Today's rigorous standards focus on the ability of the individual student to make meaning and reach an understanding of complex texts and ideas. By reading and responding to a range of texts, as well as producing your own texts, collaborating in discussions, engaging in research, and delivering presentations, you will have ample opportunities to make meaning of the world around them.
We will often analyze our world using "STEAP," which helps you "make meaning" through the lens of:
Social/Culture
Technology
Economics
Art & Literature
Politics
The acquisition and control of academic language supports any individual's ability to explore and convey meaning. In 10th grade, this course will focus on academic language development around the areas of:
applying knowledge of how language functions in different contexts
mastering style guidelines such as using the MLA manual
determining the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases, including Greek and Latin roots
interpreting figures of speech
making effective choices for meaning or style such as the use of parallel structure and various types of phrases to add variety and interest to writings or presentations
As you embrace college and career readiness skills, you will engage in collaborative discussions, writing, oral presentations, and media production that require effective expression. This is not about only Ms. Tucker speaking; I want to hear from you. Do not be afraid to raise your hand and speak up!
Particular to Hayfork, effective expression can also mean engaging with the burgeoning diversity that has become the norm for our community, which also prepares you for engaging with those outside this community as well.
The development of content knowledge is supported by wide reading of print and media resources that expand information and experience, inspiring students to further research and learn.
In 10th grade, students will be exposed to a range of text types and skill requirements from narrative and argumentative writing to the synthesis of fiction and nonfiction texts. The content will focus on fiction and nonfiction reading with a heavy emphasis on literary analysis and research when it comes to writing.
At 10th grade, we will revisit skills that students were likely exposed to in elementary grades so we can continue to bolster effective reading and organizational strategies, such as focusing on the writing process - with an emphasis on the revising and editing process including with peers - to the use of graphic organizers, efficient note-taking and more.
During 10th grade, it is expected that the use of textual evidence becomes habitual. Instructions will not always state the need for textual evidence, as now it should be assumed that textual evidence to support your answers is required.
Foundational skills at the 10th grade are also about reflecting on the culmination of each individual's education thus far, so you can use that metacognitive* awareness through high school, and well after. Understanding how we think and why is an important component of critical thinking as we move into adulthood.
*Metacognition = analysis of one's own learning or thinking processes