English Language Arts IV

1. Word process a variety of career-related forms and be able to complete applications.
   A. Develop and maintain a resume for inclusion in career portfolio.
   B. Select and apply for a scholarship.
   C. Select and apply for a job.
   D. Complete job, college, and other applications neatly, honestly, and correctly.
   
   
2. Conduct yourself well at career-related interviews.
   A. Prepare for the interview by doing background research, preparing answers to anticipated questions, and arranging for the interview.
   B. Dress effectively and apply appropriate social conventions (clothing and appearance should be appropriate for the type of work being applied for - ex: formal clothing for business interview and neat, clean appearance for all interviews).
   C. Answer questions briefly, positively, honestly in standard English.
   
   
   
3. Answer essay questions in three high-quality forms.
   A. First form: begin with a proper topic sentence, answer the question correctly and clearly in a full proper paragraph.
   B. Second form: state the answer in a proper thesis and develop it in two or three proper paragraphs.
   C. Third form: develop the answer in a thesis form which has all the main components (introduction, thesis, body paragraphs, and conclusion) in an abbreviated, but clear and correct manner.
   D. Write with formal language, penmanship, and mechanics.
   E. Specifically address the question with appropriate textual references or other appropriate support.
   
   
4. Discuss technical information and work cooperatively.
   A. Apply discussion skills -- listen to summarize/restate, encourage, not dominate, stay on task, question/answer, and serve specific roles (facilitator, recorder, presenter, task manager, etc.) as assessed by cooperative group work rubric.
   B. Apply appropriate social skills (respect, listening gestures, compliments/criticism, eye contact, gestures, etc.) as assessed by cooperative group work rubric.
   C. Negotiate/resolve conflict and to take advantage of members' skills/background as assessed by cooperative group work rubric.
   
   
5. Write technical information using a computer.
   A. Identify your audience and their needs, and level of detail needed.
   B. Identify and state basic explicit purpose of the document.
   C. Choose/write in the most appropriate standard format (ex: outline format for computer software manual).
   D. Define and choose specific tech terms needed to enhance understanding/application (ex: defining RAM, ROM, CDROM, and "memory" when writing about computers).
   E. Use specific standard words and clear conventional sentences and paragraphs.
   F. Use a consistent, attractive format which is either standard or conventional to the field (ex: legal outline format for computer manuals).
   G. Use relevant, attractive graphics in conventional formats (square corners, light border, etc.).
   H. Use correct mechanics (spelling, capitalization, punctuation).
   
   

1. Participate meaningfully in a discussion of a given work of literature.
   A. Demonstrate proper social courtesies in a free-flowing discussion (turn-taking, constructive remarks, etc.).
   B. Respond directly to specific questions clearly and briefly with appropriate textual references.
   C. Ask questions of other students which are clear, specific, and relevant.
   D. Demonstrate creative and clear analytical skills (identify main point, conflict, resolution, etc.).
   E. Appropriately challenge and respond to the challenges of other students.
   F. Prepare for and lead a discussion.
   
   
2. Present narratives, explanations, descriptions, summaries, critiques, major persuasive speeches, and technical presentations.
   A. Present a clear and concise opinion in one sentence.
   B. Use correct voice, body language, notes, and visual aids to speak extemporaneously as assessed by rubric for oral presentation.
   C. Participate equally in a group presentation.
   D. Start with an effective (attention-grabbing) beginning and include the main points in the introduction.
   E. Conclude the speech with review of the main points.
   F. Generate and use a variety forms of quality audio-visual aids (video cassettes, overhead transparencies, sound recordings, etc.).
   
   
3. Read and apply technical information.
   A. Select the right publication and identify the purposes of a piece of writing.
   B. Possess strategy for marking text for understanding/application (underline, highlight, code, margin notes, etc.).
   C. Summarize orally and in writing, outline, note-take, and do classification and partitioning.
   D. Decode graphic elements (charts, graphs, lists, diagrams, photographs, drawings, tables).
   E. Identify/use specific components, such as technical definitions, operational steps, technical specifications, etc.
   
   
4. Research technical information.
   A. Use standard publications in the field being studied (ex: National Geographic Magazine for geographic study) and standard library (card catalog, database, etc.) and on-line research tools/techniques (ex: Web searches using Infoseek).
   B. Do field research by observing and interviewing.
   C. Develop a research plan (clear focus, steps, outline, places/resources, timeline, collecting/recording information).
   D. Evaluate sources for timeliness, validity, adequate research base, applicability to audience/situation, etc.).
   E. Use direct quotes, indirect quotes, paraphrases, and statistics in a clear and ethical manner (information not to be used in a misleading manner).
   F. Properly and clearly cite all information in MLA or APA format as appropriate.
   
   

1. Make choices (format, length, narrowing the topic) about a project after examining a range of possibilities.
   
   
2. Organize a project by:
   A. understanding directions (oral and written).
   B. making and keeping deadlines.
   C. seeking, selecting, and using relevant resources.
   
   
   
3. Select and use appropriate decision-making processes (t-chart, pro-con lists, diagrams, etc.).
   
   
4. Set high standards for project quality (with specific criteria defined by project rubric).
   
   
5. Work on a collaborative project (with specific criteria defined by cooperative group work rubric),
   A. take responsibility for individual contributions to the project.
   B. share ideas and workloads.
   C. incorporate individual talents and perspectives.
   D. work effectively with others as an active participant and as a responsive audience.
   E. evaluate the processes and work of self and of others.
   
   

1. Develop a position by (with specific criteria defined by oral presentation/writing rubric): A. reflecting on personal experiences, prior knowledge, and new information. B. formulating and refining questions. C. identifying a variety of pertinent sources of information. D. analyzing and synthesizing information. E. determining an author's purposes.
   
   
2. Evaluate the validity, objectivity, reliability, and quality of information read, heard, and seen (with specific criteria defined by oral presentation/writing rubric).
   
   
3. Give credit and cite references using MLA or APA format as appropriate (with specific criteria defined by oral presentation/writing rubric).
   
   
4. Explain and defend a position orally, in writing, and with visual aids as appropriate (with specific criteria defined by oral presentation/writing rubric).
   
   

1. Use information and literature (local legends and myths, etc.), both oral and written, from many cultures to help understand self and others.
   
   
2. Evaluate ideas from the speaker's or author's point of view.
   
   
3. Recognize bias in different forms of communication (written, oral, electronic, mass media, etc.).
   
   
4. Recognize the communication styles (verbal, nonverbal, interpersonal) of different cultures and their possible effects on others.
   
   
   

1. apply a variety of mathematical concepts and skills (logic, statistical interpretation, plotting and analyzing graphs, concluding, predicting trends) to solve common day-to-day problems
   

1. set and achieve goals (brainstorm, envision, plan, research, manage time, persist, complete)
   
2. produce quality products (plan, organize, draft, evaluate, revise, improve, persist, complete)
   
B. Technological Skills

1. use modern technology (computers, scanners, copiers, printers, calculators, audio/visual tools, telephones, fax machines, calculators) to solve common, day-to-day problems
   
2. apply basic computer applications (word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, desktop publishing, Internet, e-mail) to produce quality products, including
   
• multimedia presentations (speeches, demonstrations, lectures)
  
• reports, bids, proposals, instructions, manuals
  
• research polls, surveys, checklists
  
  • graphs, tables, charts, maps, illustrations, photographs
    
• letters (complaints, requests, replies, recommendations, applications, resumes)
  
• expository essays, research papers, literary works related to English Language Arts
  
C. Life and/or Employability Skills

1. behave responsibly and produce quality products related to English Language Arts
   
   • attend, be punctual, follow directions, manage time, stay on task, meet deadlines safely, effectively, efficiently, accurately use the work area, materials, tools, & technology
     
   • set short and long-term goals, plan, use higher order thinking skills, seek help, persist
     
2. work well with others (cooperate, develop group unity, determine leadership roles, contribute to group success, allow others to contribute, resolve group conflicts, make group decisions)
   
3. relate English Language Arts content and skills to your personal life and the lives of others
   

• responsibily examine (be aware, know resources, research, consider, discuss) current English Language Arts issues and/or events that personally affect you or others
  
• effectively support opinions in productive ways (preplan, research, logically organize, give specific examples, illustrate, recommend)
  
• use new knowledge, understanding, skills and tools to solve real life problems, make decisions or choices , and predict logical consequences or possibilities
  
• . acquire career knowledge and skills related to employment opportunities requiring strong language arts skills
  
  • compare colleges, technical, or business schools (locations, size, costs, special programs)
    
  • apply for admission, complete applications for scholarships or other financial aids
    
  • develop a four-year schedule of classes, including alternatives for those not available 6. present oneself in an employable manner
    
  • wear appropriate dress and be physically well-groomed demonstrate good speaking and/or interviewing skills
    
  • complete all written forms (letter of application, resume, required forms, legal documents) provide a portfolio that shows special products, skills, experiences, achievements, awards
    
    

1. respect ones own cultural heritage, traditions, and language
   
   • interview elders in order to compile personal genealogies and/or a local history
     
   • identify local cultural values and traditional responsibilities to the environment
     
   • respect and live in tune with local cultural values and traditions
     
2. build on local knowledge and skills to achieve future success in the world at large by
   
   • using methods from ones own traditions to learn about the world beyond ones village understanding how the local culture relates to others in the area, state, nation, and world
     
   • making appropriate choices regarding the long-term consequences of ones own actions
     
3. participate in a variety of traditional activities related to the local culture, including
   
   • subsistence activities, arts and crafts, dance and music, sports and recreation
     
   • community government, tribal, and church affairs
     
   • total wellness programs (drug and alcohol free programs, parenting, nutrition, exercise)
     
4. engage in family-related activities based on traditional ways of knowing and learning, including
   
   • consistent, respectful, loving interactions with Parents and Elders that show appreciation of their roles as providers and care givers, culture bearers, and educators in the community
     
   • self-assess ones own strengths and needs in order to make appropriate life choices
     
5. explain the processes, forces, and interactions of the world and its varied cultures, including the
   
   • interrelationships of the spiritual, natural, and human world
     
   • geographical and ecological resources of the local environment
     
   • impact of the environment on the origins of culture and ones personal cultural perspective
     
   • the nature of diversity and the need for change over time
     
   • cross-cultural influences, interactions, conflicts, communications, and resolutions
     
     

INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES AND MATERIALS

• The Alaska State Framework for English Language Arts Content Standards (This resource is full of suggestions for activities, teaching/assessment strategies, lesson plans, web site addresses etc. )
  
• Teaching Study Skills & Strategies in High School (includes activities); Active Learning: 101 Strategies to Teach Any Subject (includes activities)
  
• Reconnecting Youth: A Peer Group Approach to Building Life Skills; Teaching Social Studies With the Internet (booklet and CD ROM);
  
• Lion's Quest: Skills for Adolescence (instructional manual/student activities)
  
  

• Videos Related to Course
  
  

• Simulations and/or Activity Packets Related to Course
  

to be determined at a later date

• CD ROMs/Software Related to Course
  
  

• Text and/or Supplemental Books Related to Writing
  
  

• Text and/or Supplemental Books Related to Speaking and Listening:
  
  

• Text and/or Supplemental Books Related to Literature:
  
  

• Text and/or Supplemental Books Related to Grammar and Mechanics:
  
  

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ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND GRADING

• cooperatively develop traditional teacher-made daily/weekly quizzes, unit tests, and final trimester exams
  designed to measure student knowledge and comprehension of basic course content.
  
• cooperatively plan and consistently apply a variety of student performance assessments (rubrics,
  check-lists) to evaluate in-progress and summary student skill development.
  
  

• daily or weekly Quizzes should be given as part of normal, on-going classroom procedures.
  
• periodic reviews and subsequent summary Unit Exams will be given in every course.
  
• comprehensive reviews and summary Trimester Final Exams will be given in every course. Unit and Trimester Final Exams should measure student retention and comprehension of the most important factual content (who, what, where, when, why, how) and improvement of basic skills (recall, reading, thinking, writing, calculating).
  
  
  

• Pretest or use the test-study-test method rather than simply study-test . Pretesting at the start of a unit helps both students and teachers discover What They Already Know and What They Need to Learn .
  
• When necessary develop individualized tests to account for individual learning styles and/or special learning difficulties. Consult Special Education teachers and counselors for help.
  
• Reteach and Retest when needed to improve and/or reinforce student knowledge and comprehension.
  
• Promptly grade and review results of all quizzes, tests, or exams. Students want, need, and have the right to quickly know how they have done on tests.
  
• Use tests as a teaching tool: require students to correct all factual errors and/or process mistakes.
  
• Teach students How to Take Tests . Important skills are involved and students need to learn them.
  
  

• Core Skills Language Arts and Mathematics teachers at the secondary level still have the duty of teaching, testing, and accurately recording student progress on the district's standardized CRT Tests and are accountable for accurately recording student progress on these tests.
  
• Note: Because all secondary teachers are members of collaborative teams, all secondary teachers are expected to assist their team partners help all students successfully complete, at the very least, Banks 7 and 8 of the CRT's .
  
  

• Rubrics will be used to better teach and assess the development of essential Skills (listening, reading, speaking, critical thinking,writing, research, cooperative group work, discussion, problem solving, decision-making, use of technology, social behavior, employability, social behavior/citizenship, cultural relevance) and to determine the quality of final products
  
• Rubrics must include clearly stated, easily understood directions, and specific information about what students will be expected to do and learn. Quality standards and deadlines should be included.
  
• Rubrics will be assigned at the beginning of any activity whose major objective is the acquisition and application of essential Skills. Carefully explain exactly how a particular rubric will be used.
  
• Use rubrics as a teaching tool. Teach all students how to use rubrics to self-assess the quality of their own work and/or that of their classmates--and their teachers.
  
  

• Note that extra does not mean in place of ; rather, extra means in addition to . Students should thus be allowed and encouraged to voluntarily complete additional, challenging tasks that might broaden or deepen their understanding.
  
• Assessment of Extra Credit work should follow the same systematic guidelines and/or utilize the same type of assessment rubrics , tests, or other techniques used to evaluate required work.