Activity Directions: Progressions across Grades in English Language Arts

Time

40 minutes or more (varies based on progressions selected)

Preparation

1. Select the specific strand(s), standard(s), or learning progression(s) to be explored during this activity.
2. Print copies of the selected strand(s), standard(s), or learning progression(s) benchmark handout(s) that will be explored during this activity. Provide highlighters and/or sticky notes for each individual or group.

To access the learning progression documents, visit the Content Area Resources page of the Portal. Select the following options to filter content:

1. Strategy: Academic Standards
2. Action: Learning Progressions
3. Content Area: [select the targeted content area]
4. Learner Considerations: All Students (default)

Directions

1. Ensure that all participants have the handout(s) and a highlighter and/or post-its.
2. Ask participants, individually or in groups, to identify and highlight or write notes about changes in learning expectations from one grade level to the next.
3. Have participants discuss their learning. Some guiding questions might include:
   1. What did you notice about the learning progressions?
   2. What are you wondering about?
   3. How do the knowledge and skills build throughout the progression?
   4. What are the implications for curriculum and instruction?
   5. For grade-banded benchmarks, discuss how the benchmark will be emphasized in each grade level. What concerns does this raise?
4. Conclude by ensuring that participants have applied their learning by completing the English Language Arts Benchmark Focus Chart.