Mr. Castro
HS 114
Embedded Files
Grade 6 EAL
MS EAL Support Parent Video_1080p.mp4Middle School EAL Program
Middle School EAL Program
Parent Information Video
Class Description
The goal of this class is to improve your Academic English skills in four domains: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. Each unit will focus on one of four Key Language Uses: Narrate, Inform, Explain, and Argue. Together, we will work to improve each of these areas so that you will be prepared to successfully transition from middle to high school and beyond.
We will use WIDA Proficiency Levels and Standards to set personal goals that will help you challenge yourself to reach your full potential. Writing assignments, reading activities from i-Ready, and projects will be used to assess your progress throughout each quarter. Throughout the year, we will prepare for the WIDA MODEL and MAP tests which will inform us of our linguistic and academic progress. Additionally, we will use tasks and strategies to help you improve your English abilities outside the classroom and help you continue to be a lifelong learner. Finally, we will work together to build a supportive learning community so we can better understand our strengths and needs.
WIDA Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLD)
WIDA Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLD)
There are six proficiency levels described by WIDA. From highest to lowest, they are:
Key Language Uses
Key Language Uses
Each unit of study will focus on one of four Key Language Uses.
Click the link for more details about the each Key Language Use for middle school:
Assessment
CDS uses standards based grading to provide more accurate feedback of student performance. The following performance levels are used to convey the level of skill a student has demonstrated in English (refer to image).
Assignments
Writing assignments, reading activities from i-Ready, and projects will be used to assess your progress throughout each quarter. You will always have at least 2 days to work on homework and assignments.
If you were absent, you will have an extra school day to complete an assignment.
Please come to me during Flex or send me an email if you need help on an assignment for this class or any other of your classes!
Units & Can Do Descriptors
Unit 1
Unit 1
Key Language Use: Narrate
(Aug 16 - Oct 23)
I can identify a theme or central idea that develops over the course of a text
I can analyze how character traits and actions develop in relation to events or dialogue
I can evaluate impact of specific word choices about meaning and tone
I can orient audience to context and point of view
I can develop and describe characters and their relationships
I can develop a story, including themes with complication, resolution, time, and event sequences
I can engage and adjust for audience
Weekly Schedule Q1
Unit 2
Unit 2
Key Language Use: Inform
(Oct 24 - Jan 18)
I can identify and/or summarize main ideas and their relationship to supporting ideas
I can analyze observations and descriptions in textual evidence for key attributes, qualities, characteristics, activities, and behaviors
I can evaluate the impact of author’s key word choices over the course of a text
I can introduce and define topic and/or entity for audience
I can establish objective or neutral stance
I can add precision, details, and clarity about relevant attributes, qualities, characteristics, activities, and behaviors
I can develop coherence and cohesion throughout text
Weekly Schedule Q2
Unit 3
Unit 3
Key Language Use: Explain
(Jan 22 - April 2)
I can determine multiple points of view in sources for answering compelling and supporting questions about phenomena or events
I can analyze sources for logical relationships among contributing factors or causes
I can evaluate experts’ points of agreement, along with strengths and weakness of explanations
I can introduce and contextualize phenomena or events
I can establish perspective for communicating outcomes, consequences, or documentation
I can develop reasoning, sequences with linear and nonlinear relationships, evidence, and details, acknowledging strengths and weaknesses
I can develop coherence and cohesion throughout text
Unit 4
Unit 4
Key Language Use: Argue
(April 3 - June 6)
I can identify and summarize a central idea distinct from prior knowledge or opinions
I can analyze how an author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints
I can evaluate relevance, sufficiency of evidence, and validity of reasoning that support claim(s)
I can introduce and develop claim(s) and acknowledge counterclaim(s)
I can support claims with reasons and evidence that
are clear, relevant, and credible
I can establish and maintain formal style
I can logically organize claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence; offer a conclusion
Weekly Schedule Q4* Can Do Descriptors are based on WIDA ELD Standards for Grades 6-8 (2020)
Class Expectations
Student Behavior
Student Behavior
Students are expected to... R.I.S.E.
Respect yourself, your peers, your teachers, and the property of the school and your peers. Don't be afraid to encourage one another.
Put forth an honest effort at all times, both inside and outside of class. Have Integrity.
Maintain a Safe learning environment by respecting both your peers' physical space and the variety of ideas that may be presented in class.
Engage in classroom activities and with course material.
Chromebooks & Technology
Chromebooks will be used regularly in class. They should only be used for schoolwork, appropriately and safely. If I see you are misusing your Chromebook, you will lose the privilege and will have to have a discussion on what expected Chromebook usage looks like.
Phones are not allowed in the middle school. If you are using a phone without permission from a teacher, it will be confiscated for the remainder of the day.
Materials to Bring to Class Everyday
-Notebook -Binder -Pen and Pencil
-SSR Book -Chromebook -Earbuds
Links to Middle School Policies
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