English/Language Arts Department
Grades 7-9
Placement Criteria
ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS - Grade 7
The course descriptions and criteria that follow are used as guidelines to help teachers match students to the course that best meets individual student learning needs. The goal is to find the best fit for each student in order to maximize his/her learning. It is important to note that leveling is fluid in English/Language Arts. Thus, commensurate with achievement, performance, and motivation, students may change levels from one year to the next.
Level 2
Students have opportunities to analyze text, make inferences, and develop their understanding of the printed word. They receive guided instruction as they read a variety of grade level texts. Students write in a variety of genres and structures that develop their elaboration, organization, and fluency skills.
Level 1
Students have opportunities to analyze text, make inferences, and develop their understanding with greater independence in Level One. They are expected to read texts of greater length and complexity. Students are also required to write in a variety of genres that challenge their elaboration, organization, and fluency skills. Students enrolled in Level One demonstrate relative independence in their learning and showcase exceptional work habits.
The words Level 1 and Level 2 come with unintended connotations that sometimes, unfortunately, convey the wrong impression. Level 2 is not a low level; it is a rigorous academic level of study. Level 1 is above and beyond the expected norm for the age or grade.
Level 1 placement recommends that students:
Achieved an “A” average in Grade 6 English
Independently and consistently apply grade level writing skills
Consistently choose to read books of greater length and depth
Demonstrate a commitment to the independent and thorough completion of homework
ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS - Grade 8
The course descriptions and criteria that follow are used as guidelines to help teachers match students to the course that best meets individual student learning needs. The goal is to find the best fit for each student in order to maximize his/her learning. It is important to note that leveling is fluid in English/Language Arts. Thus, commensurate with achievement, performance, and motivation, students may change levels from one year to the next.
Level 2
Students have opportunities to analyze text, make inferences, and develop their understanding of the printed word. They receive guided instruction as they read a variety of grade level texts. Students write in a variety of genres and structures that develop their elaboration, organization, and fluency skills.
Level 1
Students have opportunities to analyze text, make inferences, and develop their understanding with greater independence in Level One. They are expected to read texts of greater length and complexity. Students are also required to write in a variety of genres and structures that challenge their elaboration, organization and fluency skills. Level One classes require that students read and write at an accelerated pace.
The words Level 1 and Level 2 come with unintended connotations that sometimes, unfortunately, convey the wrong impression. Level 2 is not a low level; it is a rigorous academic level of study. Level 1 is above and beyond the expected norm for the age or grade.
Level 1 placement recommends that students:
Achieved a final grade of “B+” or higher in Grade 7 L1 English
Achieved a final grade of “A-” or higher in Grade 7 L2 English
Independently and consistently apply their writing skills
Consistently choose to read books of greater length and depth
Demonstrate a commitment to the independent and thorough completion of homework
ENGLISH - Grade 9
The course descriptions and criteria that follow are used as guidelines to help teachers match students to the course that best meets individual learning needs. The goal is to find the best fit for each student in order to maximize his or her learning. It is important to note that leveling is fluid in English Language Arts. Thus, commensurate with achievement, performance, and motivation, students may change levels from one year to the next.
English 9- Level 2
(1301 - Level 2; 1701 - Level 2 by teacher recommendation only)Students are actively engaged in reading, analyzing, and reflecting on a wide range of texts in Level Two classes. They read a variety of both fiction and nonfiction texts, including novels, short stories, essays, poetry, drama, articles, and memoirs. Students write in various modes of writing and for authentic purposes. Writing opportunities include literary analysis, persuasive writing, and narrative/creative writing.
English 9
(1101 - Level 1)Students are actively engaged in reading, analyzing, and reflecting on a wide range of texts, with greater independence in Level One. They are also expected to read some texts of greater length and complexity. Students will engage in many authentic and challenging writing purposes, formal and informal, and in various modes including literary analysis, persuasive writing, and narrative/creative writing. They will also read and write at an accelerated pace.
The words Level 1 and Level 2 come with unintended connotations that sometimes, unfortunately, convey the wrong impression. Level 2 is not a low level; it is a rigorous academic level of study. Level 1 is above and beyond the expected norm for the age or grade.
Level 1 placement recommends that students:
Achieved an average of “B+” or higher in Grade 8 L1 English
Achieved an average of “A- ” or higher in Grade 8 L2 English
Independently and consistently apply their writing skills
Choose to read books of greater depth and length
Demonstrate a commitment to the independent and thorough completion of homework
Demonstrate a high degree of independence and responsibility