Your Literacy Standards Companion, Grades 6-8

Introduction: Turning Standards Into Daily TeachingQuick Reference: Common Core State Standards, 6-12 English Language ArtsQuick Reference: Common Core State Standards, 6-12 English Language Arts in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsIndexes Cross-Referencing Your State StandardsThe Complete Common Core State Standards: DecodedPart 1. ReadingKey Ideas and Details 1. Read closely for explicit meaning . . . make logical inferences . . . cite textual evidence 2. Determine central ideas . . . analyze their development . . . summarize key details 3. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interactCraft and Structure 4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used . . . and shape meaning or tone 5. Analyze the structure of texts, including specific elements and sections 6. Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a textIntegration of Knowledge and Ideas 7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse formats and media 8. Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims, including the validity 9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topicsRange of Reading and Level of Text Complexity 10. Read and comprehend complex literary and informational textsPart 2. WritingText Types and Purposes 1. Write arguments to support claims . . . using valid reasoning and . . . evidence 2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas 3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or eventsProduction and Distribution of Writing 4. Produce clear and coherent writing 5. Develop and strengthen writing . . . by planning, revising, editing, rewriting 6. Use technology . . . to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate . . .Research to Build and Present Knowledge 7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects 8. Gather relevant information from multiple . . . sources . . . avoiding plagiarism 9. Draw evidence from . . . texts to support analysis, reflection, and researchRange of Writing 10. Write routinely . . . for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiencesPart 3. Speaking and ListeningComprehension and Collaboration 1. Prepare for and participate in . . . conversations and collaborations 2. Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats 3. Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoricPresentation of Knowledge and Ideas 4. Present information, findings, and supporting evidence 5. Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data 6. Adapt speech to a variety of contexts . . . demonstrating command of formal EnglishPart 4. LanguageConventions of Standard English 1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage 2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spellingKnowledge of Language 3. Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functionsVocabulary Acquisition and Use 4. Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown . . . words and phrases 5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships . . . nuances 6. Acquire and use . . . general academic and domain-specific words and phrasesResourcesResource A. Common Core Recommended Reading ListsResource B. Text Complexity ToolResource C. Planning Calendar TemplatesAbout the Author