Instruction in English/Language Arts develops in learners powers of analysis, concentration, and communication. This will enable them to achieve a heightened awareness of themselves and others in the world around them. Upon graduation, learners are prepared to enter post-secondary life as communicative and insightful citizens and leaders.
Instruction in language arts integrates listening, speaking, reading, writing, and media literacy to promote critical thinking. Learners will develop:
the ability to write and speak clearly and coherently;
the powers of concentration and comprehension,
an analytical view of self and the world through literature, written reflection, and media;
an appreciation of literature as a reflection of shared humanity; and
a sensitivity to, and an appreciation of, the English language.
The English/Language Arts curriculum is aligned with the following standards:
Alaska English/Language Arts Standards
Alaska Standards for Culturally Responsive Schools
Alaska Digital Literacy Standards.
ISTE Standards for Students
American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Standards
The complete text of the standards may be found in the appendix.
Elizabeth Alexander - North Pole High
Cindy Apodaca - Librarian, West Valley High
Amy Cook - ELL, Districtwide
Anna Creamer - North Pole Middle
Jan Eide - North Pole Middle
Crimson Golat - North Pole Middle
Heidi Kristovich - West Valley High
Svetlana Nuss - ELL, Districtwide
Jennifer Tilbury - University of Alaska Fairbanks
Jessica Tonnies - Librarian, Randy Smith Middle
Theresa Vick - ELL, Districtwide
Elizabeth Alexander - North Pole High
Heather Chorley - Tanana Middle
Krista Christensen – North Pole High
Amy Cook – ELL, Districtwide
Anna Creamer - North Pole Middle
Rachel Detemple - Hutchison High
Sarah Dimmick - West Valley High
Jan Eide - North Pole Middle
Virva Elliot – Director of ELL Program
Lynn Grover – Ben Eielson Jr./Sr. High
La Verne Haakanson - Tanana Middle
Peggy Harrod - Barnette Magnet
Heidi Kristovich - West Valley High
Amanda Ross - Ben Eielson Jr/Sr. High
Jennifer Sartin - North Pole High
Theresa Vick – ELL, Districtwide
Melanie Hadaway – Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Michelle Daml – Elementary Curriculum Coordinator
Kristina Roehrig – Secondary Curriculum Coordinator
Rachel Reilly - Secondary Curriculum Coordinator
Nicole Stellon O’Donnell – Instructional Coach
Jennifer Morgan – Materials Development Specialist
the Board Curriculum Committee, the Fairbanks North Star Borough Board of Education, and the many teachers, administrators, parents, and community members who have so willingly given of their time and expertise in the planning and revision process of this document.
English/Language Arts Writers:
Aubree Diaz - Badger Road Elementary
Barbara Wiley - Response to Intervention (RTI)
Carolyn Jordan - Barnette Magnet School
Diane Kardash - UAF
Evelyn Sfraga - Woodriver Elementary
Melanie Hadaway - Content Coach‐Secondary
Robyn Ward - Response to Intervention (RTI)
Susan McIntosh - Content Coach‐Elementary
Suzanne Richards - Woodriver Elementary
Curriculum Department:
Peggy Carlson – Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Kathy Port – Elementary Curriculum Coordinator
Casey Obringer – Secondary Curriculum Coordinator
Debbie Johnson – Materials Development Specialist
We would also like to recognize the Board Curriculum Advisory Committee and the many teachers, administrators, parents, and community members for their contributions to this document.