Middle School English
English 6
Grade 6 ELA is an integrated language arts program utilizing a variety of literature to
develop an understanding of plot, setting, conflict, characters, theme and meanings
beyond the literal level. There is emphasis on critical stance writing prompts in which
students develop analytical skills, application of different critical and creative thinking
strategies (brainstorming, free writing and Semantic Mapping) in developing
organization in writing stories, paragraphs, book reviews and essays, and opportunities
for a variety of writing activities including responses to literature, journal entries of
personal reactions to an experience or event, in-class "writing to a prompt," persuasive
and descriptive paragraphs, summaries and reports.
Instructional practices are guided by Common Core Standards for reading, writing and
speaking and may include Interdisciplinary units in both the language arts and social
studies curriculum including literature, oral reports, and written assignments in which
students share their writing in group discussions, working both with partners and in
small cooperative groups.
State Assessment: Grade 6 New York State ELA Assessment.
English 7
Grade 7 ELA continues the development of written language skills with guided practice
in process writing, "writing to a prompt," and writing to persuade, entertain, or inform.
There is focus on oral language skills through informal presentations, in-class response
and discussion, improvisation, and formal speeches.
Instructional practices are guided by Common Core Standards for reading, writing and
speaking and include Interdisciplinary units and Problem Solving Tasks in both the
language arts and social studies curriculum including literature, oral reports, and written
assignments in which students share their writing in group discussions, working both
with partners and in small cooperative groups.
State Assessment: Grade 7 New York State ELA Assessment.
English 8
Grade 8 ELA promotes literary appreciation and understanding of various genres such
as short stories, novels, essays, poetry, and drama. There is emphasis on interdisciplinary reading, especially historical fiction and non-fiction to promote literary response and expression. Students continue their development of written language skills with guided practice in writing to a prompt, comparing paired readings and listening passages, and writing to persuade, entertain, or inform. Students begin learning master research skills including note taking, outlining, using quotations, citing sources according to MLA standards as elements of a research-based project. There is continued focus on oral language skills through in-class response and discussion and formal poetry readings, and class presentations.
Instructional practices guided by Common Core Standards for reading, writing and
speaking and include interdisciplinary units and Problem Solving Tasks in both the
language arts and social studies curriculum including literature, oral reports, and written
assignments in which students share their writing in group discussions, working both
with partners and in small cooperative groups.
State Assessment: Grade 8 New York State ELA Assessment