English-Language Arts Content Standards for California By Ashleigh Boni & Christy Pryde By Ashleigh Boni & Christy Pryde

/ What is a framework? / A framework provides a context for the standards that are set by the federal government. They change every seven years and guide educators on how to teach the material set in the standards.  What is it ’ s purpose? / To provide a guideline for the standards. / It provides the design of the methods to be used to instruct, what to teach and at what grade level, and provides research-based approaches for use. / It is designed to provide maximum benefit for all students regardless of language level and special needs. / What is a framework? / A framework provides a context for the standards that are set by the federal government. They change every seven years and guide educators on how to teach the material set in the standards.  What is it ’ s purpose? / To provide a guideline for the standards. / It provides the design of the methods to be used to instruct, what to teach and at what grade level, and provides research-based approaches for use. / It is designed to provide maximum benefit for all students regardless of language level and special needs.

/ How is it organized? / It starts off with the goals and key components of effectively teaching Language Arts. / It breaks down the Content Standards and Instructional Practices by Elementary, Middle and High School. / Within this break down it is further broken down by grade level.  It is then organized by assessment, Universal Access, the instructor ’ s responsibilities and support for Language Arts proficiency and the criteria for evaluating the instructional materials for K-8.  We are also given the appendixes, the glossary, a work ’ s cited and additional references. / How is it organized? / It starts off with the goals and key components of effectively teaching Language Arts. / It breaks down the Content Standards and Instructional Practices by Elementary, Middle and High School. / Within this break down it is further broken down by grade level.  It is then organized by assessment, Universal Access, the instructor ’ s responsibilities and support for Language Arts proficiency and the criteria for evaluating the instructional materials for K-8.  We are also given the appendixes, the glossary, a work ’ s cited and additional references.

/ Research (1995 California Reading Task Force) shows there are four major components to an effective Language Arts program. / A strong literature, language, and comprehension program that includes a balance of oral and written language. / An organized, explicit skills program that includes phonemic awareness (sounds in words), phonics, and decoding skills to address the needs of the emergent reader. / Ongoing diagnosis that informs teaching and assessment that ensures accountability. / Powerful early intervention program that provides individual tutoring for students at risk of failure in reading. / Research (1995 California Reading Task Force) shows there are four major components to an effective Language Arts program. / A strong literature, language, and comprehension program that includes a balance of oral and written language. / An organized, explicit skills program that includes phonemic awareness (sounds in words), phonics, and decoding skills to address the needs of the emergent reader. / Ongoing diagnosis that informs teaching and assessment that ensures accountability. / Powerful early intervention program that provides individual tutoring for students at risk of failure in reading. / Additional research has identified several other key components including: / Assessment / Instruction: time, programs and materials, and grouping and scheduling / Differentiated instruction / Classroom instructional and management practices / Professional development / Administrative practice / Parent and community involvement / Motivation / Effort / Academic language Key Points

Universal Access / How to diagnose learning difficulties with reading and writing; various special education programs that may be available for students with different learning abilities.  Pacing & Complexity: pacing to slow down or speed up a lesson for learners in the class; complexity to “ distill ” a lesson to it ’ s most important parts to make it easier for students. / Special education: / 1. Frequent assessment / 2. Systematic and explicit instruction on the building blocks of word recognition and reading comprehension / 3. Modifications of curriculum as needed  English Learners – if their parents have chosen, must work to achieve the same standards from the framework as native speakers. / Instructional programs such as English Immersion should focus on phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. / How to diagnose learning difficulties with reading and writing; various special education programs that may be available for students with different learning abilities.  Pacing & Complexity: pacing to slow down or speed up a lesson for learners in the class; complexity to “ distill ” a lesson to it ’ s most important parts to make it easier for students. / Special education: / 1. Frequent assessment / 2. Systematic and explicit instruction on the building blocks of word recognition and reading comprehension / 3. Modifications of curriculum as needed  English Learners – if their parents have chosen, must work to achieve the same standards from the framework as native speakers. / Instructional programs such as English Immersion should focus on phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics.

Developers Philosophy  To educate students to the highest levels of language arts proficiency, “ to close the existing achievement gap, to allow students to participate fully in society and the world of work. ” / Similar to Essentialism: teaching students basic skills, a shared knowledge, and to excel at standards represented in tests. / Some Progressivism philosophy is represented with the idea of preparing students with life and job skills through Language Arts education.  To educate students to the highest levels of language arts proficiency, “ to close the existing achievement gap, to allow students to participate fully in society and the world of work. ” / Similar to Essentialism: teaching students basic skills, a shared knowledge, and to excel at standards represented in tests. / Some Progressivism philosophy is represented with the idea of preparing students with life and job skills through Language Arts education.

Intended for … / Teachers and other educators involved in English- Language Arts instruction, developers and publishers of language arts programs and materials. / Parents, members of the community and policy makers can use for guidance as they review programs at local and state levels. / Anyone who works with kids, but in particular it mentions Teachers, Administrators, librarians, parents, students and others with interests in education. / Teachers and other educators involved in English- Language Arts instruction, developers and publishers of language arts programs and materials. / Parents, members of the community and policy makers can use for guidance as they review programs at local and state levels. / Anyone who works with kids, but in particular it mentions Teachers, Administrators, librarians, parents, students and others with interests in education.

Impressions & Thoughts / Unrealistic -expecting all students to be at the same reading level at the same time. / SIPS: the decoding and flashcard program, is horrible. Did you find it to be a useful tool in helping you learn what you will need to teach in that specific area?  The state may be able to tell me what to teach, but they cannot tell me HOW to teach it, and I ’ m going to follow that to it ’ s fullest meaning. / Unrealistic -expecting all students to be at the same reading level at the same time. / SIPS: the decoding and flashcard program, is horrible. Did you find it to be a useful tool in helping you learn what you will need to teach in that specific area?  The state may be able to tell me what to teach, but they cannot tell me HOW to teach it, and I ’ m going to follow that to it ’ s fullest meaning.