Reading Standards and Benchmarks

American Literature
Standard 1 - Reading Process
Benchmark: Demonstrate phonics
a.  TLW apply decoding skills to words, i.e.: prefixes, suffixes, plurals  . . .
Benchmark: Demonstrate vocabulary skills
a. TLW recognize and define grade appropriate or content appropriate vocabulary
Standard 2 - Reading a Variety of Texts
Benchmark: Demonstrate comprehension
a. TLW examine the historical, social, and cultural influences on American literature
b. TLW recognize the contributions of different cultures to American literature
c. TLW understand the development of American literature from the beginnings of Native American traditions to present day
d. TLW identify major themes and symbols in American Literature
e. TLW analyze literary elements
f. TLW will apply literal comprehension strategies appropriate for reading these selections
g. TLW will distinguish the major literature forms and techniques of American literature
Benchmark: Understand self-monitoring and self-correction strategies
a. TLW use context clues to determine meaning of familiar and unfamiliar words

Language Standards and Benchmarks

American Literature
Standard 1 - Writing Process
Benchmark:  Produce well developed and audience appropriate ideas
a. TLW generate writing ideas through discussion with others and from printed materials
b. TLW arrange ideas in an order appropriate for the writer's purpose, audience, and topic
Benchmark:  Write with coherence and organization
a. TLW use a variety of strategies to draft written compositions: choose language and content appropriate to intended audience, establish a clear voice,
select format appropriate to purpose, organize content to support purpose, select organizational pattern, cite sources
b. TLW use available technology to compose text
Benchmark:  Correctly apply the rules of mechanics and grammar
a. TLW proofread writing, edit to improve conventions (i.e.: grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization), identify and correct fragments and run-on
sentences and eliminate inappropriate slang or informal language
Standard 2 - Research
Benchmark:  Use technology and reference materials to locate information
a. TLW access print sources (dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, almanac, reference books, parts of books)
b. TLW access appropriate electronic online sources
c. TLW evaluate information sources for appropriateness
Benchmark:  Prepare a presentation using primary/secondary sources
a. TLW focus on teacher-directed research topics
b. TLW follow an organized outline
c. TLW take notes and paraphrase information
Standard 3 - Speaking, Listening, Viewing
Benchmark:  Demonstrate speaking skills for learning
a. TLW clearly verbalize ideas during discussions
b. TLW speak clearly and audibly during presentations
c. TLW ask questions to clarify ideas
Benchmark:  Demonstrate listening skills for learning
a. TLW listen to homework assignments and record in an agenda
b. TLW listen attentively to peer presentations
c. TLW listen for information in informal and formal settings
d.  TLW respond to questions and feedback
Benchmark:  Demonstrate viewing skills for learning
a. TLW view videos for information and visualization of concepts
b. TLW view videos to compare and contrast with text versions
c. TLW gain information from a variety of visuals including charts, maps, graphs, and graphic organizers
d. TLW use critical viewing techniques to understand and evaluate programs