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(L) Language

ELA-08.L

BPSS-ELA logoStrand (L)

Language

Narrative for (L) Language

As they move through formal schooling, students must continually learn how to gain control over the many conventions of Standard English grammar, usage, and mechanics. They must also learn to apply these language skills to their speaking and writing opportunities in order to help them convey meaning effectively and powerfully. Language standards include the rules of standard written and spoken English as well as the use of language as a craft with many choices. 

While the sub-standards under the language strand are grade-level specific, it is important to realize that many sub-standards require continued attention, grades 3-12; because of this, students will continue to see an emphasis on language skills that were previously taught. In order to see a clear picture of the progression of language standards, open the attached image above; there you will see that students never stop learning about the enduring standards of our language. English grammar, conventions, knowledge of language and vocabulary extend across reading, writing, speaking and listening and, in fact, are inseparable from these contexts.

Calculation Method for Strands

Strands are larger groups of related standards. The Strand Grade is a calculation of all the related standards. Click on the standard name below each strand to access the learning targets and proficiency scales for each strand's related standards.

Image (JPEG) CCSS_Language_Standards_by_Grade.jpg

ELA-08.L.01

8th Grade ELA Targeted Standards
(L) Language Strand
Cluster: Conventions of Standard English

ELA-08.L.01 Within the context of authentic English writing and speaking ... 

Introduce:

a. Place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing and correcting misplaced and dangling modifier

b. Recognize and correct vague pronouns (i.e. ones with unclear or ambiguous antecedents).

Practice:

c. Ensure pronoun-antecedent agreement.

d. Recognize variations from Standard English in their own and others’ writing and speaking, and identify and use strategies to improve expression in conventional language.

e. Explain the function of phrases and clauses in general and their function in specifics sentences.

f. Choose among simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to signal differing relationships among ideas.

g. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense.

h. Ensure that pronouns are in the proper case (subjective, objective, possessive).

i. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person.

j. Resolve issues of complex or contested usage, consulting reliable references as needed.

Demonstrate proficiency in:

k. Rearrange complete simple and compound sentences of a variety of lengths.

l. Use and describe verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences.

m. Form and use verbs in the active and passive voice.

n. Order adjectives within sentences according to conventional patterns (e.g. a small red bag rather than a red small bag).

o. Explain the function of an adverb

p. Explain the function of coordinating conjunction.

q. Use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.

 

Student Learning Targets for Grade 8 ELA:

Knowledge Targets

  • I can recognize and correct vague pronouns (i.e. ones with unclear or ambiguous antecedents).
  • I can recognize and identify variations from Standard English in their own and others’ writing and speaking.
  • I can explain the function of phrases and clauses in general and their function in specifics sentences.
  • I can choose among simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to signal differing relationships among ideas.
  • I can recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense.
  • I can recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person.
  • I can describe verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences.
  • I can explain the function of an adverb.
  • I can explain the function of coordinating conjunction.

Reasoning Targets

  • I can explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences.
  • I can ensure pronoun-antecedent agreement.
  • I can ensure that pronouns are in the proper case (subjective, objective, possessive).
  • I can order adjectives within sentences according to conventional patterns (e.g. a small red bag rather than a red small bag).

Skills (Performance) Targets

  • I can place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing and correcting misplaced and dangling modifier.
  • I can use strategies to improve expression in conventional language.
  • I can form and use verbs in the indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive mood.
  • I can resolve issues of complex or contested usage, consulting reliable references as needed.
  • I can use verbs in the active and passive voice
  • I can use verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences.
  • I can recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb voice and mood.
  • I can use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.

Product Targets

  • I can produce a writing product in which verbals increase the power of my writing.
  • I can rearrange complete simple and compound sentences of a variety of lengths.

Proficiency Scale for Grade 8 ELA:

Score   Description Sample Activity
4.0

In addition to Score 3.0, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications regarding more complex material that go beyond end of instruction expectations.

  • In his/her writing, the student can use verbals, effective voice, and consistent mood with stylistic flair to enhance meaning of work.
 -
  3.5 In addition to Score 3.0 performance, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications regarding the more complex content with partial success.
3.0

“The Standard.” The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding any of the information and processes that were end of instruction expectations.

The student can

·  draw conclusions about the purposeful use of verb tenses and forms, skillful use of voice, and contextual meaning of language.

·  explain how verbals affect or enhance the meaning of a passage.

·  use verbals in his/her writing to increase power of writing.

·  form and use verbs in active and passive voice.

·  recognize and correct inappropriate shifts and/or use in verb voice (passive/active) and mood.

·  form and use verbs in indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive mood.

 -
  2.5 The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and partial knowledge of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
2.0

The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).

The student can

·  recognize verbals

·  identify gerunds, participles, infinitives

·  define verbals, gerunds, participles, infinitives, active voice, passive voice, indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive mood

·  identify sentences as active or passive

·  identify verbs in indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive mood

·  attempts to use verbals, active/passive voice, and various mood structures within writing, but with limited success.

 -
  1.5 The student demonstrates partial knowledge of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and procedures (Score 3.0 content).
1.0 With help, the student demonstrates a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and some of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content). -
  0.5 With help, the student demonstrates a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) but not the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).

Resources

Websites

* http://www.wordgames.com/grammar-ninja.html

* http://www.redkid.net/madlibs/

 

Vocabulary

  • List

 

ELA-08.L.02

8th Grade ELA Targeted Standards
(L) Language Strand
Cluster: Conventions of Standard English

ELA-08.L.02 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Introduce:

  • a. Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break.
  • b. Use an ellipsis to indicate an omission.
  • c. Spell correctly.

Practice:

  • d. Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed and/or using spelling patterns and generalizations. (e.g., word families, position-based spelling, syllable patterns, ending rules, meaningful word parts)

Display proficiency in:

  • e. Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (e.g., It was fascinating, enjoyable movie but not He word an old [,] green shirt). 

 

Student Learning Targets for Grade 8 ELA:

Knowledge Targets

  • I can recall the rules of punctuation and capitalization for standard English.
  • I can recognize capitalization, punctuation, and spelling errors within a written work.

Reasoning Targets

  • I can determine when to use commas, ellipses, and dashes (among other punctuation marks).

Skills (Performance) Targets

  • I can use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break.
  • I can use an ellipsis to indicate an omission.
  • I can spell correctly.
  • I can spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.
  • I can use spelling patterns and generalizations. (e.g., word families, position-based spelling, syllable patterns, ending rules, meaningful word parts). 
  •  I can use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (e.g., It was fascinating, enjoyable movie but not He word an old [,] green shirt). 

Product Targets

  • I can create written work that models grade-appropriate usage of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling (Capitalization: I, proper nouns, proper adjectives, and in sentences; Punctuation: end marks, quotation marks in dialogue, comma in a compound sentence, and items in series, apostrophes, ellipses, and dashes).

Proficiency Scale

Score   8.L.02 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. Sample Activity
4.0 In addition to Score 3.0, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications regarding more complex material that go beyond end of instruction expectations. -
  3.5 In addition to Score 3.0 performance, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications regarding the more complex content with partial success.
3.0

“The Standard.” The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding any of the information and processes that were end of instruction expectations.

The student consistently can:

  •  determine when to use commas, ellipses, and dashes (among other punctuation marks).
  •  use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break.
  • use an ellipsis to indicate an omission.
  • spell correctly.
  • spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.
  • use spelling patterns and generalizations. (e.g., word families, position-based spelling, syllable patterns, ending rules, meaningful word parts). 
  • use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (e.g., It was fascinating, enjoyable movie but not He word an old [,] green shirt). 
  •  create written work that models grade-appropriate usage of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling (Capitalization: I, proper nouns, proper adjectives, and in sentences; Punctuation: end marks, quotation marks in dialogue, comma in a compound sentence, and items in series, apostrophes, ellipses, and dashes).
 -
  2.5 The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and partial knowledge of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
2.0

The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).

The student can:

-recall the rules of punctuation and capitalization for standard English.

-recognize capitalization, punctuation, and spelling errors within a written work.

 -
  1.5 The student demonstrates partial knowledge of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and procedures (Score 3.0 content).
1.0 With help, the student demonstrates a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and some of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content). -
  0.5 With help, the student demonstrates a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) but not the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).

Resources

Websites

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/6/

Vocabulary

phrase

gerund

infinitive

participle

appositive

clause

simple

compound

complex

compound-complex

ELA-08.L.03

8th Grade ELA Targeted Standards
(L) Language Strand
Cluster: Knowledge of Language

ELA-08.L.03 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

  • a. Use verbs in the active and passive voice and in the conditional and subjunctive mood to achieve particular effects (e.g., emphasizing the actor or the action; expressing uncertainty or describing a state contrary to fact).

Student Learning Targets:

Knowledge Targets

  • I can
  • I can

Reasoning Targets

  • I can
  • I can

Skills (Performance) Targets

  • I can
  • I can

Product Targets

  • I can
  • I can

Proficiency Scale

Score   Description Sample Activity
4.0 In addition to Score 3.0, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications regarding more complex material that go beyond end of instruction expectations. -
  3.5 In addition to Score 3.0 performance, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications regarding the more complex content with partial success.
3.0 “The Standard.” The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding any of the information and processes that were end of instruction expectations. -
  2.5 The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and partial knowledge of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
2.0 The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content). -
  1.5 The student demonstrates partial knowledge of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and procedures (Score 3.0 content).
1.0 With help, the student demonstrates a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and some of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content). -
  0.5 With help, the student demonstrates a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) but not the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
0.0 Even with help, the student demonstrates no understanding or skill. -

Resources

Websites

Vocabulary

ELA-08.L.04

8th Grade ELA Targeted Standards
(L) Language Strand
Cluster: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

ELA-08.L.04 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words or phrases based on grade 8 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

  •  a.  Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
  • b.  Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., precede, recede, secede).
  • c.  Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.
  • d.  Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).

Student Learning Targets:

Knowledge Targets

  • I can

Reasoning Targets

  • I can 

Skills (Performance) Targets

  • I can choose the correct meaning of words in context.
  • I can use resources.
  • I can recognize prefix/suffixes and use them to make meaning.
  • I can explain common roots and use them to make meaning.

Product Targets

  • I can

Proficiency Scale

Score   Description Sample Activity
4.0 In addition to Score 3.0, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications regarding more complex material that go beyond end of instruction expectations. -
  3.5 In addition to Score 3.0 performance, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications regarding the more complex content with partial success.
3.0 “The Standard.” The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding any of the information and processes that were end of instruction expectations. -
  2.5 The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and partial knowledge of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
2.0 The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content). -
  1.5 The student demonstrates partial knowledge of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and procedures (Score 3.0 content).
1.0 With help, the student demonstrates a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and some of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content). -
  0.5 With help, the student demonstrates a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) but not the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
0.0 Even with help, the student demonstrates no understanding or skill. -

Resources

Websites

Vocabulary

ELA-08.L.05

8th Grade ELA Targeted Standards
(L) Language Strand
Cluster: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

ELA-08.L.05 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

  • a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g. verbal irony, puns) in context.
  • b. Use the relationship between particular words to better understand each of the words.
  • c. Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., bullheaded, willful, firm, persistent, resolute).

Student Learning Targets:

Knowledge Targets

  • I can recognize figurative language, such as irony and puns.
  • I can define connotation and denotation.
  • I can understand how word choice can enhance the meaning of a work.

Reasoning Targets

  • I can interpret figures of speech found within a text.
  • I can explain the significance of figures of speech within and text and how words contribute to understanding theme, character, setting or main idea and author's position.
  • I can demonstrate the power of a word by determining connotation and denotations for words.

Skills (Performance) Targets

  • I can demonstrate the use of figurative language and specific word choice in my writing or in my speaking in order to enhance meaning.

Product Targets

  • I can

Proficiency Scale

Score   8.L.05 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. Sample Activity
4.0 In addition to Score 3.0, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications regarding more complex material that go beyond end of instruction expectations. -
  3.5 In addition to Score 3.0 performance, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications regarding the more complex content with partial success.
3.0

“The Standard.” The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding any of the information and processes that were end of instruction expectations.

The student can

  • interpret figures of speech found within a text.
  • explain the significance of figures of speech within a text and how words contribute to understanding theme, character, setting or main idea and author's position.
  • demonstrate the power of a word by determining connotation and denotations for words.
  • demonstrate the use of figurative language and specific word choice in his/her writing or in his/her speaking in order to enhance meaning.
 -
  2.5 The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and partial knowledge of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
2.0

The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).

The student can

  • recognize figurative language, such as irony and puns.
  • define connotation and denotation.
  • understand how word choice can enhance the meaning of a work.
 -
  1.5 The student demonstrates partial knowledge of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and procedures (Score 3.0 content).
1.0 With help, the student demonstrates a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and some of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content). -
  0.5 With help, the student demonstrates a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) but not the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).

Resources

Websites

Vocabulary

ELA-08.L.06

8th Grade ELA Targeted Standards
(L) Language Strand
Cluster: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

ELA-08.L.06 Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

Student Learning Targets for Grade 8 ELA:

Knowledge Targets

  • I can identify the meaning of words by using context clues.
  • I can recognize unfamiliar vocabulary from reading.
  • I can define vocabulary words to enhance the reading experience.
  • I can define general academic and domain-specific words and phrases.

Reasoning Targets

  • I can explain (when writing or discussing) domain-specific words in my references to reading, writing, and language.

Skills (Performance) Targets

  • I can investigate the use of vocabulary to enhance the reading experience.
  • I can use prior knowledge to define unfamiliar vocabulary.
  • I can use my knowledge of word origins and syntax to define unfamiliar terms.

Product Targets

  • I can

Proficiency Scale

Score   8.L.06 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression. Sample Activity
4.0 In addition to Score 3.0, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications regarding more complex material that go beyond end of instruction expectations. -
  3.5 In addition to Score 3.0 performance, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications regarding the more complex content with partial success.
3.0

“The Standard.” The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding any of the information and processes that were end of instruction expectations.

The student can

  • acquire and use vocabulary (using context, word parts, and/or consulting reference materials) to enhance reading comprehension.
  • apply general academic and domain-specific words to reading, writing, and language.
 -
  2.5 The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and partial knowledge of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
2.0

The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).

The student can

  • identify or define the meaning of words by using context clues, word parts, or by consulting reference materials.
  • define general academic and domain-specific words and phrases.
 -
  1.5 The student demonstrates partial knowledge of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and procedures (Score 3.0 content).
1.0 With help, the student demonstrates a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and some of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content). -
  0.5 With help, the student demonstrates a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) but not the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).

Resources

Websites

Vocabulary