Grades: 11-12
Length: one semester
Prerequisites: ELL-Program eligible and instructor recommendation
Career English is an English elective taught exclusively to ELL-identified students. This writing- and speaking-intensive course prepares English learners for success after high school by strengthening skills in both written and spoken communication. Language necessary for negotiating the workplace, avenues for further education, a variety of career-related pathways, and success as a professional is targeted.
ELL Program certified staff recommendation is required, and teaching assignments must be approved through the ELL program.
This course may fulfill 1-2 semesters of required English credits for English language learners (ELL).
Standard 1: English language learners communicate for social and instructional purposes within the school setting.
Standard 2: English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of language arts.
Standard 3: English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of mathematics.
Standard 4: English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of science.
Standard 5: English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of social studies.
Informational Texts
GS.1 Learners will demonstrate the ability to comprehend, analyze, and critique a variety of complex print and non-print informational texts – including texts for science, social studies, and technical subjects, and self-selected material.
ELL.1 Receptive (Listening and Reading/Viewing)*
The learner will:
Practice close reading strategies to increase insight and accuracy with teacher guidance.
Choose the best support for a claim from a range of textual evidence.
Annotate and highlight text with purpose, and explain how annotations help reading comprehension and engagement.
Increase accuracy in evaluating texts for purpose, credibility, bias, and perspective using textual evidence to support that evaluation, with guidance from the teacher as needed.
Aligned with WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards** and grade-level competencies, as appropriate.
Writing
GS.3 Learners will write in a variety of modes, including analytical, narrative, explanatory, and expressive, using complex reasoning, structure, and language
ELL.3 Productive (Speaking and Writing)*
The learner will:
Engage in the process of revision to improve writing, and consider various stylistic choices and refine voice.
Choose and adhere to an established and effective format specific to the purpose of the writing task.
Aligned with WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards** and grade-level competencies, as appropriate.
Speaking
GS.4 Learners will demonstrate the ability to speak purposefully and effectively, strategically making complex decisions about content, language use, and discourse style.
Listening
GS.5 Learners will demonstrate the ability to listen critically and reflectively in a variety of settings and purpose.
ELL.4 Productive (Speaking and Writing)*
The learner will:
Produce coherent oral discourse appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Adjust presentation style, degree of formality, word choice, tone, and information to the context and audience.
Synthesize and share information from a variety of sources and perspectives.
Respond appropriately to others’ constructive criticism, compliments, and feedback to improve future communication.
Use both formal and informal speaking to solve problems and/or create opportunities in the world outside of the classroom.
Aligned with WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards** and grade-level competencies, as appropriate.
ELL.5 Receptive (Listening and Reading/Viewing*
The learner will:
Listen to understand, as well as to respond and build understanding collaboratively rather than competitively.
Understand cultural nuances in conversational styles and behavior (e.g., eye contact norms, body language).
Participate in live conversations while monitoring and enhancing equity of voice.
Aligned with WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards** and grade-level competencies, as appropriate.
Research
GS.6 Learners will demonstrate the ability to conduct research to investigate self-selected and given topics, evaluate sources, utilize databases, and synthesize information independently and collaboratively.
ELL.6 Receptive (Listening and Reading/Viewing*
The learner will:
Accumulate and vet sources online, in print, and in person.
Coordinate and subordinate information and research material in order to synthesize it and present it coherently.
Integrate common knowledge, summary, quoted material, and paraphrases.
Cite material accurately according to a given professional manual of style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago) in order to avoid plagiarism.
Use the research process to solve problems and/or create opportunities in the world outside of the classroom.
Find and select both primary and secondary sources.
Aligned with WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards** and grade-level competencies, as appropriate.
Technological
GS.7 Learners will demonstrate the ability to appropriately use the tools of technology to gather, interpret, collaborate, and analyze information and create shareable products.
ELL.7 Receptive (Listening and Reading/Viewing)* and Productive (Speaking and Writing)*
The learner will:
Understand the uses and limitations of search engines.
Make choices about technology platforms and use the appropriate tools (e.g. an App, a program, etc.) to present material.
Seek out and adapt to new developments and tools in order to select the best technology for the task.
Aligned with WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards** and grade-level competencies, as appropriate.
Media Literacy
GS.8 Learners will engage in independent critical thinking through accessing, analyzing, evaluating, and creating a complex variety of media.
ELL.8 Receptive (Listening and Reading/Viewing)*
The learner will:
Recognize, analyze, and understand the value of audio/visual/art as they connect to written pieces.
Be fully aware, prepared, and responsible online citizens.
Aligned with WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards** and grade-level competencies, as appropriate.
Textbooks, student-issued learning materials, and/or instructional resources will be used as appropriate.
For additional site-based options, see the supplemental book list in the appendix.