Students read a wide range of fiction, nonfiction, classic, and contemporary works, to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They read a wide range of literature in many genres from a variety of time periods and cultures from around the world to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, and reading skills that they have developed and refined.¹

¹ Adapted from Standards for the English Language. National Council of Teachers of English and International Reading Association, 1996. Available at http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Resources/Books/Sample/StandardsDoc.pdf.

There are three key areas found in the Reading: Nonfiction section for grades 6-12: Key Ideas and Textual Support, Structural Elements and Organization, and Synthesis and Connection of Ideas. By demonstrating the skills listed in each section, students should be able to meet the Learning Outcome for Reading: Nonfiction.

Through Catholic education, we seek to better understand human nature, the choices we face, and the role our faith plays in these decisions. Through our study of Language Arts, we strive to better understand our role and identity as Christians, and our responsibility to social justice. Human virtues and a Catholic worldview are explored through reading, writing, discussion and reflection.

The Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Charleston examine each subject in the context of the Catholic faith. Our students learn and are formed through the infusion of Gospel Values into all disciplines. Through the diocesan curriculum and standards, our teachers seek to promote the synthesis of faith, life, and culture to form students as disciples of Jesus. This document has been created to serve as a curriculum guide for English Language Arts. The ELA Standards are supported through the infusion of the Cardinal Newman Society standards. Resources to support the infusion of our faith can be found through the links below.

Ways to Infuse the Faith

The DOC ELA Standards align with the Cardinal Newman Society Catholic Curriculum Standards. Click HERE to infuse our faith into the ELA curriculum through literature, scripture, parables, and saints.