Why should an education, specifically the concepts you study in ELA, matter to teenagers? Make sure your paper is in Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double-spaced. Include an information block, title, page numbers, and an MLA works cited page.
Make sure your paper is in Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double-spaced. Include an information block, title, page numbers, and an MLA works cited page. Write an argument using evidence from the following texts: “This Is Water” by David Foster Wallace, “Students in Detroit Are Suing the State Because They Weren’t Taught to Read” by Alia Wong, and “How Reading Fiction Can Shape Our Real Lives” by Francesca Lo Basso.
In today’s world, there is an ever-increasing amount of information to be consumed in print and digitally. Studying ELA provides Hawaii’s students with the ability to:
attentively and critically make sense of information
engage thoughtfully and deeply with high-quality literary and informational texts
build knowledge and expand their view of the world through their engagement with multiple texts
create and effectively share new ideas
participate in our democratic society.
find and use their voice with clarity and confidence.
In our unique island home, we are guided by shared values and beliefs expressed in the learning outcomes of Nā Hopena Aʻo (HĀ). These values and beliefs are also reflected in a strong ELA program. As students read and talk about other places and cultures as well as their own they strengthen their sense of belonging and responsibility. As students work on revising and editing their work for publication they strengthen their sense of excellence.
Students in ELA classroom read texts assigned by their teachers and those that interest or inspire them. While it is critical to provide students with support in closely reading complex texts and shared texts, it is also vital for students to have a choice in reading materials that interest and engage them.
This is why both close reading and wide reading are essential parts of the ELA program.
ELA teachers focus on their content with particular attention to and care for the whole child.
High quality standards-based instruction in ELA is critical for ensuring success in college and careers however it will only fulfill its potential in classrooms where students feel safe, healthy, supported, challenged and engaged. (Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects, June 2, 2010.)
Reading
Although the Hawaiʻi Core Standards for English Language Arts address reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language in different sections to aid in conceptual clarity, an integrated model of literacy is recommended as the processes of communication are intimately connected.
As students read increasingly complex texts, they also research and write about increasingly substantive topics. Much of the writing they are doing connects to the texts they are reading. There are three text types identified in Hawaii’s Core Standards for ELA, Narrative, Informational Explanatory and Argumentative.
As teachers support students with writing across these various text types, they should provide a balance of direct instruction and practice. Too often students are merely assigned writing without receiving clear instruction.
A gradual release of responsibility that incorporates model texts, guided practice, transparent criteria and structures for peer and teacher feedback are necessary as students strengthen their ability to express their written ideas in multiple formats including but not limited to traditional essays, blogs, websites, podcasts, and multimedia presentations. Students gradually take an increasingly larger role in reflecting on and leading their own learning.
Speaking and Listening
Knowledge of conventions, knowledge of language and vocabulary extend across and are inseparable from reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Where is ELA Headed?
Hawaiʻi’s Common Core Standards for ELA include three major shifts that help explain how these new standards are different from previous ELA Standards.