6-8 Achievement/Language Arts

6-8 Achievement/Language Arts Advanced Language Arts 6 th -Grade Goal A: Given 6 th grade level standards and benchmarks, [Student] will complete composition and literature assignments which address content with greater depth and higher levels of complexity as evidenced by mastery of Performance Objectives Examples of Instructional Strategies New Mexico State Advanced Sixth Grade 1. [Student] will interpret and respond to a current event in written or verbal form at least two times per semester. (6) 2. [Student] will synthesize information from a variety of sources, determine what the underlying issues are, and then respond in written or verbal form at least two times per semester. (6) 3. [Student] will use creative problemsolving processes and critical thinking to identify and respond to a given problem in written or verbal form at least two times per semester. (6) Novel studies Classic Literature Current periodicals Novel studies Classic Literature Current periodicals Novel studies Classic Literature Current periodicals Independent Research Questions and Key Words Narrative Writing Collaborative learning group Problem Based Learning model Use the ACD teaching strategy (abstract thinking, complexity and depth related to thinking and inquiry) for curriculum differentiation. Problem Based Learning model A. Listen to, read, react to, and interpret information B. Gather and use information for research and other purposes. C. Apply critical thinking skills to analyze information. 6 8 Language Arts Page 1

Performance Objectives Advanced Sixth Grade 4. [Student] will respond in written or verbal form to various genre by analyzing the specific characteristics of literature and their meaning to the work, and analyzing the impacts of literary elements on the meaning of the text. (6) Examples of Novel studies Classic Literature Current periodicals Instructional Strategies Self selected reading and journal writing. New Mexico State D. Demonstrate competence in the skills and strategies of the reading process. Advanced Language Arts 6th grade Goal B: Given 6 th grade level standards and benchmarks [Student] will complete assignments which address effective communication through speaking and writing with greater depth and higher levels of complexity as evidenced by mastery of Performance Objectives Examples of Instructional Strategies New Mexico State 1. [Student] will interact in group discussions by offering opinions, giving valid reasons that support these opinions and considering the opinions of others verbally at least times per semester. (6) 2. [Student] will apply grammatical conventions to communicate effectively in written or verbal form at least times per semester. (6) Literary circles Current events Literary circles Current events Shared Inquiry Discussions Junior Great Books Shared Inquiry Discussions Junior Great Books A. Use speaking as an interpersonal communication tool. B. Apply grammatical and language conventions to communicate. 6 8 Language Arts Page 2

Performance Objectives Advanced Sixth Grade 3. [Student] will express individual perspectives in written response to personal, social, cultural and historical issues at least times per semester. (6) Examples of Literary circles Current events Instructional Strategies Shared Inquiry Discussions Junior Great Books New Mexico State C. Demonstrate competence in the skills and strategies of the writing process. Advanced Language Arts 6th grade Goal C: Given 6 th grade level standards and benchmarks, [Student] will complete literature and media assignments which address an understanding of people, societies and self with greater depth and higher levels of complexity as evidenced by mastery of [1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20] out of [1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20] of the following Performance Objectives Examples of Instructional Strategies New Mexico State 1. [Student] will analyze themes and central ideas in literature and media in relation to personal issues and experiences in written or verbal form at least two times per semester. (6) 2. [Student] will critique characterizations and the degree to which a plot is contrived or realistic in written or verbal form at least two times per semester. (6) Cultural studies Historical literature Classic literature Current events Film studies Cultural studies Historical literature Classic literature Current events Film studies Autonomous Learner Model Problem Based Learning Autonomous Learner Model Problem Based Learning Reflective discussion Role-playing LITERATURE AND MEDIA: Students will use literature and media to develop an understanding of people, societies, and the self. A. Use language, literature, and media to understand various social and cultural perspectives. LITERATURE AND MEDIA: Students will use literature and media to develop an understanding of people, societies, and the self. B. Identify ideas and make connections among literary works. 6 8 Language Arts Page 3

Advanced Language Arts 7th grade Goal D: Given 7 th grade level standards and benchmarks, [Student] will complete composition and literature assignments which address content with greater depth and higher levels of complexity as evidenced by mastery of Performance Objectives Examples of Instructional Strategies New Mexico State 1. [Student] will respond in written or verbal form at least times per semester to information by analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating connections, drawing inferences, and generating questions. (7) 2. [Student] will examine and articulate critical relationships among elements of a research topic at least times per semester in written or verbal form. (7) 3. [Student] will interpret universal themes, values, and conflicts in a selection in written or verbal form at least times per semester. (7) The Pearl by John Steinbeck Ender s Game by Orson Scott Card Various video documentaries of a given topic will be viewed, analyzed through notes, and debated in a semi-formal inclass format. Read classic novels or short stories like, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Tell-tale Heart. Navigator Series from College of William and Mary, Center for Gifted Education. A. Listen to, read, react to, and interpret information. B. Gather and use information for research and other purposes. Persuasive/argumentative writing. C. Apply critical thinking skills to analyze information. 6 8 Language Arts Page 4

Performance Objectives 4. [Student] will develop criteria to evaluate arguments and discussions in written or verbal form at least times per semester.(7) 5. [Student] will state a firm judgment, justify the judgment with logical, relevant reasons, clear examples, and supporting details in written or verbal form at least times per semester. (7) 6. [Student] will respond in written or verbal form to various genre by analyzing the specific characteristics of literature and their meaning to the work, and analyzing the impacts of literary elements on the meaning of the text. (7) Examples of Read periodicals like newspapers, magazines, professional journals. Read periodicals like newspapers, magazines, professional journals. Read modern novels or short stories like The Outsiders, Kira-Kira. Instructional Strategies Persuasive/argumentative writing. Persuasive/argumentative writing. Persuasive/argumentative writing. New Mexico State C. Apply critical thinking skills to analyze information. C. Apply critical thinking skills to analyze information. D. Demonstrate competence in the skills and strategies of the reading process 6 8 Language Arts Page 5

Advanced Language Arts 7th grade Goal E: Given 7 th grade level standards and benchmarks, [Student] will complete assignments which address effective communication through speaking and writing with greater depth and higher levels of complexity as evidenced by mastery of Performance Objectives Examples of Instructional Strategies New Mexico State 1. [Student] will interact in group discussions at least two times per semester by offering personal opinions confidently without dominating, giving valid reasons that support opinion, and soliciting and considering the opinions of others. (7) 2. [Student] will express individual perspective in response to personal, social, cultural, and historical issues in written or verbal form at least times per semester. (7) 3. [Student] will use a variety of sentences correctly by punctuating them properly and avoiding fragments and run-ons at least times per semester. (7) 4. [Student] will compose a variety of writings to communicate ideas and information in written form by organizing, integrating, and applying research gathered from a variety of resources. (7) Current events discussion groups, Guest speakers Current events discussion groups Peer editing for any activity which requires a written response Creative writing Narrative writing Persuasive writing Editorial essay Persuasive/Argumentative Essay Whole class peer editing Peer editing Self editing WRITING AND SPEAKING FOR EXPRESSION: Students will communicate effectively through speaking and writing. A. Using speaking as an interpersonal communication tool. WRITING AND SPEAKING FOR EXPRESSION: Students will communicate effectively through speaking and writing. A. Using speaking as an interpersonal communication tool. WRITING AND SPEAKING FOR EXPRESSION: Students will communicate effectively through speaking and writing. B. Apply grammatical and language conventions to communicate. WRITING AND SPEAKING FOR EXPRESSION: Students will communicate effectively through speaking and writing. C. Demonstrate competence in the skills and strategies of the writing process. 6 8 Language Arts Page 6

Advanced Language Arts 7th grade Goal F: Given 7 th grade level standards and benchmarks, [Student] will complete literature and media assignments which address an understanding of people, societies and self with greater depth and higher levels of complexity as evidenced by mastery of [1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20] out of [1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20] of the following Performance Objectives Example of Instructional Strategies New Mexico State 1. [Student] will analyze themes and central ideas in literature and media in relation to personal issues and experiences in written or verbal form at least times per semester. (7) 2. [Student] will analyze personal responses to literary works in order to determine the extent to which the literary characteristics of a society and/or culture shaped his/her responses in written or verbal form at least times per semester. (7) 3. [Student] will critique the credibility of characterizations in literature, and analyze the degree to which a plot is contrived or realistic in written or verbal form at least times per semester. (7) 4. [Student] will identify recurring themes and literary devices used across genre in written or verbal form at least times per semester. (7) Classic literature ---Charles Dickens ---Junior Great Books Classic literature ---Charles Dickens ---Junior Great Books Classic literature ---Charles Dickens ---Junior Great Books Classic literature ---Charles Dickens ---Junior Great Books Pre-reading question/answer sessions Reflection journals Annotation during reading Post reading discussion groups Graphic organizer to describe relationships Pre-reading question/answer sessions Character development timeline Annotation teams Speech writing/making Shared Inquiry discussion groups Annotation Pre-reading question/answer sessions Annotation Graphic organizer to connect themes and ideas LITERATURE AND MEDIA: Students will use literature and media to develop an understanding of people, societies, and the self. A. Use language, literature and media to understand, respond to, and value various social and cultural perspectives. LITERATURE AND MEDIA: Students will use literature and media to develop an understanding of people, societies, and the self. A. Use language, literature and media to understand, respond to, and value various social and cultural perspectives. LITERATURE AND MEDIA: Students will use literature and media to develop an understanding of people, societies, and the self. B. Identify ideas and make connections among literary works. LITERATURE AND MEDIA: Students will use literature and media to develop an understanding of people, societies, and the self. B. Identify ideas and make connections among literary works. 6 8 Language Arts Page 7

Advanced Language Arts 8 th Goal G: Given 8 th grade standards and benchmarks, [Student] will complete composition and literature assignments which address content with greater depth and higher levels of complexity as evidenced by mastery of Performance Objectives Instructional Strategies New Mexico State 1. [Student] will refine a question for investigation of personal choice and proceed using appropriate methods, prioritizing and organizing information, utilizing a variety of media and technology to inform or explain, and reporting appropriately for a specified audience in written or verbal form at least two times per semester. (8) 2. [Student] will synthesize a variety of visual information including pictures and symbols in written or verbal form at least two times per semester. (8) 3. [Student] will create a list of criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of communication in written form at least two times per semester. (8) Self-directed question/research Whole class research project Holocaust Studies Genocide Studies Self-directed question/research Whole class research project Holocaust Studies Genocide Studies Self-directed question/research Whole class research project Holocaust Studies Genocide Studies Interviews with experts, Observations Finding print and non-print sources Using interactive technology and media Problem Based Learning Autonomous Learner Model Interactive technology Power Point Video project Interviews with experts, Observations Finding print and non-print sources Using interactive technology and media Problem Based Learning Autonomous Learner Model Interactive technology Power Point Video project Interviews with experts, Observations Finding print and non-print sources Using interactive technology and media FOR COMPREHENSION: Students will apply strategies and skills to comprehend information that is read, heard, and viewed. A. Listen to, read, react to, and analyze information. FOR COMPREHENSION: Students will apply strategies and skills to comprehend information that is read, heard, and viewed. B. Synthesize and evaluate information to solve problems across the curriculum. FOR COMPREHENSION: Students will apply strategies and skills to comprehend information that is read, heard, and viewed. C. Demonstrate critical thinking skills to evaluate information and solve problems 6 8 Language Arts Page 8

Performance Objectives Instructional Strategies New Mexico State 4. [Student] will represent concepts and generalizations from a variety of genre in written or verbal form at least two times per semester. (8) Self-directed question/research Whole class research project Holocaust Studies Genocide Studies 5. [Student] will accurately interpret information and detect inconsistencies in a variety of genre in written or verbal form at least two times per semester. (8) Self-directed question/research Whole class research project Holocaust Studies Genocide Studies Interactive technology Power Point Video project Interviews with experts, Observations Finding print and non-print sources Using interactive technology and media Problem Based Learning Autonomous Learner Model Interactive technology Power Point Video project Interviews with experts, Observations Finding print and non-print sources Using interactive technology and media Problem Based Learning Autonomous Learner Model C. Demonstrate critical thinking skills to evaluate information and solve problems. Apply knowledge of reading process to evaluate print, non-print, and technology-based information. 6 8 Language Arts Page 9

Advanced Language Arts 8 th Advanced Language Arts 8 th Goal H: Given 8 th grade standards and benchmarks, [Student] will complete assignments which address effective communication through speaking and writing with greater depth and higher levels of complexity as evidenced by mastery of Performance Objectives Instructional Strategies New Mexico State 1. [Student] will express an informed opinion that clearly states a personal view, is logical and coherent, and engages the reader s interest. (8) 2. [Student] will support an informed opinion by using appropriate language, reason, and organizational structure for the audience and purpose. (8) 3. [Student] will demonstrate control of grammar, paragraph and sentence structure, diction, and syntax. (8) Call of the Wild by Jack London Hamlet by Shakespeare Twelfth Night by Shakespeare Henry IV by Shakespeare Call of the Wild by Jack London Hamlet by Shakespeare Twelfth Night by Shakespeare Henry IV by Shakespeare Call of the Wild by Jack London Hamlet by Shakespeare Twelfth Night by Shakespeare Henry IV by Shakespeare Navigator Series, Center for Gifted Education, College of William and Mary Integrated Curriculum Model Navigator Series, Center for Gifted Education, College of William and Mary Integrated Curriculum Model Navigator Series, Center for Gifted Education, College of William and Mary Integrated Curriculum Model A. Communicate information in a coherent and persuasive manner using verbal and non-verbal language. A.Communicate information in a coherent and persuasive manner using verbal and non-verbal language. B. Apply grammatical and language conventions to communicate. 6 8 Language Arts Page 10

Performance Objectives Instructional Strategies New Mexico State 4. [Student] will compose written arguments that develop and support informed opinions by stating a progression of ideas, selecting appropriate style, tone, and use of language for a particular effect, describing and analyzing personal, social, historical, or cultural influences, and presenting rhetorical strategies to support the proposal. (8) Call of the Wild by Jack London Hamlet by Shakespeare Twelfth Night by Shakespeare Henry IV by Shakespeare Navigator Series, Center for Gifted Education, College of William and Mary Integrated Curriculum Model C. Demonstrate competence in the skills and strategies of the writing process to inform and persuade. 6 8 Language Arts Page 11

Advanced Language Arts 8 th Goal I: Given 8 th grade standards and benchmarks, [Student] will complete literature and media assignments which address an understanding of people, societies and self with greater depth and higher levels of complexity as evidenced by mastery of Performance Objectives Instructional Strategies New Mexico State 1. [Student] will respond to a variety of literary works and media that offer an audience an understanding of a student s personal reactions, a sense of how the reaction results from careful consideration of the text, and an awareness of how personal and cultural influences affect the response. (8) 2. [Student} will compare and contrast the presentation of similar themes across genres to explain how the selection of genre shapes the theme or unit. (8) Short Stories Poetry Novels Archetypes Writing Power Essays Response Journal Navigator Series, Center for Gifted Education, College of William and Mary Graphic organizer to connect themes and ideas Post Reading Discussion Group Use popular movie to analyze characters to determine arch type LITERATURE AND MEDIA: Students will use literature and media to develop an understanding of people, societies, and the self. A. Use language, literature and media to understand the role of the individual as a member of many cultures. LITERATURE AND MEDIA: Students will use literature and media to develop an understanding of people, societies, and the self. B. Understand literary elements, concepts, and genres. 3. [Student] will make thematic connections between literary works and contemporary issues. (8) Shakespeare Novels Literature Web Navigator Series, Center for Gifted Education, College of William and Mary LITERATURE AND MEDIA: Students will use literature and media to develop an understanding of people, societies, and the self. B. Understand literary elements, concepts, and genres. 6 8 Language Arts Page 12