English Language Arts (ELA)

Honors English Course Description 

The major purpose of this course is to develop student focus and active engagement with text. We do not just read and answer questions in our seats! Students are required to analyze, identify, define, explain, and critique with an increased emphasis on advanced forms of evaluation in expository critique, literary criticism and advanced presentations on problems and solutions.  We do this through cooperative activities such as Socratic Seminars, Philosophical Chairs, Gallery Walks, and the use of online resources. Please refer to the Common Core State Standards for our learning objectives: California English Language Arts Standards

English Grades 

Grades will reflect progress towards mastery of the standards in the domains of Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking, and Research and Inquiry (Learning Targets)

Mastery Grading Learning Targets for 6th grade English Language Arts:

Writing 

1. I can write a well-structured informative essay to examine a complex subject, using relevant evidence from a variety of texts to clarify my perspective 

2. In the support of the analysis of an important and relevant topic, I can write an argument grounded in organized, valid, logical reasoning and pertinent evidence using appropriate transitions

3. I can produce clear and coherent writing appropriate to task, purpose, and audience 

4. I can write a narrative (fiction or nonfiction) with effective description, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences

Reading 

1. I can cite evidence from a text, draw conclusions from it, and explain how it supports my claim, analysis, and/or ideas 

2. I can determine central ideas and/or themes of a text and analyze how the details of a text develop and interact in the text to shape those ideas or themes 

3. I can analyze how a writer uses syntax and text structure to develop their claims 

4. I can recognize an author’s point of view and purpose and analyze how it influences the content and style of the text

5. I can analyze and compare how different authors approach similar themes or topics

6. I can evaluate information and argument and assess the validity, relevance, and sufficiency of the evidence presented

Language 

1. I can use multiple methods to determine or clarify the meanings of words 

2. I can use a variety of grammatical structures when writing and/or speaking that are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience

3. I can demonstrate an understanding of the intricacies of words and word relationships

Speaking & Listening 

1. I can effectively participate in conversations and discussions with a variety of peers 

2. I can present information with supporting evidence so that an audience can follow the reasoning, and the presentation is appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience

3. I can strategically integrate digital media to present information and further support the audiences' understanding

Curriculum: We may use McGraw Hill's StudySync curriculum. We will read novels as a class, however the specific titles will be determined at a later time.