EAST LONGMEADOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2006 - 2007 DISTRICT CURRICULUM GUIDES

Language Arts - Journalism

Language Arts

The Massachusetts English Language Arts Curriculum Framework is designed to guide local school district personnel in the development of effective English language arts curricula. Learning in English language arts is recursive. That is, students at every grade level apply similar language skills and concepts as they use increasingly more complex materials. In this way, students build upon and refine their knowledge, gaining sophistication and independence as they grow. Language, Reading and Literature, Composition, and Media are interdependent. Each strand intertwines with and supports the others. Students might at any time read and write, view and discuss, or interpret and perform in order to understand and communicate meaning. Thus, at all grade levels, effective English language arts curriculum units weave together skills and concepts from several strands to support student learning.


Language Expressions
This unit focuses on language conventions, structure, usage, and language study. It also addresses parts of speech, figures of speech, syntax, paragraph and sentence structure, word agreement, modifiers, and grammar.

    Grammar: Language Structure/Apply
The learner will be able to apply knowledge of English language structure.
Strand Scope Source
Grammar Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 5
  
    Sentence Structure: Grammar/Create
The learner will be able to create grammatically sound sentences in written works.
Strand Scope Source
Sentence Structure Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 5
  
    Conventions: Usage
The learner will be able to apply appropriate language usage in writing.
Strand Scope Source
Usage Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 5
  
    Conventions: Standard English/Apply
The learner will be able to apply knowledge of standard English conventions.
Strand Scope Source
Language Conventions Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 5, 5.12.; MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 12, 5.30, 22.10
  
    Conventions: Role/Informal/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze the role of standard English in informal communication.
Strand Scope Source
Language Conventions: Formal/Informal Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 6.; MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 12, 6
  
    Conventions: Role/Formal/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze the role of standard English in formal communication.
Strand Scope Source
Language Conventions: Formal/Informal Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 6.; MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 12, 6
  
    Evolution: Influence/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze the influence of other languages on the development of the English language.
Strand Scope Source
Language Evolution Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 7.; MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 12, 5.33
  
    Dialect: Differences/Negative Stereotype
The learner will be able to analyze when dialectical differences produce negative stereotypes among social groups.
Strand Scope Source
Dialect: Analyze Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 6.12.; MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 12, 6.11
  
    Culture: Language/World Literature
The learner will be able to describe how the English language impacts culture through world literature.
Strand Scope Source
Culture Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 7.12
  

Language Mechanics

    Punctuation: Apply
The learner will be able to apply fundamental punctuation rules to written works.
Strand Scope Source
Punctuation Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 5
  
    Capitalization: Application of Rules
The learner will be able to apply capitalization rules in his/her written work.
Strand Scope Source
Capitalization: Applications Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 5
  
    Punctuation: Identify Correct
The learner will be able to identify the correct punctuation.
Strand Scope Source
Punctuation Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 5
  

Media
This unit includes the study of information and entertainment communications. Topics include: advertising, art, journalism, film, and media messages, forms and productions.

    Media Message: Interpret/Analytic
The learner will be able to interpret media messages using analytic techniques.
Strand Scope Source
Media Message Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 17
  
    Media Message: Interpret/Critical Lense
The learner will be able to interpret media messages using different critical lenses.
Strand Scope Source
Media Message Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 17
  
    Film: Moral Argument/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze the moral argument presented in a film.
Strand Scope Source
Film: Analyze Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 17.12
  
    Film: Philosophical Argument/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze the philosophical argument presented in a film.
Strand Scope Source
Film: Analyze Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 17.12
  
    Media Presentation: Technique/Evaluate
The learner will be able to evaluate techniques used to design media presentations.
Strand Scope Source
Media Presentation Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 27.12.; MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 12, 26.6
  
    Media Production: Purpose/Create
The learner will be able to consider the purpose when creating a media production.
Strand Scope Source
Media Production: Create Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 28
  
    Media Production: Audience/Create
The learner will be able to consider the audience when creating a media production.
Strand Scope Source
Media Production: Create Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 28
  
    Media Production: Main Idea/Create
The learner will be able to create a media production with a clear main idea.
Strand Scope Source
Media Production: Create Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 28
  
    Media Production: Detail/Create
The learner will be able to create a media production with adequate detail.
Strand Scope Source
Media Production: Create Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 28
  
    Purposes: Literary Movement/Social
The learner will be able to use media to demonstrate understanding of the social philosophy of a major literary movement.
Strand Scope Source
Media Purposes Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 28.12
  

Reading Operations
This unit includes constructing meaning from fiction and non-fiction selections at comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and judgment levels of understanding. It includes skills which address identifying, discussing, and comparing both concrete and abstract elements of selections (setting, plot, characterization, genre, historical period, theme, tone, moral message, and psychological and political implications). This unit includes constructing meaning from fiction and non-fiction selections at comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and judgment levels of understanding. It includes skills which address identifying, discussing, and comparing both concrete and abstract elements of selections (setting, plot, characterization, genre, historical period, theme, tone, moral message, and psychological and political implications).

    Summary: Aid Understanding
The learner will be able to summarize material to aid understanding while he/she reads.
Strand Scope Source
Summary Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 23
  
    Theme: Life/Comment
The learner will be able to use his/her understanding that the theme of a reading selection represents a comment on life.
Strand Scope Source
Themes Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 11.12
  
    Theme: Life/View
The learner will be able to use his/her understanding that the theme of a reading selection represents a view of life.
Strand Scope Source
Themes Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 11.12
  
    Theme: Apply Knowledge
The learner will be able to apply knowledge of theme in literature.
Strand Scope Source
Themes Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 11
  
    Story Elements: Archetypal Patterns
The learner will be able to analyze archetypal patterns found in literature.
Strand Scope Source
Story Elements: Analyze Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 17.12
  
    Point of View: Rhetoric/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze how authors use point of view for rhetorical purposes.
Strand Scope Source
Point of View: Analyze Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 12.12
  
    Strategies: Planning/Describe
The learner will be able to describe how reading strategies, such as planning, are effective in helping him/her learn from a variety of texts.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Strategies Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 9.12
  
    Strategies: Focusing/Describe
The learner will be able to describe how reading strategies, such as focusing, are effective in helping him/her learn from a variety of texts.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Strategies Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 9.12
  
    Strategies: Variety
The learner will be able to use a variety of reading strategies.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Strategies Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 8
  
    Interpretation: Analytic Technique
The learner will be able to interpret literature using analytic techniques.
Strand Scope Source
Interpretation Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 17
  
    Interpretation: Analytic/Nonfiction
The learner will be able to interpret nonfiction texts using analytic techniques.
Strand Scope Source
Interpretation Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 17
  
    Interpretation: Critical Lense
The learner will be able to interpret literature using different critical lenses.
Strand Scope Source
Interpretation Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 17
  
    Interpretation: Critical/Nonfiction
The learner will be able to interpret nonfiction texts using different critical lenses.
Strand Scope Source
Interpretation Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 17
  
    Critical Thinking: Synthesize/Ideas
The learner will be able to synthesize important ideas he/she has read.
Strand Scope Source
Critical Thinking: Synthesize Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 9.12
  
    Support: Story Elements/Text Example
The learner will be able to use examples from the text to support his/her understanding of story elements.
Strand Scope Source
Support Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 12
  
    Support: Meaning/Nonfictional Text
The learner will be able to use examples from the text to support his/her understanding of the meaning of nonfiction.
Strand Scope Source
Support Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 13
  
    Support: Meaning/Informational Text
The learner will be able to use examples from the text to support his/her understanding of the meaning of informational material.
Strand Scope Source
Support Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 13
  
    Support: Theme/Text Example
The learner will be able to use examples from the text to support his/her understanding of theme.
Strand Scope Source
Support Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 11, 11.12
  
    Word: New Word
The learner will be able to read and understand new words encountered in reading materials.
Strand Scope Source
Emergent Reading: Word Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 8
  
    Questions: Obtain Information
The learner will be able to generate questions to obtain information while reading.
Strand Scope Source
Questions Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 23
  
    Structure: Analyze/Nonfiction
The learner will be able to analyze the structure of nonfictional material.
Strand Scope Source
Structure: Analyze Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 13
  
    Structure: Analyze/Informational
The learner will be able to analyze the structure of informational material.
Strand Scope Source
Informational Text: Analyze Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 13
  
    Response: Notes/Aid Understanding
The learner will be able to respond to reading by taking notes to aid understanding.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Responses: Composing Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 23
  
    Response: Idea/Identify
The learner will be able to identify important ideas in what he/she has read.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Responses: Composing Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 9, 9.12
  
    Allusion: Apply Knowledge
The learner will be able to apply knowledge of allusion to understand it's meaning when used in literature.
Strand Scope Source
Allusion Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 8.12
  
    Irony: Aesthetic Purpose/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze how authors use irony for aesthetic purposes.
Strand Scope Source
Irony Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 12.12
  
    Main Idea: Identify
The learner will be able to identify main ideas from reading passages.
Strand Scope Source
Main Idea Master MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 12, 8
  
    Theme: Apply/Support From Text
The learner will be able to apply themes as they occur in literature and give supporting evidence from the text.
Strand Scope Source
Themes Master MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 12, 11
  
    Theme: Issues/Contemporary/Connect
The learner will be able to relate a literary work to the contemporary issues of its time.
Strand Scope Source
Themes: Social Master MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 12, 9.7
  
    Analyze: Nonfiction
The learner will be able to analyze point of view in nonfiction.
Strand Scope Source
Point of View: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Nonfiction
The learner will be able to analyze theme in nonfiction.
Strand Scope Source
Themes: Analyze Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Argument: Logic/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze the logic of an argument.
Strand Scope Source
Argument Master East Longmeadow High School.; MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 12, 8.34, 13.26
  
    Cause/Effect: "Why"/"How&
The learner will be able to determine cause and effect relationships by answering "why," "how," and "what-if" questions.
Strand Scope Source
Cause/Effect Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Critical Thinking: Theme/Text/Examine
The learner will be able to critically examine text to create thematic connections.
Strand Scope Source
Critical Thinking Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Culture: Cultures/Read/Respond
The learner will be able to read and respond to literature reflecting other cultures.
Strand Scope Source
Themes: Culture Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Decode: Complex/Words
The learner will be able to apply knowledge of decoding skills to read increasingly complex words by him/herself.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Strategies: Decode Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Decode: Use/Structural Cues
The learner will be able to use a variety of structural cues to decode unknown words.
Strand Scope Source
Emergent Reading: Decode Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Decode: Variety
The learner will be able to use a variety of word parts to decode words in context.
Strand Scope Source
Emergent Reading: Decode Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Detail: Subordinate Idea/Recognize
The learner will be able to recognize subordinate ideas in reading materials.
Strand Scope Source
Detail Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Diction: Mood/Effect/Evaluate
The learner will be able to evaluate the effect diction has on the mood of a reading passage.
Strand Scope Source
Figurative Language: Diction Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Draw Conclusion: Deductive Reasoning
The learner will be able to draw logical conclusions using deductive reasoning.
Strand Scope Source
Draw Conclusion Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Draw Conclusion: Implicit Information
The learner will be able to draw a conclusion from implicit information found in a reading passage.
Strand Scope Source
Draw Conclusion Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Draw Conclusion: Implied Meaning/Fact
The learner will be able to draw conclusions from facts in the text to determine the implied meaning of a reading selection.
Strand Scope Source
Draw Conclusion Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Draw Conclusion: Implied Meaning/Pattern
The learner will be able to draw conclusions from patterns in the text to determine the implied meaning of a reading selection.
Strand Scope Source
Draw Conclusion Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Fact/Opinion: Distinguish
The learner will be able to distinguish between fact, reasoned judgment, and opinion in reading materials.
Strand Scope Source
Fact/Opinion Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Inference: Information/Synthesize
The learner will be able to synthesize information from reading materials to make inferences.
Strand Scope Source
Inference Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Inference: Explanation/Meaning
The learner will be able to make inferences to determine the most likely explanation of meaning in reading materials.
Strand Scope Source
Inference Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Interpretation: Evidence/Provide
The learner will be able to provide evidence from the text to support interpretations.
Strand Scope Source
Interpretation Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Interpretation: Inference/Conclusions
The learner will be able to make inferences and draw conclusions from interpretations of materials.
Strand Scope Source
Interpretation Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Main Idea: Concept/Nonfiction/Recognize
The learner will be able to recognize underlying concepts in nonfiction.
Strand Scope Source
Main Idea Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Main Idea: Understand/Stated/Unstated
The learner will be able to understand the stated or unstated main idea or main topic.
Strand Scope Source
Main Idea Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Main Idea: Understanding/Show
The learner will be able to show his/her ability to read explanatory texts by demonstrating understanding of the main ideas.
Strand Scope Source
Main Idea Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Mood: Rhetorical Purpose/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze how authors use mood for rhetorical purposes.
Strand Scope Source
Mood Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Organization: Characteristics/Structure
The learner will be able to understand the distinguishing characteristics of structure in a variety of genres.
Strand Scope Source
Organization Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Organization: Coherence/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze reading selections for coherence.
Strand Scope Source
Organization Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Organization: Compare/Identify
The learner will be able to identify organization structures of fiction and nonfiction that use comparisons.
Strand Scope Source
Organization Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Point of View: Understand
The learner will be able to apply strategies for reading from and understanding multiple points of view.
Strand Scope Source
Point of View Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Post-Reading: Vocabulary/Discussion
The learner will be able to show an understanding of story vocabulary during post-reading discussion or story response time.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Responses: Discussions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Question: Material/Answer/Identify
The learner will be able to identify questions that should be answered by reading the passage.
Strand Scope Source
Questions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Question: Understanding/Identify
The learner will be able to identify questions that will improve understanding of reading selections.
Strand Scope Source
Questions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Questions: Read/Respond
The learner will be able to read and respond to who, what, when, where, and how questions.
Strand Scope Source
Questions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Questions: Respond/Reading
The learner will be able to respond to questions that are related to the passage he/she has read.
Strand Scope Source
Questions Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Sequence: Beginning/Middle/End
The learner will be able to identify the beginning, middle, and end of a story.
Strand Scope Source
Sequence Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Sequence: Development/Evaluate
The learner will be able to evaluate the development of sequence in a piece of literature.
Strand Scope Source
Sequence Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Strategies: Critical Details/Extract
The learner will be able to extract critical details from written texts.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Strategies Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Strategies: Critical/Use/Interpret
The learner will be able to use critical strategies to interpret literature.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Strategies Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Strategies: Narrative
The learner will be able to know strategies for understanding narrative text.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Strategies Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Strategies: Persuasive
The learner will be able to know strategies for understanding persuasive text.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Strategies Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Strategies: Skim/Comprehension
The learner will be able to skim text for general comprehension.
Strand Scope Source
Reading Strategies Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Structure: Analyze
The learner will be able to study the text for structures to assist in understanding.
Strand Scope Source
Structure Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Style: Voice
The learner will be able to understand the stylistic elements that go into creating voice.
Strand Scope Source
Style Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Support: Evidence/Ideas
The learner will be able to use evidence in the text to support ideas about the text.
Strand Scope Source
Support Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Synthesizing: Ideas
The learner will be able to synthesize ideas in reading materials.
Strand Scope Source
Synthesizing Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Theme: Connections/Examine
The learner will be able to examine the connections made between themes in different types of literature.
Strand Scope Source
Themes Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Theme: Interpret/Support/Evidence
The learner will be able to support interpretation of theme with textual evidence.
Strand Scope Source
Themes Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Tone: Examine
The learner will be able to examine an author's use of tone.
Strand Scope Source
Tone Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Universal: Analyze/Support
The learner will be able to analyze texts with universal themes and give evidence to support his/her ideas.
Strand Scope Source
Themes: Universal Master East Longmeadow High School.; MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 12, 11.7
  
    Voice: Recognize
The learner will be able to recognize effective use of voice.
Strand Scope Source
Voice Master East Longmeadow High School
  
    Analyze: Point of View
The learner will be able to analyze the point of view of a given reading passage.
Strand Scope Source
Point of View: Analyze Master MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 12, 8.32
  

Spelling

    Spelling: Identify Correct
The learner will be able to identify the correct spelling of words.
Strand Scope Source
Emergent Spelling Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 5
  
    Spelling: Applications
The learner will be able to apply conventional spelling in his/her writing.
Strand Scope Source
Spelling Applications Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, Standard 5
  

Study and Research Skills
This unit includes developing organization and research skills needed to find appropriate resources, to judge resources as relevant or not relevant to a given topic, to categorize and synthesize information, to take notes in class, and to study for exams.

    Dictionary: Use
The learner will be able to use a dictionary to locate information.
Strand Scope Source
Dictionary Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 4.12
  
    Sources: Utilizing
The learner will be able to locate and use information from reference materials.
Strand Scope Source
Reference Master MA: Curriculum Frameworks, February 1997, Grade 12, 4.12
  
    Research Technology: Appropriate Sources
The learner will be able to select appropriate technology for