Language Arts

readingThe ability to communicate well--to read, write, listen, and speak--prepares students for life. Language skills are essential tools not only because they serve as the necessary basis for further learning and career development but also because they enrich the human experience and foster responsible citizenship.

The links in this section are designed to connect and support schools as they work collaboratively to continuously improve knowledge and skills necessary for effective language arts instruction, including the use of appropriate assessments to inform practice.

For more information contact:

Jill Weber
Program Coordinator
Department of Teaching and Learning
541-440-4005

  • Standards
  • Elementary Adopted Core Curriculum List
  • Secondary Adopted Core Curriculum List
  • Reading Resources
  • Writing Resources
  • Additional Resources

National Standards

State Standards

District Core Standards

Adopted Core Curriculum List


Elementary


  • Imagine It!
    The Imagine It! core elementary reading and language arts program from SRA/McGraw-Hill was developed with the input of teachers from around the country. Their insights contributed to a reading program combining effectiveness with teacher-friendly features and rich content that excites and engages students.

    checkmarkInstruction in the five key areas of reading
    checkmark Explicit instruction supported by progress monitoring
    checkmark Focus on Response to Intervention (RtI)
    checkmark Differentiated Instruction in every lesson
    checkmark Strong Inquiry/higher-order thinking strand
    checkmark Frequent assessment opportunities with prescriptions
    checkmark Innovative technology features
    checkmark Robust writing strand
    checkmark In-depth vocabulary instruction
    checkmark Substantive fluency instruction and practice
    checkmark Activities designed to foster student engagement at all levels
    checkmark Award-winning, quality literature
    checkmark Leveled Readers for fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary
    checkmark Intervention Guide to Differentiate Instruction
    checkmark English Learner support
    checkmark Scientific research basis backed by forty-five years of proven results

  • Step Up to Writing
    Step Up to Writing® features research-based, validated strategies and activities that help students proficiently write narrative, personal narrative, and expository pieces; actively engage in reading materials for improved comprehension; and demonstrate competent study skills.
    • Aligns with Writing Next
    • Creates a common language and approach across grade levels and content areas
    • Provides models of student writing for teacher and student reference
    • Employs writing as a tool for content learning
    • Explicitly connects reading and writing
    • Teaches all stages of the writing process, with an emphasis on planning
    • Provides tips specifically for kindergarten students in Primary Level
    • Aligns with the Six Traits assessment model

  • 6 + 1 Traits Writing

    The 6+1 Trait Writing framework is a powerful way to learn and use a common language to refer to characteristics of writing as well as create a common vision of what 'good' writing looks like. Teachers and students can use the 6+1 Trait model to pinpoint areas of strength and weakness as they continue to focus on improved writing.

Adopted Core Curriculum List

 

Middle School/High School

  • McDougal-Littell Literature, 6-10

    McDougal-Littell Literature is crafted to give students a fresh and inviting perspective on the questions and insights that only literature can provide.  With a strong emphasis on differentiation, this innovative new program compels students to look into literature to discover more about themselves and the world.

    Unique organization around clusters of standards allows for the teaching of major literary concepts across the genre.  Standards that belong together are taught together.  Students analyze across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, informational texts and media.

    Big questions start every lesson with a great conversation about meaningful issues in all students’ lives.  A full-page of art is tied to each Big Questions that builds background, sets cultural context, and supports the literary elements for every selection.

    Media studies teach the skills and terminology students need to analyze media and produce their own.

  • The Language of Literature:  World Literature, 9-12

    The Language of Literature from McDougal-Littell is a flexible program that allows for both a standards-based and integrated approach to teaching literature. The instructional methods are based in years of educational research; program development was guided by a team of authors with strong credentials in the teaching of reading, literature, and writing.
    At the 9th through 12th grade levels, the program builds upon the strategies learned in middle school. Students gain success analyzing solid literary works and applying language skills. Through skillfully crafted instruction, focused application of skills, and flexible ongoing assessment, students are able to increase achievement. The selections students read comprise an interesting blend of today's best writing alongside yesterday's classics. Students will enjoy the pairings of literature with informational nonfiction. In addition, every grade level of The Language of Literature includes Author Studies which afford the students the opportunity to "walk in the shoes" of favorite authors teachers love to teach and authors students love to read.

  • Step Up to Writing
    Step Up to Writing® features research-based, validated strategies and activities that help students proficiently write narrative, personal narrative, and expository pieces; actively engage in reading materials for improved comprehension; and demonstrate competent study skills.
    • Aligns with Writing Next
    • Creates a common language and approach across grade levels and content areas
    • Provides models of student writing for teacher and student reference
    • Employs writing as a tool for content learning
    • Explicitly connects reading and writing
    • Teaches all stages of the writing process, with an emphasis on planning
    • Provides tips specifically for kindergarten students in Primary Level
    • Aligns with the Six Traits assessment model
  • 6 + 1 Traits Writing

    The 6+1 Trait Writing framework is a powerful way to learn and use a common language to refer to characteristics of writing as well as create a common vision of what 'good' writing looks like. Teachers and students can use the 6+1 Trait model to pinpoint areas of strength and weakness as they continue to focus on improved writing.

 

  • The Language of Literature:  World Literature, 9-12

    The Language of Literature from McDougal-Littell is a flexible program that allows for both a standards-based and integrated approach to teaching literature. The instructional methods are based in years of educational research; program development was guided by a team of authors with strong credentials in the teaching of reading, literature, and writing.
    At the 9th through 12th grade levels, the program builds upon the strategies learned in middle school. Students gain success analyzing solid literary works and applying language skills. Through skillfully crafted instruction, focused application of skills, and flexible ongoing assessment, students are able to increase achievement. The selections students read comprise an interesting blend of today's best writing alongside yesterday's classics. Students will enjoy the pairings of literature with informational nonfiction. In addition, every grade level of The Language of Literature includes Author Studies which afford the students the opportunity to "walk in the shoes" of favorite authors teachers love to teach and authors students love to read.

  • Pearson-AGS, 9-12:

    • Pearson-AGS American Literature

      American Literature gives students a broad perspective on the rich literary heritage of the United States with its wide-range collection of multicultural, traditional, and nontraditional literary works. A colorful and engaging text, American Literature engages struggling learners with ELL/ESL activities, graphic organizers, and Before Reading and After Reading features. Altogether, they help boost learning success.
      This newly revised textbook captures more than 400 years of America's literary history, and also includes some of the country's most contemporary authors. New selections have been added, including an excerpt from Chief Joseph's speech "I Will Fight No More Forever" and two poems—"The Great Figure" and "This is Just to Say"—by William Carlos Williams.

    • Pearson-AGS British Literature

      With over 70 selections, the all-new British Literature brings some of the best works of British authors to your students. Students explore the writings of Shakespeare, Geoffrey Chaucer, Jonathan Swift, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, George Orwell, Mary Shelley, Virginia Woolf, Anita Desai, and others.

      British Literature encompasses a wide range of genres—from classic to contemporary writing. The text presents excerpts from novels, as well as plays, short stories, poetry, speeches, essays, and other works. Students learn how writers use rhyme, figures of speech, personification, metaphor, satire, hyperbole, and other techniques to bring their words to life.

Reading Support Documents

Reading K-5

Resources

Observation/Checklists

Reading K-5

Grade Level Support Materials

Units

  • Unit 1
  • Unit 2
  • Unit 3
  • Unit 4
  • Unit 5
  • Unit 6
  • Unit 7
  • Unit 8
  • Unit 9
  • Unit 10

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Decodable 50 UL

Unit 4

Unit 5

Unit 6

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

 

 

 

Grades 2-5

Reading 6-12

McDougal-Littell Support Materials

Writing Support Documents

Writing K-5

Writing Curriculum Connections:

Writing 6-12  

        

  • Step Up to Writing

  • 6 + 1 Traits

Handwriting

Related Websites / Articles

Imagine It!

6 + 1 Traits Writing

PowerPointPowerPoint Presentations

Demonstration Videos