Reading

In the curriculum, the text is the first "expert" in the room. Lessons are structured around the text so students can build their own knowledge, eventually serving as experts themselves. In each lesson, students are:

Active readers.
Annotating as they go.
Using note-catchers to organize information and ideas.
Engaging in discussion protocols.
Completing short writing tasks that bring them back to the text over and over.


Text complexity	Frequent use of grade-appropriate complex text at all grade levels for all students; scaffolds so all students are successful
Vocabulary	Intentional vocabulary building from content-based text aligned to Language standards
Close reading	A teacher-led close reading of content-based texts, carefully developed text-dependent questions, multiple reads for deepening comprehension
Volume of reading	Accountable independent reading at individual students’ level; reading to deepen and expand content knowledge and vocabulary
Research	Frequent research projects aligned to the Writing standards result in high-quality writing, accountable independent reading on the topic, gathering evidence to build knowledge before writing

Speaking and Listening

At every grade level, in every lesson, structures are built in to promote productive and equitable conversation among students.

Aspects of Speaking and Listening in the Curriculum
Participation in discussions, building on others’ ideas	Collaborative protocols; small group discussion; Socratic seminars; frequent opportunities for students to orally rehearse ideas and thinking before writing, including structured conversations and Language Dives
Presentation of ideas in a style appropriate to the audience	Presentation of student work, both formally and informally, to an audience of their peers

Language

The curriculum places explicit emphasis on addressing grammar and language conventions. The materials build upon previous grade-level skills and provide application and practice opportunities within the context of reading and writing about the module texts.

Aspects of Language in the Curriculum
Standard grammar and usage	Short and fully developed writing; Language Dives; embedded grammar and usage instruction within tasks
Standard writing conventions, including spelling	Short and fully developed writing; Language Dives
Academic and domain-specific vocabulary	Multiple reads of complex text; short and fully developed writing; Language Dives

Writing

Writing plays a vital role in the learning process as it serves as a means for students to communicate their understanding effectively. In the curriculum, students engage in reading, critical thinking, and discussion, which prepares them to express their ideas through writing. Furthermore, writing itself deepens their comprehension and enhances their overall learning experience.

Aspects of Writing in the Curriculum
Writing reflects content understanding	All writing explores specific content knowledge and synthesizes knowledge of the topic
Specific instruction in aspects of writing	Writing skills (e.g., use of introductions, transitions) and approaches (e.g., gathering evidence to support a statement) scaffolded specifically for particular writing types in each module
Writing fluency, ease with writing	Frequent short writing tasks, as well as developed pieces
The writing process (plan, draft, revise, edit)	Instruction and scaffolding in each aspect of the writing process

College and Career Readiness