Ninth Grade Language Arts College Preparatory

UpperMorelandSchool District

Planned Course for Literacy

Ninth Grade Language Arts –College Preparatory

Standards:

PA Common Core

RL Reading Standards for Literature

RI Reading Standards for Informational Text

W Writing Standards

SL Speaking and Listening

L Language Standards

PA Language Arts Standards

1.1 Reading Independently

1.2. Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Text

1.3. Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature - Fiction and Non-Fiction

1.4. Types of Writing

1.5. Quality of Writing

1.6. Speaking and Listening

1.7. Characteristics and Functions of the English Language

1.8. Research

1.9. Information, Communication, and Technology Literacy

Course Description:

The Comprehensive Literacy program at Upper Moreland Middle and High School consists of a seven-year, sequential and cumulative program designed to develop 21st Century readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. Courses emphasize literacy measured by State and Common Core Standards. As we seek to foster the development of life long literacy learners, the UpperMorelandSchool District is dedicated to a research based, literacy program.

Students will continue to develop strategiesfor reading, writing, researching, and communicating (speaking and listening). To provide a firm foundation in reading and writing at the high school level, the first semester will focus heavily on developing reading strategies while providing grammar and vocabulary instruction. The second semester will emphasize writer’s craft and writing in all modes while introducing students to literary analysis through the reading of classic and contemporary literature. The program will incorporate Big6 strategies to support effective research.

Specific and measurable objectives directly related to the academic standards to be achieved by students:

Specific objectives for this course are stated as concepts and competencies for the standards in the Ninth Grade Scope and Sequence document.

Content to be used to reach objectives:

In order to offer a comprehensive 21st century literacy approach, a variety of print and electronic materials are utilized.

Materials:

Prentice Hall Literature – Gold Level (2005)

Prentice Hall Writing and Grammar (2005)

Core Curriculum Titles:

Romeo and Juliet

Lord of the Flies

To Kill a Mockingbird

The Odyssey

Animal Farm

Contemporary Young Adult Literature Titles:

Romiette and Julio

If You Come Softly

Whale Talk

Killing Mr. Griffin

People of Sparks

Shostak Vocabulary Workshop Level D

Technology

Laptops, Promethean Board, Turnitin.com, StudyIsland, Reading and Writing Software

Various supplemental materials

Instructional Activities:

A comprehensive 21st century literacy program demands use of a variety of activities to stimulate creativity and critical thinking. Below is a list of those different activities. They are defined in the glossary.