Grades 6-8 R & W

  • Reading Goals
    • Reading closely and making inferences: Students should be able to carefully read texts to understand both explicit information and implicit meanings (inferences), citing textual evidence to support their conclusions.
    • Analyzing text structure and elements: Students analyze how text structure contributes to meaning and how elements like plot, characterization, setting, and tone function in a text.
    • Understanding word meaning and author’s craft: Students interpret words and phrases, including technical, connotative, and figurative language, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
    • Reading and comprehending a range of texts: Students proficiently read and understand literary and informational texts within the grade-appropriate text complexity band.
    • Comparing and contrasting texts: Students can compare and contrast different texts on similar themes or topics, including details and word choice.
  • Writing Goals:
    • Writing for different purposes: Students develop and improve their skills in producing different types of writing, including:
    • Producing clear and coherent writing: Students organize their writing effectively and use appropriate style for their purpose and audience.
    • Developing and strengthening writing: Students engage in the writing process (planning, revising, editing) with guidance, focusing on clarity, purpose, and audience.
    • Using technology for writing: Students utilize technology, such as the internet, to produce and publish writing and present information clearly.
    • Conventions of writing: Students demonstrate proficiency in grammar, usage, and mechanics, including spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure. 
  • Overall Learning Goals:
    • Building a strong foundation for lifelong learning: Students develop the necessary literacy skills for continued success in academic and personal pursuits.
    • Developing critical thinking skills: Students use their reading and writing skills to analyze information, form opinions, and communicate effectively. 
    • These learning goals are often supported by instructional strategies such as discussing questions, exploring different perspectives, and incorporating graphics and multimedia into writing.