Competency and Goals
Reading:
                Competency Goal :    The learner will apply enabling strategies and skills to
                                read and write.
                                1.01 Expand and refine vocabulary through knowledge of
                                prefixes, suffixes, roots, derivatives, and etymologies
                                (word origins) to assist comprehension.
                                1.02 Select key vocabulary critical to the text and apply
                                appropriate meanings as necessary for comprehension.
                                1.03 Increase reading and writing vocabulary through
                                     wide reading.
                                     word study.
                                     word reference materials.
                                     content area study.
                                     writing process elements.
                                     writing as a tool.
                                     debate.
                                     discussions.
                                     seminars.
                                     examining the authorís craft.
                                 1.04 Use word reference materials (e.g., glossary,
                                dictionary, thesaurus, on-line reference tools) to identify
                                and comprehend unknown words.
                                 1.05 Read independently daily from self-selected materials
                                (consistent with the studentís independent reading level) to:
                                     increase fluency.
                                     build background knowledge.
                                     expand and refine vocabulary.

                Competency Goal 2
                                The learner will apply strategies and skills to
                                comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
 
                                2.01 Use metacognitive strategies independently and
                                flexibly to monitor comprehension and extend vocabulary
                                (e.g., skim, scan, reread the text, consult other sources, ask
                                for help, summarize, paraphrase, question).
                                2.02 Interact with the text before, during, and after reading,
                                listening, and viewing by:
                                    making predictions.
                                     formulating questions.
                                     supporting answers from textual information,
                                     previous experience, and/or other sources.
                                     drawing on personal, literary, and cultural
                                     understandings.
                                     seeking additional information.
                                2.03 Read a variety of texts, such as:
                                     fiction (tall tales, myths).
                                     nonfiction (books of true experience, newspaper and
                                     magazine articles, schedules).
                                     poetry (narrative, lyric, and cinquains).
                                     drama (plays and skits).
                                2.04 Identify elements of fiction and nonfiction and support
                                by referencing the text to determine the:
                                     plot development.
                                     authorís choice of words.
                                     effectiveness of figurative language (e.g.,
                                     personification, flashback).
                                2.05 Evaluate inferences, conclusions, and generalizations
                                and provide evidence by referencing the text(s).
                                2.06 Analyze choice of reading materials congruent with
                                purposes (e.g., reading for information, reading to extend
                                content area learning, reading for pleasure, entertainment).
                                2.07 Evaluate the usefulness and quality of information and
                                ideas based on purpose, experiences, text(s), and graphics.
                                 2.08 Explain and evaluate relationships that are:
                                     causal.
                                     hierarchical.
                                     temporal.
                                     problem-solution.
                               2.09 Listen actively and critically by:
                                     asking questions.
                                     delving deeper into the topic.
                                     elaborating on the information and ideas presented.
                                     evaluating information and ideas.
                                     making inferences and drawing conclusions.
                                     making judgments.
                                2.10 Identify strategies used by a speaker or writer to
                                inform, entertain, or influence an audience.
 
            Competency Goal 3
                                The learner will make connections through the use of
                                oral language, written language, and media and
                                technology.
                                3.01 Respond to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama
                                using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes by:
                                   analyzing word choice and content.
                                     examining reasons for a characterís actions, taking
                                     into account the situation and basic motivation of the
                                     character.
                                     creating and presenting a product that effectively
                                     demonstrates a personal response to a selection or
                                     experience.
                                     examining alternative perspectives.
                                3.02 Make connections between texts by recognizing
                                similarities and differences based on a common lesson,
                                theme, or message.
                                3.03 Justify evaluation of characters and events from
                                different selections by citing supporting evidence in the
                                text(s).
                                3.04 Make informed judgments about television, radio,
                                video/film productions, and other electronic mediums
                                and/or formats.
                                3.05 Integrate main idea and supporting details from
                                multiple sources to expand understanding of texts.
                                3.06 Conduct research (with assistance) from a variety of
                                sources for assigned or self-selected projects (e.g., print
                                and non-print texts, artifacts, people, libraries, databases,
                                computer networks).
                                3.07 Make informed judgments about:
                                     bias.
                                     propaganda.
                                     stereotyping.
                                     media techniques.

                Competency Goal 4
                                The learner will apply strategies and skills to create
                                oral, written, and visual texts.
                                4.01 Read aloud grade-appropriate text with fluency,
                                comprehension, expression, and personal style
                                demonstrating an awareness of volume, pace, audience, and
                                purpose.
                                4.02 Use oral and written language to:
                                     formulate hypotheses.
                                     evaluate information and ideas.
                                     present and support arguments.
                                     influence the thinking of others.
                                4.03 Make oral and written presentations to inform or
                                persuade selecting vocabulary for impact.
                                4.04 Select a self-evaluated composition for publication and
                                justify rationale for selection.
                                4.05 Use a variety of preliminary strategies to plan and
                                organize the writing and speaking task considering purpose,
                                audience, and timeline.
                                4.06 Compose a draft that elaborates on major ideas and
                                adheres to the topic by using an appropriate organizational
                                pattern that accomplishes the purpose of the writing task
                                and effectively communicates its content.
                                4.07 Compose a variety of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and
                                drama using self-selected topic and format (e.g., poetry,
                                research reports, news articles, letters to the editor,
                                business letters).
                                4.08 Focus revision on target elements by:
                                     improving word choice.
                                     rearranging text for clarity.
                                     creating simple and/or complex sentences for clarity
                                     or impact.
                                     developing a lead, characters, or mood.
                                4.09 Produce work that follows the conventions of
                                particular genres (e.g., clarification, essay, feature story,
                                business letter).
                                4.10 Use technology as a tool to enhance and/or publish a
                                product.

Social Studies
 
            Competency Goal:  The learner will assess the influence of major
                                          religions, ethical beliefs, and aesthetic values on
                                          life in the United States, Canada, and Latin
                                          America.
                                          2.2 Evaluate the influence of beliefs, individuals, and
                                          practices associated with major religions in the United
                                          States, Canada, and Latin America
 
              Competency Goal 11: The learner will analyze changes in ways of living
                                      and investigate why and how these changes
                                      occurred.
                                      11.1 Identify and describe changes which have occurred
                                      in ways of living in the United States, Canada, and Latin
                                      America.
                                      11.2 Identify examples of cultural transmission and
                                      interaction within and among the regions of the Western
                                      Hemisphere.
                                      11.3 Evaluate the effects of change on the lives of the
                                      people of the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
 
        Competency Goal 12 : The learner will trace developments in the history
                                      of the United States, Canada, and Latin America
                                      and assess their impact on the lives of people
                                      today.
                                      12.1 Identify people, symbols, and events associated
                                      with the heritage of the United States, Canada, and Latin
                                      America.
                                      12.2 Associate an event or phenomenon in the history of
                                      the United States, Canada, and Latin America with a
                                      current situation or practice.
                                      12.3 Trace an economic, political, or social development
                                      through the history of the United States, Canada, or
                                      Latin America and judge its impact on society.

Computer Technology
 
          Competency Goal 3:  The learner will use a variety of technologies to
                                 access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and
                                 communicate information.
                                 3.7 Evaluate information found via telecommunications
                                 for appropriateness, content, and usefulness. (T)