteria to evaluate literary merit and explains critical opinions about a text, either informally in conversation or formally in a well-organized speech or essay.

 

5.      Provides interpretive responses, orally and in writing, to literary and non-literary texts representing the diversity of American cultural heritage and cultures of the world.

 

6.      Identifies common historical, social, and cultural themes and issues in literary works and selected passages.

 

7.      Draws on a broad base of knowledge about the themes, ideas, and insights found in classical literature while reading, interpreting, and reflecting on contemporary texts.

 

8.      Evaluates the themes and main ideas of a work, considering its audience and purpose.

 


          Level IV      Ninth - Twelfth Grade

 

1.      Explains the structure of selected classical and contemporary works of literature, in whole and in part, from various cultures and historical periods, and illustrates ways in which authors use syntax, imagery, figures of speech, allusions, symbols, irony, and other devices in the context of history, culture, and style.

 

2.       Draws on a broad base of knowledge about the universal themes of literature such as initiation, love and duty, heroism, illusion and reality, salvation, death and rebirth, and explains how these themes are developed in a particular work of literature.

 

3.      Investigates and reports methods in which a writer has influenced or been influenced by historical, social, and cultural issues or events.

 

4.      Develops, explains, and defends interpretations of complex literary works.

 

5.      Explains how details of language, setting, plot, character, conflict, point of view and voice in a work of literature combine to produce a dominant tone, effect, or theme.

 

6.      Develops and applies criteria to evaluate the literary merit of unfamiliar works.

 

7.      Examines, explains, and evaluates, orally and in writing, various perspectives concerning individual, community, national, and world issues reflected in literary and nonliterary texts.

 

8.      Develops and articulates, orally and in writing, defensible points of view on individual, community, national, and world issues reflected in literary and nonliterary texts.

 

9.      Identifies the devices an author uses to influence readers and critique the effectiveness of their use.

 

10.  Identifies philosophical assumptions and basic beliefs underlying selected texts.

 

 


Standard # 2

 

The student will be able to apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g. sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).

 

Benchmarks

 

        Level          Pre - Kindergarten

 

1.      Identifies characters in stories read aloud.

 

2.      Recognizes that words are made up of letters and letters make sounds.

 

            Level I        Kindergarten- Second Grade

 

1.      Demonstrates the ability to identify and describe characters, setting, and plot in a literary work.

 

2.      Demonstrates the ability to differentiate between fiction and non-fiction.

 

3.      Identifies the narrator’s point of view in a story.

 

4.      Identifies problems and solutions in a work of fiction ornon-fiction.

 

5.      Summarizes the theme of a particular text.

 

6.      Identifies common prefixes such as un-, re-, bi-, mis-, dis-, and suffixes such as –er, -est, -ful to determine the meaning of words.

 

7.      Identifies elements of style such as word choice and sentence structure (syntax).

 

8.      Demonstrates the ability to read and recognize compound words, contractions, synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms.

 

9.      Demonstrates the ability to identify letter/sounds in words.

 

10.  Demonstrates the ability to understand how print is organized and read, using concepts about print.

11.  Demonstrates the ability to recognize and name all upper and lower case letters of the alphabet.

 

12.  Demonstrates the ability to alphabetize words by the first and second letter.

 

          Level II       Third - Fifth Grades

 

1.      Summarizes ideas drawn from stories, identifying cause and effect relationships, interpreting events and ideas, and connecting different works to each other and to real-life experiences.

 

2.      Uses a variety of reading texts including fairy tales, fables, and narratives from world cultures to understand plots, make predictions, and relate to prior knowledge and experiences.

 

3.      Recognizes and recalls elements and details of story structure such as sequence of events, characters, plot and setting, in order to reflect on meaning.

 

4.      Extends the literal meaning of a text by making inferences and evaluates the significance and validity of texts in light of prior knowledge and experience.

 

          Level III      Sixth - Eighth Grade

 

1.      Uses knowledge of sentence and word structure, word origins, visual images, and context clues to understand unfamiliar words and clarify passages of text.

 

2.      Uses knowledge of visual features of texts (e.g. headings, bold face print), and structures of texts (e.g. chronology, cause-and-effect) as aids to comprehension.

 

3.      Establishes purposeful reading and writing habits by using texts to find information, gain understanding of diverse viewpoints, make decisions, and enjoy the experience of reading.

 

4.      Selects, summarizes, paraphrases, analyzes, and evaluates, orally and in writing, passages of texts chosen for specific purposes.

 

5.      Interprets and uses technical resources (e.g. charts, tables, travel schedules, timelines, manuals).

 

6.      Compares, contrasts, and evaluates the relative accuracy and usefulness of information from different sources.

 

7.      Identifies and explains information, main ideas, and organization found in a variety of information passages.

 

8.      Distinguishes between the facts found in documents, narratives, charts, maps, tables and other sources and the generalizations and interpretations that are drawn from them.

 

          Level IV      Ninth - Twelfth Grade

 

1.      Applies sophisticated word meaning and word analysis strategies (e.g. knowledge of roots, cognates, suffixes, and prefixes) to understand unfamiliar words.

 

2.      Gathers information to help achieve understanding when the meaning of a text is unclear.

 

3.      Applies knowledge of expository structures, such as the deductive or inductive development of an argument, to the comprehension and evaluation of texts.

 

4.      Identifies propaganda techniques and faulty reasoning in texts.

 

5.      Explains and evaluates the influence of format on the readability and meaning of a text.

 

6.      Distinguishes between fact and opinion in non-fiction texts.

 

7.      Considers the context of a work when determining the meaning of abbreviations and acronyms as well as the technical, idiomatic, and figurative meanings of terms.

 

8.      Applies tests of logic and reasoning to informational and persuasive texts.

 

9.      Analyzes and synthesizes the concepts and details encountered in informational texts (e.g. reports, technical manuals, historical papers, government documents).

 

10.  Draws on and integrates information from multiple sources when acquiring knowledge and developing a position on a topic of interest.

 

11.  Evaluates the reliability and authenticity of information conveyed in a text, using criteria, based on knowledge of the author, topic, and context and analysis of logic, evidence, propaganda, and language.

 

 

Standard # 3

 

The student will be able to adjust their use of spoken, written and visual language (e.g. conversation, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences for different purposes.

 

Benchmarks

 

        Level                    Pre - Kindergarten

 

1.      Recognizes environmental print (e.g. street signs).

 

2.      Understands how print is organized and read, using concepts about print.

 

3.      Recognizes rhyming words.

 

4.      Participates in the oral speaking of short poems, rhymes, songs, and stories with repeated patterns.

 

5.      Uses oral language for a variety of purposes.

 

          Level I        Kindergarten - Second Grade

 

1.      Demonstrates the ability to identify base words and their inflectional endings.

 

2.      Recognizes and uses common idioms.

 

3.      Recognizes simple analogies.

 

4.      Demonstrates the ability to use sentence structure (syntax) and context to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.

 

          Level II       Third - Fifth Grade

 

1.      Writes in a variety of situations (e.g. timed and un-timed, at school, at home) and adopts strategies, such as revision and the use of reference materials, to the situation.

2.      Writes for a variety of readers (e.g. peers, teachers, other adults), adapting content, style, and structure to audience and situation.

 

3.      Employs principles of agreement related to number, gender, and case.

 

          Level III      Sixth - Eighth Grade

 

1.      Analyzes idioms, analogies, metaphors, and similes to infer the literal and figurative meanings of phrases.

 

2.      Understands important points in the history of English language and uses common word origins to determine the historical influences on English word meaning.

 

3.      Uses word meanings within the appropriate context and is able to verify those meanings by definition, restatement, example, comparison, or contrast.

 

          Level IV      Ninth - Twelfth Grade

 

1.      Develops and delivers a speech that conveys information and ideas in a logical fashion for a selected audience, using language that clarifies and reinforces meaning.

 

2.      Constructs and presents a coherent argument, summarizing then refuting opposing positions; citing persuasive evidence.

 

3.      Participates effectively in question-and-answer sessions following presentations.

 

4.      Summarizes narrative and numerical information accurately and logically in presentations.

 

5.      Demonstrates confidence and poise during presentations, interacting effectively with the audience; selecting language and gestures mindful of their effect.

 

6.      Demonstrates the ability to debate an issue from either side.

 

7.      Interprets literary works orally, citing textual data in support of assertions.

 

8.      Synthesizes and presents results of research projects, accurately summarizing and illustrating the main ideas, using appropriate technological aids, and offering support for the findings.

 

9.      Speaks fluently with varied inflection, effective eye contact, and enunciating clearly at an appropriate rate and volume.

 

10.  Observes the appropriate etiquette when expressing thanks and receiving praise.

 

 

Standard # 4

 

The student will be able to apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g. spelling, punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and non-print text.

 

Benchmarks

 

            Level                    Pre - Kindergarten

 

1.      Participates in creative dramatics.

 

          Level I        Kindergarten - Second Grade

 

1.      Demonstrates the ability to participate in the oral speaking of short poems, rhymes, songs, and stories with repeated patterns.

 

2.      Identifies and uses devices of figurative language (e.g. similes, metaphors).

 

3.      Demonstrates the ability to participate in creative dramatics.

 

4.      Demonstrates the ability to use oral language for a variety of purposes.

 

5.      Demonstrates the ability to take one and two step oral directions.

 

6.      Demonstrates the ability to re-tell stories and events in logical order.

 

7.      Identifies the characteristics of genres (e.g. fiction, poetry, drama, informational texts).

 


          Level II       Third - Fifth Grade

 

1.      Understands and uses parts of speech effectively (e.g. nouns, pronouns, adjectives).

 

2.      Uses adverbials effectively, including words and phrases.

 

3.      Uses their knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes to interpret and covey the meaning of words.

 

4.      Identifies common figures of speech and uses them appropriately.

 

          Level III      Sixth - Eighth Grade

 

1.      Understands the function of words, phrases, and clauses in a sentence and uses them effectively (e.g. coordinate and subordinate conjunctions, relative pronouns, comparative adjectives).

 

2.      Uses correct tenses to indicate the relative order of events.

 

3.      Understands and employs principles of agreement (e.g. subject-verb, pronoun-noun, preposition-pronoun).

 

4.      Punctuates compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences correctly.

 

5.      Employs the conventions of capitalization.

 

6.      Spells frequently used words correctly and uses effective strategies for spelling unfamiliar words.

 

          Level IV      Ninth - Twelfth Grade

 

1.      Examines the origin, history, denotation, connotation, and usage of English words and phrases by consulting dictionaries, thesauruses, handbooks, and other sources of information about the language.

 

2.      Evaluates the effects of different types of language (e.g. literary and technical, formal and informal) in communications designed to narrate, inform, explain, persuade, and entertain.

 

3.      Compares form, meaning, and value of different symbol systems (e.g. alphabets, signs, symbols) and of expressions commonly used in another language.

4.      Understands the form and function of words, phrases, and clauses, (e.g. inter-related clauses) in complex sentences, and uses them effectively.

 

5.      Uses correct tenses, including conditionals, to indicate the relative order and relationship of events.

 

6.      Employs principles of agreement (e.g. subject-verb, pronoun-noun, preposition pronoun).

 

7.      Punctuates compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences correctly, including appropriate use of dialogue, citations, colons, hyphens, dashes, ellipses, and italics.

 

8.      Employs the conventions of capitalization.

 

9.      Spells frequently used words correctly and uses effective strategies for spelling unfamiliar words.

 

10.  Recognizes common errors in the use of language and knows how, and when, to correct them.

 

 

Standard #5

 

The student will be able to plan, revise, edit and publish clear, and effective writing.

 

Benchmarks

 

        Level                    Pre - Kindergarten

 

1.      Begins choosing topics and generating ideas about which to write.

 

2.      Begins writing using a variety of format.

 

3.      Begins responding to texts read aloud by conversing with others and by using pictures.

 

4.      Uses oral language, pictures, and letters to explain.

 

          Level I        Kindergarten - Second Grade

 

1.      Continues generating ideas about what to write and demonstrates the ability to choose a topic or generate ideas, using oral/written pre-writing strategies.

 

2.      Demonstrates the ability to generate drafts that focus on a topic; having a beginning, middle, and end; including relevant and supportive details.

 

3.      Demonstrates the ability to revise writing for details with peer or teacher support.

 

4.      Demonstrates the ability to edit for language conventions (e.g. spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and word usage).

 

5.      Demonstrates the ability to use writing to explain and inform as well as to learn, entertain, and describe.

 

          Level II       Third - Fifth Grade

 

1.      Produces multiple drafts, including finished pieces, which demonstrate the capacity to generate focus, organize ideas, and to revise the language organization and content of successive drafts in order to fulfill a specific purpose for communication with a specific audience.

 

2.      Explains the extent and reasons for revision in conference with a teacher.

 

3.      Completes writing assignments given in a limited amount of time, and produces a well developed, well organized, effective response in correct English, and an appropriate voice.

 

          Level III      Sixth - Eighth Grade

 

1.      Writes biographies, autobiographies, short stories, or narratives:

 

a.       Relates a clear, coherent incident, event, or situation by using well - chosen details.

b.      Reveals the significance of, or the writer’s attitude about, the subject.

c.       Employs narrative and descriptive strategies (e.g. relevant dialogue, specific action, physical description, background description, comparison or contrast of characters).

 

2.      Writes responses to literature:

 

a.       Exhibits careful reading and insight in their interpretations.

b.      Connects his/her own responses to the writer’s techniques and to specific textual references.

c.       Draws supported inferences about the effects of literary work on its audience.

d.      Supports judgments through references to the text, other works, other authors, or to personal knowledge.

 

3.      Writes research reports:

 

a.       Defines a thesis.

b.      Records important ideas, concepts, and direct quotations from significant information sources, paraphrasing and summarizing all perspectives on the topic; as appropriate.

c.       Uses a variety of primary and secondary sources and distinguishes the nature and value of each.

d.      Organizes and displays information on charts, maps, and graphs.

 

4.      Writes persuasive compositions:

 

a.       Includes a well-defined thesis (i.e. one that makes a clear and knowledgeable judgment).

b.      Presents detailed evidence, examples, and reasoning to support arguments, differentiating between facts and opinion.

c.       Provides details, reasons, and examples, arranging them effectively by anticipating and answering reader concerns and counterarguments.

 

5.      Writes documents related to career development, including simple business letters and job applications:

 

a.       Presents information purposefully and succinctly and meets the needs of the intended audience.

b.      Follows the conventional format for the type of document (e.g. letter of inquiry, memorandum).

 

6.      Writes technical documents:

 

a.       Identifies the sequence of activities needed to design a system, operate a tool, or explain the bylaws of an organization.

b.      Includes all the factors and variables that need to be considered.

c.       Uses formatting techniques (e.g. headings, differing fonts) to aid comprehension.

7.      Produces multiple drafts, including finished pieces, that demonstrate the capacity to generate, focus, and organize ideas and to revise the language, organization, content, and tone of successive drafts in order to fulfill a specific purpose for communicating with a specific audience.

 

8.      Identifies questions and strategies for improving drafts in writing conferences with a teacher.

 

9.      Completes writing assignments given in a limited amount of time, and produces a well developed, well organized, effective response in correct English, and an appropriate voice.

 

          Level IV      Ninth - Twelfth Grade

 

1.      Writes a coherent argument that takes a position, accurately summarizes an opposing position, refutes that position, and cites persuasive evidence.

 

2.      Composes and publishes analytic and reflective writing that conveys knowledge, experience, insights, and opinions to an intended audience.

 

3.      Uses rhetorical structures that divide complex thoughts into simpler ones, logical transitions from one thought to another, and language appropriate to the intended audience.

 

4.      Writes creative fiction that includes an authentic setting, discernible tone, coherent plot, distinct characters, effective detail, believable dialogue, and reasonable resolution of conflict.

 

5.      Writes summaries of complex information (e.g. information in a lengthy text, a sequence of events), expands or reduces the summaries by adding or deleting details, and integrates appropriately summarized information into reviews, reports, or essays, with correct citations.

 

6.      Writes autobiographical/biographical narratives in a mature style characterized by suitable vocabulary, descriptive detail, effective syntax, an appropriate voice, a variety of sentence structures, clear coordination and subordination of ideas, and rhetorical devices that help establish tone and reinforce meaning.

7.      Writes in a variety of situations (e.g. impromptu, overtime, in collaboration or alone) and adapts strategies, such as revision, technology, and the use of reference materials, to the situation.

 

8.      Writes essays demonstrating the capacity to communicate knowledge, opinions, and insights to an intended audience through a clear thesis, and effective organization of supporting ideas.

 

9.      Develops a composition through a series of drafts, using a revision strategy based on purpose and audience, personal style, self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and feedback from peers and teachers.

 

10.  Completes writing assignments given in a limited amount of time, and produces a well developed, well organized, effective response in correct English, and an appropriate voice.

 

 

Standard # 6

 

The student will be able to conduct research and inquiry on self-selected or assigned topics, issues or problems and use an appropriate form to communicate their findings.

 

Benchmarks

 

        Level                    Pre – Kindergarten

 

1.      Begins asking how and why questions about a topic of interest.

 

2.      Begins identifying pictures as sources of information

 

3.      Begins organizing and classifying information by constructing categories.

 

4.      Begins organizing information on the basis of observation.

 

5.      Begins presenting his/her research findings in a variety of formats.

 

          Level I        Kindergarten - Second Grade

 

1.      Demonstrates the ability to ask how and why questions about a topic of interest.

 

2.      Demonstrates the ability to identify pictures, charts, tables of contents, and diagrams as sources of information.

 

3.      Demonstrates the ability to gather information using a variety of resources (e.g. technology) and begins organizing such information.

 

4.      Demonstrates the ability to organize information on the basis of observation and to classify the information by constructing category.

 

5.      Demonstrates the ability to present his/her research findings in a variety of formats.

 

          Level II       Third - Fifth Grade

 

1.      Identifies a topic of interest then seeks information by investigating available text resources.

 

2.      Proposes research by formulating initial questions narrowing the focus of a topic, identifying prior knowledge, and developing a basis plan for gathering information.

 

3.      Conducts research by identifying, locating, exploring, and effectively using multiple sources of information appropriate to the inquiry (e.g. print, non-print, electronic sources).

 

4.      Recognizes, records, organizes, and acknowledges information pertinent to a project; accurately converting discoveries into answers.

 

5.      Presents the results of inquiry, reporting and commenting on the substance and process of learning, orally and in writing, using appropriate visual aid.

 

          Level III      Sixth - Eighth Grade

 

1.      Formulates research questions and directs the investigation toward relevant and accessible sources of information.

 

2.      Uses multiple sources to identify and locate information pertinent to research (e.g. encyclopedias, almanacs, dictionaries, library catalogs, indexes to periodicals, various electronic search engines).

 

3.      Conducts interviews, field studies, and experiments and uses specialized resources (e.g. almanacs, fact books, pamphlets, and technical manuals) when appropriate for an investigation.

4.      Compiles, organizes, and evaluates information, taking notes that record and summarize what has been learned; extending the investigation to other sources.

 

5.      Reviews and evaluates the usefulness of information gathered in an investigation.

 

6.      Produces and organizes written and oral reports that present and reflect on findings, draw sound conclusions, adhere to the conventions for preparing a manuscript, and give proper credit to sources.

 

          Level IV      Ninth - Twelfth Grade

 

1.      Formulates questions addressing issues or problems that can be answered through a well defined and focused investigation.

 

2.      Uses research tools found in school/college libraries, takes notes, collects and classifies sources, and develops strategies for finding and recording information.

 

3.      Conducts interviews, taking notes, or recording and transcribing oral information, to then summarize the results.

 

4.      Develops research strategies appropriate to the investigation, considering methods such as questionnaires, experiments, and field material.

 

5.      Organizes research materials and data, maintaining a note-taking system (e.g. summary, paraphrase, quoted material).

 

6.      Evaluates the usefulness and credibility of data and sources by applying tests of evidence (e.g. bias, position, expertise, adequacy, validity, reliability, data).

 

7.      Analyzes, synthesizes, and integrates data, drafting a reasoned report that supports and appropriately illustrates inferences and conclusions drawn from research.

 

8.      Presents findings in oral and written reports; correctly citing sources.

 

 


Standard# 7

 

The student will be able to recognize and interpret various uses and adaptations of language in social, cultural, regional, and professional situations, and learn to be flexible and responsive in their use of English.

 

Benchmarks

 

        Level                    Pre – Kindergarten

 

1.      Begins following one and two-step oral directions.

 

2.      Begins listening to various types of literature read aloud.

 

3.      Begins focusing attention on the person who is speaking and politely listens without interrupting.

 

          Level I        Kindergarten - Second Grade

 

1.      Demonstrates the ability to use American English (SAE) in formal speaking situations and in the classroom.

 

2.      Demonstrates the ability to summarize conversations and discussions.

 

3.      Demonstrates the ability to follow multi-step oral directions.

 

4.      Demonstrates the ability to listen and respond to various types of literature read aloud.

 

5.      Demonstrates the ability to focus attention on the person who is speaking and politely listen without interrupting.

 

          Level II       Third - Fifth Grade

 

1.      Identifies various styles and purposes of oral and written language and learns to communicate effectively in commonly accruing situations.

2.      Describes and gives examples of variations in American English that appear in different social, cultural, regional, and professional environments.

 

3.      Demonstrates the ability to integrate general knowledge about the world and familiarity with literary/non-literary texts when reflecting upon life experiences.

          Level III      Sixth - Eighth Grade

 

1.      Summarizes and explains the information conveyed in an oral communication, accounting for the key ideas, structure, and relationship of parts to the whole.

 

2.      Distinguishes among purposes for listening (e.g. gaining information, being entertained) and takes notes as appropriate.

 

3.      Recalls significant details and sequence accurately.

 

4.      Follows a speaker’s argument and represents it in notes.

 

5.      Evaluates the reliability of data in a communication, using criteria based on prior knowledge of the speaker, topic, context, and on analysis of logic, evidence, propaganda devices, and language.

 

6.      Participates in discussion by listening attentively, demonstrating respect for the opinions of others, and responding sensibly and courteously to the remarks of others.

 

7.      Explains and advances opinions by citing evidence and referring to sources.

 

8.      Evaluates the stated ideas and opinions of others, seeking clarification through questions.

 

9.      Invites ideas and opinions of others into the discussion, responding clearly and tactfully to questions and comments.

 

10.  Accepts and uses helpful criticism.

 

11.  Establishes and maintains an open mind when listening to others’ ideas and opinions.

 

12.  Summarizes the main points of a discussion, orally and in writing, specifying areas of agreement/disagreement and paraphrasing contributions.

 

13.  Displays and maintains facial expressions, body language, and other response cues that indicate respect for the speaker and attention to the discussion.

 

14.  Focuses on the content of the discussion rather than on the speaker.

15.  Participates in discussion without dominating.

 

16.  Distinguishes between supported and unsupported statements.

 

          Level IV      Ninth - Twelfth Grade

 

1.      Analyzes and explains how immediate context and broader social, cultural, regional, and professional variables influence the use of language, citing characteristics such as level of formality, slang, jargon, and emotional impact.

 

2.      Draws inferences about values, attitudes, and points of view by analyzing a writer’s or speaker’s use of English.

 

3.      Uses language appropriate to the background, knowledge, and age of an audience.

 

4.      Recognizes and exercises options in modes of expression and choice of words when speaking/writing, especially when revising written work.

 

5.      Evaluates the use of standard American English in public contexts (e.g. school, work).

 

6.      Evaluates the choice of words, expressions, and style considering the purpose and context of a communication.

 

 

Standard# 8

 

The student will be able to use a variety of technological and informational resources (e.g. libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

 

Benchmarks

 

            Level                    Pre - Kindergarten

 

1.      Identifies the library as a “Listening Center” of a variety of texts.

 

2.      Uses the computer as an additional resource.

 


          Level I        Kindergarten - Second Grade

 

1.      Demonstrates the ability to use visual aids, props, and technology to support and extend his/her meaning and enhance oral presentation.

 

2.      Demonstrates the ability to gather information using a variety of resources (e.g. technology) and begins organizing such information.

 

3.      Identifies the library as a resource.

 

          Level II       Third - Fifth Grade

 

1.      Operates common computer hardware and software.

 

2.      Creates, stores, and retrieves electronic files.

 

3.      Uses basic word-processing, graphics, and drawing programs.

 

4.      Accesses information using electronic references resources (e.g. library catalog).

 

5.      Generates, sends, and retrieves electronic messages.

 

          Level III      Sixth - Eighth Grade

 

1.      Designs, formats, and produces attractive word-processed documents for various purposes.

 

2.      Incorporates information from databases and spreadsheets into reports.

3.      Integrates graphics appropriately into reports, newsletters, and other documents.

 

4.      Retrieves and reproduces documents across various platforms.

 

5.      Uses on-line sources to exchange information.

 

6.      Recognizes and explains the impact of various media on daily life.

 

7.      Analyzes the content and effect of subtle persuasive techniques used on-line and in broadcast and print media.

 

8.      Develops various media products to inform or entertain others in school or the community (e.g. slide shows, videos, newspapers, sound recordings, literary publications, brochures).

 

9.      Analyzes and edits media work as appropriate to audience and purpose.