Introduction

This curriculum handbook was created by middle and high school teachers in the Capistrano Unified School District to serve as a resource for students, teachers, and parents. It evolved out of a recognition that when schools and the communities they serve work together, students reap the benefits.

Divided into three sections, this document is intended to serve as both a guide and a foundation upon which students and teachers can build to meet the expectations of our Common Core State Standards. Section One addresses grammatical concepts, defines literary terms, and features academic vocabulary that builds student understanding. Section Two presents explanations, graphic organizers, templates, guidelines, and scoring rubrics. Finally, Section Three provides a variety of resources to support student learning.

As the state testing board requires students to engage more comprehensively in the reading and writing process, students are asked to read a variety of texts more closely, draw inferences, and write more critically. It is our hope that this handbook serves as a tool to guide all stakeholders in our community toward these goals. The teachers of CUSD have an unwavering commitment to providing rigorous and engaging lessons that contribute to every student’s academic success and a sincere desire to prepare students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.