9th and 10th Grade Standards

Core Standard / What does it mean? / Pre Req Skills Needed / What does strong application look like? How should it be assessed? / When should practical application occur? / Authenticity? Why is this important? What is this leading to? / Which nine weeks will it be taught? / Comments
LANGUAGE STANDARDS
1 / Use grammar correctly when writing and speaking (sentence structure) / Parts of speech, verb tenses, phrase, clauses / Grammar assessments, writing (particularly relating to parallel structure, phrases, and clauses) / 9th grade / Learning how to use grammar rules appropriately in writing, ACT. / 1, 2, 3, 4
2 / Use grammar correctly when writing (mechanics) / Understanding the difference between an incomplete thought and a complete thought (sentence fragments, run-ons, etc.) / Grammar assessments, writing (particularly using colons and semicolons) / 9th grade / Learning how to use mechanics appropriately in writing, ACT. / 1, 2, 3, 4 (but especially 1)
3 / Apply knowledge of language in different contexts / Understanding of MLA, distinguish between modes of writing, understanding of dialect / Appropriate diction used in writing, reading comprehension, write in correct MLA format / 10th grade / Understanding increasingly complex texts / 1, 2, 3, 4
4 / Use strategies to determine word meanings / Reference usage, knowing common prefixes and suffixes, inferences, parts of speech / Determine or clarify grade-specific vocabulary using context clues, parts of speech, and roots on assessments and in writing / 9th and 10th / Writing, ACT. / Each nine weeks during vocabulary quizzes, word maps, etc.
5 / Understand figurative language, word relationships, and nuances / Understanding some figurative language (simile, metaphor) / Tests, writing, reading (identifying) / 10th grade / ACT, writing, reading / Focus in 1st nine weeks, hone skills again in 4th
6 / Acquire and use academic and domain-specific words / Understanding reference material usage / Tests, writing, comprehension and usage in research / 10th grade / ACT, writing, self-advocacy and exploration, reading comprehension / 1, 2, 3, 4

READING STANDARDS

7 / Student uses quotes and paraphrases from the text to support an argument / Annotation and note-taking skills / Assessed through writing, debates, and class discussion. / 10th grade / Learning to support an argument; critical reading/thinking. / 1, 2, 3, 4
8 / Analyze and summarize themes and central ideas of a text / Summary and knowledge of themes / Assessed through essays (test discussion questions) and forming summary statements. Assessed through class discussions. / 9th grade / Critical reading; summary = life skill / 1-4
9 / Analyze character development (analyze how the author unfolds the argument) / Assessed through class discussions, tests, and essays. / 9th grade / Analyzing characters/people in books, movies, and life
(understanding the structure of an argument) / 1-4
10 / Students will determine the literal or figurative meanings of words; students will determine connotation/tone / Vocabulary – understanding literal, figurative, connotation, denotation, tone / Assessed through literature tests and close readings (poetry). / 10th grade / Understanding the significance of particular 1-4words/wording in a text.
11 / Analyze how narrative structure creates literary effects (understand the impact of syntax and style) / Understanding plot structure (diagram) / Assessed through class discussion, tests, essays. / 9th grade / Understanding the nature of story-telling and narratives.
(Understanding how an author develops ideas in newspapers, political debates, etc.) / 1-4
12 / Analyze literature based on differing cultural experiences and viewpoints
(Understanding the impact of point of view and rhetoric in the text) / World/global perspective / Assessed through class discussion and research. / 9th grade / Understanding of different perspectives and cultural groups.
(Understanding rhetorical strategies such as propaganda and persuasive techniques) / 1, 3
13 / Compare a text to different representations of that text and determine what is emphasized/absent / Comparison/Contrast / Assessed through class discussions, graphic organizers, tests, essays / 10th grade / Recognizing differences and similarities in particular representations. / 1
14 / (N/A)
(Evaluate arguments based on validity and fallacies) / (Understanding fallacies, author motivation, and how to make a strong argument) / (Assessed through class discussions, debate, and writing.) / 10th grade / (Critical thinking and reasoning skills)
15 / Analyze allusions in literature
(Analyze seminal U.S. documents) / Mythology and understanding Biblical references / Assessed through class discussions, tests, and essays / 10th grade / Crossing with history classes / 1-4
16 / Read & comprehend literature and non-fiction, in the 9-10 complexity band proficiently. / Read at the 8th grade complexity band. / Assessed through tests / 9th/10th grades / Students will be exposed to higher levels of literature for grade appropriate reading. / 1-4

*Information Text Standards added in blue

SPEAKING & LISTENING STANDARDS

17 / Participate in a range of collaborative discussions / An understanding of group social skills / Large and small group activities, literature circles, teacher-student collaboration, peer collaboration/editing / 9th grade / Learning appropriate conversation and discussion skills / 1-4
18 / Evaluate the credibility of sources in diverse formats / How to find and evaluate a source / Persuasive speeches, general presentations, debates / 9th grade / Learning research, presentation, public speaking, and discussion skills / 3
19 / Evaluate speeches based upon point of view, reasoning, and evidence / Be familiar with logic and evidence / Discuss and write about the purpose, relevancy, accuracy, bias, and fallacies within a speech / 10th grade / Decision-making based on evidence / 2
20 / Present information to the class (give speeches and presentations) / Discernment, organization skills / Giving speeches and presentations / 10th grade / Intelligent consumerism / 4
21 / Use digital media in presentations / Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and the internet / Presentations and speeches that include digital media / 9th grade / Supporting and illustrating an argument with digital media, digital presentations = life skill
22 / Adapting speech to audience / Awareness and knowledge of audience, knowing the difference between formal and informal language / Formal and informal speeches and conversations / 10th grade / Adapting speech to audience (job interview, business presentations, class discussions) / 4

WRITING STANDARDS

23 / Write arguments to support a claim using reasoning and evidence / Know:
-claim
-argument
-evidence / Assessed through prewriting, writing (research papers), and debates / 9th grade / Learning how to recognize argument and produce clear evidence-based arguments (life skill) / 1, 2, 3
24 / Write to inform or explain / Writing process, formatting, thesis, organization / Essays and formal research papers / 9th grade / Learning how to explain complex ideas (life skill) / 1-4
25 / Produce creative fiction and nonfiction / Elements of a story, how to write dialogue, punctuation / Assess through writing / 9th grade / Builds confidence for writing and appreciation for authors / 2
26 / Produce clear and concise essays / Organization, understanding of task / Essays (pre-writing) / 10th grade / Short and sustained writing / 1-4
27 / Students will develop and strengthen writing process / Know how to plan, revise, and edit; understand mode of writing / Essay (pre-writing, editing, revising), peer editing (turnitin.com) / 9th grade / Learning how to improve papers and make corrections. / 1-4
28 / Use technology to share and edit writing / Computer skills, Microsoft Word formatting / Uploading a paper to turnitin.com, editing a paper on the internet, using correct formatting on research papers / 9th grade / Skills for other classes, college, and life / 2, 3
29 / Develop a research paper/project or synthesis essay / How to develop an argument, integrate sources, and document / A research paper or synthesis essay / 10th grade / Teaches students how to find knowledge for themselves and construct the knowledge into a well-organized paper / 3
30 / Gather relevant/credible information and using/citing it appropriately / How to identify appropriate research, paraphrasing, MLA formatting, knowing appropriate sources for topic / A research paper / 9th grade / Teach students how to find helpful sources for research / 2,3
31 / Find evidence for literature to support a claim / Annotating and note-taking skills / Reading and researching for the writing process / 9th grade / Critical thinking and reading skills / 1, 2, 3, 4
32 / Write timed and untimed essays / Understanding the structure of a 5 paragraph essay and a thesis statement / Essays in class and at home / 9th grade / ACT, AP English, high school, college, life skill / 1-4