Ohio’s Learning Standards

English Language Arts Page 1 | NAME OF PROJECT OR TITLE OF DOCUMENT | January 13, 2014

ADOPTED FEBRUARY 2017

OHIO’S LEARNING STANDARDS I ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS I A D O P T E D 2 0 1 7

Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Reading .............................................................................................................. 9
College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Writing .............................................................................................................. 10
College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Speaking and Listening .................................................................................... 11
College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Language ......................................................................................................... 12
Reading Standards for Literature K–12 ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
Reading Standards for Informational Text K–12........................................................................................................................................ 21
Reading Standards for Foundational Skills K–12 ....................................................................................................................................... 28
Writing Standards K–12 ........................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Speaking and Listening Standards K–12 ................................................................................................................................................. 45
Language Standards K–12 ....................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 6–12 .......................................................................... 62
Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 6–12 ............................................................ 66
English Language Arts Standards Revision Advisory Committee and Working Group ............................................................................ 70
Advisory Committee Members .............................................................................................................................................................. 70
Working Group Members ...................................................................................................................................................................... 71

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Introduction
The standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, public to get feedback to help in proposing revisions. In the fall of 2016, the
Science, and Technical Subjects were the culmination of an extended, broad- department presented the proposed standards revisions to the Senate and
based effort to fulfill the charge issued by the states. This charge was to create House education committees, as well as the State Board of Education. The
the next generation of K-12 standards in order to help ensure that all students board adopted the proposed revisions for Ohio’s Learning Standards for
are college and career ready in literacy no later than the end of high school. English Language Arts in early winter 2017.

As specified by a multi-state consortium of organizations, the standards are The stakeholder committees revised many standards for clarity. For example,
(1) research- and evidence-based, (2) aligned with college and work the committees revised Reading standard two at all grade levels to clarify the
expectations, (3) rigorous, and (4) internationally benchmarked. The connection between finding a theme or central ideas in a text and providing a
consortium included a standard in the document only after presenting the best summary of the text that includes those elements, as well as other important
available evidence indicating that its mastery was essential for college and details. In addition, the stakeholder committees added content to other
career readiness in a 21st century, globally competitive society. The standards standards from feedback the department received from surveys. Reading
will be a living work: as new and better evidence emerges, the state will call Literature standard 10 now contains language incorporating reader response
on educators and stakeholders from around Ohio to revise accordingly. theory, which deals with a student’s interaction or relationship with the text that
includes his or her personal, cultural, historical, and ethical connections and
The standards are an extension of a prior initiative to develop College and experiences as a way of deepening understanding of the text that extends
Career Readiness (CCR) standards in reading, writing, speaking, listening, beyond literary criticism. Likewise, Writing standards one and two now expect
and language as well as in mathematics. The CCR Reading, Writing, and the student to establish a clear thesis while producing argument and
Speaking and Listening Standards serve, in revised form, as the backbone for informative/explanatory writing pieces. To view more highlights on the
the present document. Grade-specific K–12 standards in reading, writing, standards’ revisions or to view the crosswalk of the 2010 and 2017 standards,
speaking, listening, and language translate the broad (and, for the earliest click here.
grades, seemingly distant) aims of the CCR standards into age- and
attainment-appropriate terms. The standards set requirements not only for In addition to the revisions to specific standards by the stakeholder
English language arts (ELA) but also for literacy in history/social studies, committees, the department completed a technical edit on the standards,
science, and technical subjects. which included the addition or revision of punctuation, clarifications to
phrasing, and adherence to outlining conventions. The committees checked
and revised all standards for vertical alignment in all strands and at all grade
OHIO’S LEARNING STANDARDS REVISIONS AND ADOPTION levels. In addition, process terms, such as delineate and evaluate, along with
several other terms found in the standards, were added to the new English
In 2010, the State Board of Education adopted Ohio's Learning Standards in Language Arts Glossary of Terms.
English Language Arts as a guide to teaching and learning in the classroom.
The kindergarten-grade 12 standards have been fully in use in Ohio
classrooms since the start of the 2014-2015 school year.

In early 2016, educators statewide began assisting the Ohio Department of

Education in updating Ohio’s Learning Standards in English Language Arts to

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better prepare students for college and careers. The department surveyed the

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communication are closely connected, as reflected throughout this document.

For example, Writing standard nine requires that students be able to write
KEY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
about what they read. Likewise, Speaking and Listening standard four sets the
COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS AND GRADE-SPECIFIC STANDARDS expectation that students will share findings from their research.
The College and Career Readiness (CCR) standards anchor the document RESEARCH AND MEDIA SKILLS BLENDED INTO THE STANDARDS AS A WHOLE
and define general, cross- disciplinary literacy expectations that students must
meet to be prepared to enter college and workforce training programs ready To be ready for college, workforce training, and life in a technological society,
to succeed. The K-12 grade-specific standards define end-of-year students need the ability to gather, comprehend, evaluate, synthesize, and
expectations and a cumulative progression designed to enable students to report on information and ideas, to conduct original research in order to answer
meet college and career readiness expectations no later than the end of high questions or solve problems, and to analyze and create a high volume and
school. The CCR and the high school (grades 9-12) standards work in tandem extensive range of print and non-print texts in media forms old and new. Every
to define the college and career readiness line -- the former providing broad aspect of today’s curriculum contains the need to conduct research and to
standards, the latter providing additional specificity. Hence, test creators produce and consume media. In like fashion, research and media skills and
should consider both when developing college and career readiness understandings infiltrate the standards rather than representing a separate
assessments. section.

Students advancing through the grades are expected to meet each year’s SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR STUDENTS’ LITERACY DEVELOPMENT
grade specific standards, retain or further develop skills and understandings The standards insist that instruction in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and
mastered in preceding grades, and work steadily toward meeting the more language be a shared responsibility within the school. The K-5 standards
general expectations described by the CCR standards. include expectations for reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language
GRADE LEVELS FOR K-8; GRADE BANDS FOR 9-10 AND 11-12 applicable to a range of subjects, including, but not limited to, English language
arts (ELA). The grades 6-12 standards are divided into two sections, one for
The standards use individual grade levels in kindergarten through grade 8 to ELA and the other for history/social studies, science, and technical subjects.
provide useful specificity; the standards use two-year bands in grades 9-12 to This division reflects the unique, time-honored place of ELA teachers in
allow schools, districts, and states flexibility in high school course design. developing students’ literacy skills while at the same time recognizing that
teachers in other areas must have roles in this development as well.
A FOCUS ON RESULTS RATHER THAN MEANS
Part of the motivation behind the interdisciplinary approach to literacy
By emphasizing required achievements, the standards leave room for
promulgated by the standards is extensive research establishing the need for
teachers, curriculum developers, and states to determine how students should
college and career ready students to be proficient in reading complex
reach those goals and what additional topics teachers should address. Thus,
informational text independently in a variety of content areas. Most of the
the standards do not mandate such things as a particular writing process or
required reading in college and workforce training programs is informational in
the full range of metacognitive strategies that students may need to monitor
structure and challenging in content; postsecondary education programs
and direct their thinking and learning. Teachers are thus free to provide
typically provide students with both a higher volume of such reading than is
students with whatever tools and knowledge their professional judgment and
generally required in K-12 schools and comparatively little scaffolding. The
experience identify as most helpful for meeting the goals set out in the
standards are not alone in calling for a special emphasis on informational text.
standards.
The 2009 reading framework of the National Assessment of Educational
AN INTEGRATED MODEL OF LITERACY Progress (NAEP) requires a high and increasing proportion of informational

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text on its assessment as students advance through the grades.

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Although the standards’ sections are Reading, Writing, Speaking and
Listening, and Language strands for conceptual clarity, the processes of
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DISTRIBUTION OF LITERARY AND INFORMATIONAL PASSAGES NAEP likewise outlines a distribution across the grades of the core purposes
BY GRADE IN THE 2009 NAEP READING FRAMEWORK and types of student writing. The 2011 NAEP framework, like the standards,
cultivates the development of three mutually reinforcing writing capacities:
GRADE LITERARY INFORMATIONAL
writing to persuade, to explain, and to convey real or imagined experience.
4 50% 50% Evidence concerning the demands of college and career readiness gathered
8 45% 55%
during development of the standards concurs with NAEP’s shifting emphases:
12 30% 70% standards for grades 9-12 describe writing in all three forms, but, consistent
with NAEP, the overwhelming focus of writing throughout high school should
Source: National Assessment Governing Board. (2008). Reading framework for the 2009 National be on arguments and informative/explanatory texts.
Assessment of Educational Progress. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
It follows that writing assessments aligned with the standards should adhere
to the distribution of writing purposes across grades outlined by NAEP. Note
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNICATIVE PURPOSES BY GRADE IN
that the percentages on the tables reflect the sum of student reading and
THE 2011 NAEP WRITING FRAMEWORK writing, not just reading and writing in ELA settings.
GRADE TO PERSUADE TO EXPLAIN TO CONVEY EXPERIENCE
FOCUS AND COHERENCE IN INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT
4 30% 35% 35%
8 35% 35% 30% While the standards delineate specific expectations in reading, writing,
12 40% 40% 20% speaking, listening, and language, each standard need not be a separate
focus for instruction and assessment. Often, a single rich task can address
Source: National Assessment Governing Board. (2007). Writing framework for the 2011 National
several standards. For example, when editing writing, students address
Assessment of Educational Progress, pre-publication edition. Iowa City, IA: ACT, Inc. Writing standard five (“Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning,
revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach”) as well as Language
The standards aim to align instruction with this framework so that many more standards one through three (which deal with conventions of standard English
students than at present can meet the requirements of college and career and knowledge of language). When drawing evidence from literary and
readiness. In K-5, the standards follow NAEP’s lead in balancing the reading informational texts per Writing standard nine, students are also demonstrating
of literature with the reading of informational texts, including texts in their comprehension skills in relation to specific standards in reading. When
history/social studies, science, and technical subjects. In accord with NAEP’s discussing something they have read or written, students are also
growing emphasis on informational texts in the higher grades, the standards demonstrating their speaking and listening skills. The CCR anchor standards
demand that a significant amount of reading of informational texts take place themselves provide another source of focus and coherence.
in and outside the English language arts (ELA) classroom. Fulfilling the
standards for 6-12 ELA requires much greater attention to a specific category The same ten CCR anchor standards for Reading apply to both literary and
of informational text—literary nonfiction — than has been traditional. Since the informational texts, including texts in history/social studies, science, and
ELA classroom must focus on literature (stories, drama, and poetry) as well as technical subjects. The 10 CCR anchor standards for Writing cover numerous
literary nonfiction, a great deal of informational reading in grades 6-12 must text types and subject areas. This means that students can develop mutually
take place in other classes if the NAEP assessment framework is to be reinforcing skills and exhibit mastery of standards for reading and writing
matched instructionally. To measure students’ growth toward college and across a range of texts and classrooms.
career readiness, assessments aligned with the standards should adhere to
the distribution of texts across grades cited in the NAEP framework.

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after their first exposure to a standard skill or concept. These standards are
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PURPOSE AND meant to progress to college and career readiness from kindergarten to high
FUNCTION OF THE STANDARDS school and introduction to mastery from the first day of a grade level to the last
The standards should be recognized and utilized for their purpose and day of that grade level during the school year. For example, CCRA.R.2 (see
function. The most important questions raised around the standards by page 7 for explanation of this code) expects a student to be able to determine
Ohioans are as follows: a theme, analyze its development, and produce an analysis of the text that
includes the development of the theme. The standards at the beginning of
1. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE STANDARDS IN THE CLASSROOM? WHY ARE grade 1 ask the student to draw out the lesson of the story and speak about
THE STANDARDS SO GENERAL? the key details. By the end of grade 1, these same students should be able to
do this with mastery but would not be expected to determine theme, as the
The standards define what all students should know and be able to do, not
CCRA states. Full mastery of the grade level standard specifically should occur
how teachers should teach. For instance, teaching cursive writing to young
by the end of the school year.
children is not specified by the standards, but it is welcome as a valuable
activity as a way to help students meet the expectations in this document, such 3. DO THE STANDARDS INCLUDE LEVELS WITHIN A GRADE LEVEL OR
as reading primary sources. Furthermore, while the standards refer to some MODIFICATIONS FOR DIVERSE LEARNERS?
particular forms of content, including mythology, foundational U.S. documents,
and Shakespeare, they do not—indeed, cannot,—enumerate all or even most The standards set grade-specific standards but do not define the intervention
of the content that students should learn. A well-developed, content-rich methods or materials necessary to support students who are well below or well
curriculum consistent with the expectations laid out in this document must above grade-level expectations. No set of grade-specific standards can fully
therefore complement these standards. reflect the great variety in abilities, needs, learning rates, and achievement
levels of students in any given classroom.
While the standards focus on what is most essential, they do not describe all
that teachers can or should teach. Teachers and curriculum developers It is also beyond the scope of the standards to define the full range of supports
maintain a great deal of discretion in this area. This is why Ohio’s Learning appropriate for English language learners and for students with special needs.
Standards for English Language Arts do not include exhaustive lists of literary At the same time, all students must have the opportunity to learn and meet the
and rhetorical devices for the classroom. The aim of the standards is to same high standards if they are to access the knowledge and skills necessary
articulate the fundamentals, not to set out a list or set of restrictions that limits in their post-high school lives.
instruction beyond what is specified herein. In addition, while we do The standards also allow for the widest possible range of students to
understand the controversy and confusion surrounding the teaching of participate fully from the outset and, as permissible, to use appropriate
grammar, the language standards do not specify specific strategies for best accommodations to ensure maximum participation of students with special
practice grammar instruction. The Model Curriculum, however, contains many education needs. For example, for students with disabilities, reading should
best practice strategies and is available here. Educators can find more allow for the use of Braille, screen-reader technology, or other assistive
strategies and guidance on our English Language Arts Instructional Strategies devices, while writing should include the use of a scribe, computer, or speech-
webpage here. to-text technology even though the standards do not specify the use of these
2. WHEN SHOULD TEACHERS EXPECT STUDENTS TO MASTER THE SKILLS supports. In a similar vein, educators should interpret speaking and listening
AND CONTENT IN EACH STANDARD? broadly to include sign language.

As stated previously, the K–12 grade-specific standards define end-of-year Educators can find more instructional strategies for diverse learners in our

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expectations and a cumulative progression designed to enable students to Model Curriculum documents and on our Diverse Learners in English

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meet college and career readiness expectations no later than the end of high Language Arts webpage.
school. This means that teachers should not expect students to show mastery
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STUDENTS WHO ARE COLLEGE AND CAREER READY IN THEY COMPREHEND AS WELL AS CRITIQUE.
READING, WRITING, SPEAKING, LISTENING, AND LANGUAGE Students are engaged and open-minded—but discerning—readers and
The descriptions that follow are not standards themselves but instead offer a listeners. They work diligently to understand precisely what an author or
portrait of students who meet the standards set out in this document. As speaker is saying, but they also question an author’s or speaker’s assumptions
students advance through the grades and master the standards in reading, and premises and assess the veracity of claims and the soundness of
writing, speaking, listening, and language, they are able to exhibit with reasoning.
increasing fullness and regularity these capacities of the literate individual.
THEY VALUE EVIDENCE.
THEY DEMONSTRATE INDEPENDENCE.
Students cite specific evidence when offering an oral or written interpretation
Students can, without significant scaffolding, comprehend and evaluate of a text. They use relevant evidence when supporting their own points in
complex texts across a range of types and disciplines, and they can construct writing and speaking, making their reasoning clear to the reader or listener,
effective arguments and convey intricate or multifaceted information. Likewise, and they constructively evaluate others’ use of evidence.
students are able independently to discern a speaker’s key points, request
THEY USE TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGICALLY AND
clarification, and ask relevant questions. They build on others’ ideas, articulate
CAPABLY.
their own ideas, and confirm understanding. Without prompting, they
demonstrate command of standard English and acquire and use a wide- Students employ technology thoughtfully to enhance their reading, writing,
ranging vocabulary. More broadly, they become self-directed learners, speaking, listening, and language use. They tailor their searches online to
effectively seeking out and using resources to assist them, including teachers, acquire useful information efficiently, and they integrate what they learn using
peers, and print and digital reference materials. technology with what they learn offline. They are familiar with the strengths
and limitations of various technological tools and mediums and can select and
THEY BUILD STRONG CONTENT KNOWLEDGE.
use those best suited to their communication goals.
Students establish a base of knowledge across a wide range of subject matter
THEY COME TO UNDERSTAND OTHER PERSPECTIVES AND CULTURES.
by engaging with works of quality and substance. They become proficient in
new areas through research and study. They read purposefully and listen Students appreciate that the 21st century classroom and workplace are
attentively to gain both general knowledge and discipline-specific expertise. settings in which people from often widely divergent cultures and who
They refine and share their knowledge through writing and speaking. represent diverse experiences and perspectives must learn and work together.
Students actively seek to understand other perspectives and cultures through
THEY RESPOND TO THE VARYING DEMANDS OF AUDIENCE, TASK, PURPOSE,
AND DISCIPLINE. reading and listening, and they are able to communicate effectively with people
of varied backgrounds. They evaluate other points of view critically and
Students adapt their communication in relation to audience, task, purpose, and constructively. Through reading great classic and contemporary works of
discipline. They set and adjust purpose for reading, writing, speaking, listening, literature representative of a variety of periods, cultures, and worldviews,
and language use as warranted by the task. They appreciate nuances, such students can vicariously inhabit worlds and have experiences much different
as how the composition of an audience should affect tone when speaking and from their own.
how the connotations of words affect meaning. They also know that different
disciplines call for different types of evidence (e.g., documentary evidence in
history, experimental evidence in science).

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HOW TO READ THIS DOCUMENT Specific writing types — arguments, informative/explanatory texts, and
OVERALL DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION narratives — more properly define other skills.

The standards are first divided by strand: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Standard nine stresses the importance of the writing-reading connection by
Listening, and Language strands; then, the 6-12 history/social studies, requiring students to draw upon and write about evidence from literary and
science, and technical subjects section focuses on reading and writing. Each informational texts. Because of the centrality of writing to most forms of inquiry,
set of College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Standards, arranged by research standards are prominently included in this strand, though skills
strand, follow this initial information. important to research are infused throughout the document.
SPEAKING AND LISTENING: FLEXIBLE COMMUNICATION AND
Standards for each grade within K-8 and for grades 9-10 and 11-12 follow the
COLLABORATION
CCR Anchor (CCRA) Standards in each strand. Each grade-specific standard
corresponds to the same- numbered CCRA standard. Put another way, each Including but not limited to skills necessary for formal presentations, the
CCRA Standard has an accompanying grade-specific standard translating the Speaking and Listening standards require students to develop a range of
broader CCRA statement into grade-appropriate end-of-year expectations. broadly useful oral communication and interpersonal skills. Students must
learn to work together, express and listen carefully to ideas, integrate
Each strand, CCR status, and number (R.CCR.6, for example) provide
information from oral, visual, quantitative, and media sources, evaluate what
identification for individual CCRA Standards. Individual, grade-specific
they hear, use media and visual displays strategically to help achieve
standards can be identified by their strand, grade, and number (or number and
communicative purposes, and adapt speech to context and task.
letter, where applicable), so that RI.4.3, for example, stands for Reading,
Informational Text, grade 4, standard 3 and W.5.1a stands for Writing, grade LANGUAGE: CONVENTIONS, EFFECTIVE USE, AND VOCABULARY
5, standard 1a. Strand designations are in brackets alongside the full strand
title. The Language standards include the essential “rules” of standard written and
spoken English, but they also approach language as a matter of craft and
informed choice among alternatives. The vocabulary standards focus on
KEY FEATURES OF THE STANDARDS understanding words and phrases, their relationships, and their nuances and
READING: TEXT COMPLEXITY AND THE GROWTH OF COMPREHENSION on acquiring new vocabulary, particularly general academic and domain-
specific words and phrases.
The Reading standards place equal emphasis on the sophistication of what
students read and the skill with which they read. Standard 10 defines a grade- APPENDICES A, B, AND C
by-grade “staircase” of increasing text complexity that rises from beginning
Appendix A contains supplementary material on reading, writing, speaking and
reading to the college and career readiness level. Whatever they are reading,
listening, and language. Information detailing the components and importance
students must also show a steadily growing ability to discern more from and
of text complexity is included, along with annotated text excerpts that explain
make fuller use of text, including making an increasing number of connections
among ideas and between texts, considering a wider range of textual how grade-level texts represent the components of text complexity. Along with
evidence, and becoming more sensitive to inconsistencies, ambiguities, and descriptive sections of the other English language arts strands, Appendix A
poor reasoning in texts. also contains a robust section explaining foundation skills in reading with
examples of phoneme-grapheme correspondences, as well as other phonetic
WRITING: TEXT TYPES, RESPONDING TO READING, AND RESEARCH
components.

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The standards acknowledge the fact that some writing skills, such as the ability

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to plan, revise, edit, and publish, are applicable to many types of writing. Appendix B consists of text exemplars illustrating the complexity, quality, and
range of reading appropriate for various grade levels with accompanying
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sample performance tasks. Each band’s exemplars are divided into text types
matching those required in the standards for a given grade. K-5 exemplars
contain stories, poetry, and informational texts (as well as read-aloud texts in
kindergarten through grade 3). The grades 6-CCR exemplars contain English
Language Arts, history/social studies, and science, mathematics, and
technical subjects, with the ELA texts further subdivided into stories, drama,
poetry, and informational texts.

Appendix C contains annotated samples demonstrating at least adequate

performance in student writing at various grade levels. Note: these samples
are not writing exemplars, which would be best examples of writing that
demonstrates the content and skills in the writing standards. Annotations that
outline how the sample met portions of Ohio’s Learning Standards for English
Language Arts for Writing follow each sample.

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Standards for English Language Arts K-12

8. Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text,
including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and
College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Reading
sufficiency of the evidence.
The K–12 standards on the following pages define what students should
understand and be able to do by the end of each grade. They correspond to 9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order
the College and Career Readiness (CCR) anchor standards below by number. to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
The CCR and grade-specific standards are necessary complements—the RANGE OF READING AND LEVEL OF TEXT COMPLEXITY
former providing broad standards, the latter providing additional specificity -
that together define the skills and understandings that all students must 10. Read, comprehend, and respond to complex literary and informational
demonstrate. texts independently and proficiently.
KEY IDEAS AND DETAILS
NOTE ON RANGE AND CONTENT OF STUDENT READING
1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical
K-12
inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking
to support conclusions drawn from the text. To build a foundation for college and career readiness, students must read widely and
deeply from among a broad range of high-quality, increasingly challenging literary and
2. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their informational texts. Through extensive reading of stories, dramas, poems, and myths
development; provide a summary or thorough analysis of the text, from diverse cultures and different time periods, students gain literary and cultural
including the appropriate components. knowledge as well as familiarity with various text structures and elements. By reading
texts in history/social studies, science, and other disciplines, students build a
3. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact foundation of knowledge in these fields.
over the course of a text.
To become college and career ready, students must grapple with works of exceptional
CRAFT AND STRUCTURE craft and thought whose range extends across genres, cultures, and centuries. Through
wide and deep reading of literature and literary nonfiction of steadily increasing
4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including sophistication, students gain a reservoir of literary and cultural knowledge, references,
determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze and images; the ability to evaluate intricate arguments; and the capacity to surmount
how specific language choices shape meaning, mood, or tone of the text. the challenges posed by complex texts.

5. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 6-12
paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene,
College and career ready reading in these fields requires an appreciation of the norms
or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.
and conventions of each discipline, such as the kinds of evidence used in history and
6. Assess how point of view, perspective, or purpose shapes the content and science; an understanding of domain-specific words and phrases; an attention to
precise details; and the capacity to evaluate intricate arguments, synthesize complex
style of a text.
information, and follow detailed descriptions of events and concepts. In history/social
INTEGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS studies, for example, students need to be able to analyze, evaluate, and differentiate
primary and secondary sources. When reading scientific and technical texts, students

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7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, need to be able to gain knowledge from challenging texts that often make extensive

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including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.* use of elaborate diagrams and data to convey concepts.
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9. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis,

College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Writing reflection, and research.
The K–5 standards on the following pages define what students should RANGE OF WRITING
understand and be able to do by the end of each grade. They correspond to
the College and Career Readiness (CCR) anchor standards below by number. 10. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection,
The CCR and grade-specific standards are necessary complements—the and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for
former providing broad standards, the latter providing additional specificity - a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.
that together define the skills and understandings that all students must
demonstrate.
NOTE ON RANGE AND CONTENT OF STUDENT WRITING
TEXT TYPES AND PURPOSES* K-5

1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or To build a foundation for college and career readiness, students need to learn to use
texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. writing as a way of offering and supporting opinions, demonstrating understanding of
the subjects they are studying, and conveying real and imagined experiences and
2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas events. They learn to appreciate that a key purpose of writing is to communicate clearly
and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, to an external, sometimes unfamiliar audience, and they begin to adapt the form and
organization, and analysis of content. content of their writing to accomplish a particular task and purpose. They develop the
capacity to build knowledge on a subject through research projects and to respond
3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using analytically to literary and informational sources. To meet these goals, students must
effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event devote significant time and effort to writing, producing numerous pieces over short and
sequences. extended periods throughout the year. See keyboarding skill expectations for grades
4-6 in the technology document here under Basic Concepts and Basic Operations.
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF WRITING
6-12 General and Writing in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical
4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, Subjects 6-12
organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
For students, writing is a key means of asserting and defending claims, showing what
5. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, they know about a subject, and conveying what they have experienced, imagined,
rewriting, or trying a new approach. thought, and felt. To be college- and career-ready writers, students must take task,
purpose, and audience into careful consideration, choosing words, information,
6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and structures, and formats deliberately. They need to know how to combine elements of
to interact and collaborate with others. different kinds of writing—for example, to use narrative strategies within argument and
explanation within narrative, — to produce complex and nuanced writing. They need
RESEARCH TO BUILD AND PRESENT KNOWLEDGE to be able to use technology strategically when creating, refining, and collaborating
on writing. They have to become adept at gathering information, evaluating sources,
7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on and citing material accurately, reporting findings from their research and analysis of
focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under sources in a clear and cogent manner. They must have the flexibility, concentration,
investigation. and fluency to produce high-quality draft text under a tight deadline as well as the
capacity to revisit and make improvements to a piece of writing over multiple drafts

10
8. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess when circumstances encourage or require it. To meet these goals, students must
the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information, devote significant time and effort to writing, producing numerous pieces over short and

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while avoiding plagiarism. long periods throughout the year.
OHIO’S LEARNING STANDARDS I ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS I A D O P T E D 2 0 1 7

NOTE ON RANGE AND CONTENT OF STUDENT SPEAKING AND

College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Speaking LISTENING
and Listening K-5
The K–12 standards on the following pages define what students should
understand and be able to do by the end of each grade. They correspond to To build a foundation for college and career readiness, students must have
the College and Career Readiness (CCR) anchor standards below by number. many opportunities to take part in a variety of rich, structured conversations—
The CCR and grade-specific standards are necessary complements—the as part of a whole class, in small groups, and with a partner. Being productive
former providing broad standards, the latter providing additional specificity - members of these conversations requires that students contribute accurate,
that together define the skills and understandings that all students must relevant information; respond to and develop what others have said; make
demonstrate. comparisons and contrasts; and analyze and synthesize a multitude of ideas
in various domains. New technologies have broadened and expanded the role
COMPREHENSION AND COLLABORATION that speaking and listening play in acquiring and sharing knowledge and have
tightened their link to other forms of communication. Digital texts confront
1. Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and
students with the potential for continually updated content and dynamically
collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and
changing combinations of words, graphics, images, hyperlinks, and embedded
expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
video and audio.
2. Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and
6-12
formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
To become college and career ready, students must have many opportunities
3. Evaluate a speaker’s perspective, reasoning, and use of evidence and
to take part in a variety of rich, structured conversations—as part of a whole
rhetoric.
class, in small groups, and with a partner—built around important content in
various domains. They must be able to contribute appropriately to these
conversations, to make comparisons and contrasts, and to analyze and
PRESENTATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS synthesize a multitude of ideas in accordance with the standards of evidence
4. Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners appropriate to a particular discipline. Whatever their intended major or
can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and profession, high school graduates will depend heavily on their ability to listen
style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. attentively to others so that they are able to build on others’ meritorious ideas
while expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
5. Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express
information and enhance understanding of presentations. New technologies have broadened and expanded the role that speaking and
listening play in acquiring and sharing knowledge and have tightened their link
6. Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks, to other forms of communication. The Internet has accelerated the speed at
demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. which students can make connections between speaking, listening, reading,
and writing, requiring that students be ready to use these modalities nearly
simultaneously. Technology itself is changing quickly, creating a new urgency
for students to be adaptable in response to change.

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College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Language NOTE ON RANGE AND CONTENT OF STUDENT LANGUAGE USE
The K–5 standards on the following pages define what students should K-5
understand and be able to do by the end of each grade. They correspond to
To build a foundation for college and career readiness in language, students
the College and Career Readiness (CCR) anchor standards below by number.
must gain control over many conventions of standard English grammar, usage,
The CCR and grade-specific standards are necessary complements—the
and mechanics as well as learn other ways to use language to convey meaning
former providing broad standards, the latter providing additional specificity -
effectively. They must also be able to determine or clarify the meaning of
that together define the skills and understandings that all students must
grade- appropriate words encountered through listening, reading, and media
demonstrate.
use; come to appreciate that words have nonliteral meanings, shadings of
CONVENTIONS OF STANDARD ENGLISH meaning, and relationships to other words; and expand their vocabulary in the
course of studying content. Students should not take the inclusion of Language
1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar standards in their own strand as an indication that skills related to conventions,
and usage when writing or speaking. effective language use, and vocabulary are unimportant to reading, writing,
2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English speaking, and listening; indeed, they are inseparable from such contexts.
capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. 6-12

To be college and career ready in language, students must have firm control
KNOWLEDGE OF LANGUAGE over the conventions of standard English. At the same time, they must come
to appreciate that language is as at least as much a matter of craft as of rules
3. Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in and be able to choose words, syntax, and punctuation to express themselves
different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to and achieve particular functions and rhetorical effects. They must also have
comprehend more fully when reading or listening. extensive vocabularies, built through reading and study, enabling them to
comprehend complex texts and engage in purposeful writing about and
conversations around content. They need to become skilled in determining or
VOCABULARY ACQUISITION AND USE clarifying the meaning of words and phrases they encounter, choosing flexibly
from an array of strategies to aid them. They must learn to see an individual
4. Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words word as part of a network of other words—words, for example, that have
and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and similar denotations but different connotations. Students should not take the
consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate. inclusion of Language standards in their own strand as an indication that skills
related to conventions, effective language use, and vocabulary are
5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships,
unimportant to reading, writing, speaking, and listening; indeed, they are
and nuances in word meanings.
inseparable from such contexts.
6. Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-
specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and
listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate
independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when encountering an

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unknown term important to comprehension or expression.

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OHIO’S LEARNING STANDARDS I ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS I A D O P T E D 2 0 1 7

Language Progressive Skills, by Grade

The following skills, marked with an asterisk (*) in Language standards 1–3, are particularly likely to require continued attention in higher grades as they are
applied to increasingly sophisticated writing and speaking.

STANDARD GRADE LEVELS

3 4 5 6 7 8 9-10 11-12

L.3.1f. Ensure subject-verb agreement and pronoun-antecedent agreement.

L.3.3a. Choose words and phrases for effect.

L.4.1f. Produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-ons.

L.4.1g. Correctly use frequently confused words (e.g., to/too/two; their/there).

L.4.3a. Choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely.*

L.4.3b. Choose punctuation for effect.

L.5.1d. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense.

L.5.2a. Use punctuation to separate items in a series.

L.6.1c. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person.

L.6.1d. Recognize and correct vague pronouns (i.e., ones with unclear or ambiguous antecedents).
L.6.1e. Recognize variations from standard English in their own and others’ writing and speaking, and identify
and use strategies to improve expression in conventional language.
L.6.2a. Use punctuation (commas, parentheses, dashes) to set off nonrestrictive/parenthetical elements.

L.6.3a. Vary sentence patterns for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style.

L.6.3b. Maintain consistency in style and tone.

L.7.1c. Place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing and correcting misplaced and dangling
modifiers.
L.7.3a. Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing and eliminating wordiness
and redundancy.

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L.8.1d. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb voice and mood.

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L.9-10.1a. Use parallel structure.
OHIO’S LEARNING STANDARDS I ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS I A D O P T E D 2 0 1 7

Reading Standards for Literature K–12

The following standards offer a focus for instruction each year and help ensure that students gain adequate exposure to a range of texts and
tasks. The requirement that students read increasingly complex texts through the grades implies rigor. Students advancing through the grades
should meet each year’s grade-specific standards and retain or further develop skills and understandings mastered in preceding grades.

KINDERGARTNERS: GRADE 1 STUDENTS: GRADE 2 STUDENTS:

KEY IDEAS AND DETAILS
RL.K.1 With prompting and support, ask and RL.1.1 Ask and answer questions about key details RL.2.1 Ask and answer such questions as who,
answer questions about key details in a text. in a text. what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate
understanding of key details in a text.

RL.K.2 With prompting and support, retell familiar RL.1.2 Analyze literary text development. RL.2.2 Analyze literary text development.
stories, including key details. a. Demonstrate understanding of the lesson. a. Determine the lesson or moral.
b. Retell stories, including key details. b. Retell stories, including fables and
folktales from diverse cultures.

RL.K.3 With prompting and support, identify RL.1.3 Describe characters, settings, and major RL.2.3 Describe how characters in a story
characters, settings, and major events in a story. events in a story, using key details. respond to major events and challenges.

CRAFT AND STRUCTURE

RL.K.4 Ask and answer questions about unknown RL.1.4 Identify words and phrases in stories or RL.2.4 Describe how words and phrases (e.g.,
words in a text. poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses. regular beats, alliteration, rhymes, repeated lines)
supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or
song.
RL.K.5 Recognize common types of texts (e.g., RL.1.5 Explain major differences between books that RL.2.5 Describe the overall structure of a story,
storybooks, poems). tell stories and books that give information, drawing including describing how the beginning introduces
on a wide reading of a range of text types. the story and the ending concludes the action.

RL.K.6 With prompting and support, name the RL.1.6 Identify who is telling the story at various RL.2.6 Distinguish between points of view when
author and illustrator of a story and define the role of points in a text. referring to narrators and characters, recognizing
each in telling the story. when the narrator is a character in the story.

INTEGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

RL.K. 7 With prompting and support, describe the RL.1.7 Use illustrations and details in a story to RL.2.7 Use information gained from the
relationship between illustrations and the story in describe its characters, setting, or events. illustrations and words in a print or digital text to

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which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an demonstrate understanding of its characters,
illustration depicts). setting, or plot.

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RL.K.8 (Not applicable to literature) RL.1.8 (Not applicable to literature) RL.2.8 (Not applicable to literature)
RL.K. 9 With prompting and support, compare and RL.1.9 Compare and contrast the adventures and RL.2.9 Compare and contrast two or more
contrast the adventures and experiences of experiences of characters in stories. versions of the same story (e.g., Cinderella
characters in familiar stories. stories) by different authors or from different
cultures.
RANGE OF READING AND LEVEL OF TEXT COMPLEXITY
RL.K.10 Actively engage in group reading activities RL.1. 10 With prompting and support, read prose RL.2.10 By the end of the year, read and
with purpose and understanding. Activate prior and poetry of appropriate complexity for grade 1. comprehend literature, including stories and
knowledge and draw on previous experiences in Activate prior knowledge and draw on previous poetry, in the grades 2–3 text complexity band
order to make text-to-self or text-to-text connections experiences in order to make text-to-self or text-to- proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high
and comparisons. text connections and comparisons. end of the range. Activate prior knowledge and
draw on previous experiences in order to make
text-to-self or text-to-text connections and
comparisons.

GRADE 3 STUDENTS: GRADE 4 STUDENTS: GRADE 5 STUDENTS:

KEY IDEAS AND DETAILS

RL.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate RL.4.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when RL.5.1 Quote accurately from a text when
understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text explaining what the text says explicitly and when explaining what the text says explicitly and when
as the basis for the answers. drawing inferences from the text. drawing inferences from the text.

RL.3.2 Analyze literary text development. RL.4.2 Analyze literary text development. RL.5.2 Analyze literary text development.
a. Determine a theme and explain how it is a. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or a. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or
conveyed through key details in the text. poem from details in the text. poem from details in the text, including
b. Retell stories, including fables, folktales, b. Summarize the text, incorporating a theme how characters in a story or drama
and myths from diverse cultures. determined from details in the text. respond to challenges or how the speaker
in a poem reflects upon a topic.
b. Summarize the text, incorporating a
theme determined from details in the text.

RL.3.3 Describe characters in a story (e.g., their RL.4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or RL.5.3 Compare and contrast two or more
traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details characters, settings, or events in a story or drama,
actions contribute to the sequence of events. in the text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how
actions). characters interact).

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OHIO’S LEARNING STANDARDS I ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS I A D O P T E D 2 0 1 7

CRAFT AND STRUCTURE

RL.3.4 Determine the meaning of words and RL.4.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases RL.5.4 Determine the meaning of words and
phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing as they are used in a text, including those that allude phrases as they are used in a text, including
literal from nonliteral language. to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., figurative language such as metaphors, similes,
Herculean). and idioms.
RL.3.5 Refer to parts of stories, dramas, and poems RL.4.5 Explain major differences between poems, RL.5.5 Explain how a series of chapters, scenes,
when writing or speaking about a text, using terms drama, and prose, and refer to the structural or stanzas fits together to provide the overall
such as chapter, scene, and stanza; describe how elements of poems (e.g., verse, rhythm, meter) and structure of a particular story, drama, or poem.
each successive part builds on earlier sections. drama (e.g., casts of characters, settings,
descriptions, dialogue, stage directions) when writing
or speaking about a text.
RL.3.6 Describe the difference between points of RL.4.6 Explain the differences in the point(s) of view RL.5.6 Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s
view in texts, particularly first- and third-person in a text and different perspectives of the characters. point of view and perspective influence how
narration. events are described.

INTEGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

RL.3.7 Explain how specific aspects of a text’s RL.4.7 Make connections between the text of a story RL.5.7 Analyze how visual and multimedia
illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, elements contribute to the meaning, tone, mood,
words in a story (e.g., emphasize aspects of a identifying where each version reflects specific or appeal of a text (e.g., graphic novel, multimedia
character or setting). descriptions and directions in the text. presentation of fiction, folktale, myth, poem).

RL.3.8 (Not applicable to literature) RL.4.8 (Not applicable to literature) RL.5.8 (Not applicable to literature)

RL.3.9 Compare and contrast the themes, settings, RL.4.9 Compare and contrast the treatment of similar RL.5.9 Compare and contrast stories in the same
and plots of stories written by the same author themes and topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) genre (e.g., mysteries and adventure stories) on
about the same or similar characters (e.g., in books and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, their approaches to similar themes and topics.
from a series). myths, and traditional literature from different
cultures.
RANGE OF READING AND LEVEL OF TEXT COMPLEXITY
RL.3.10 By the end of the year, read and RL.4.10 By the end of the year, read and RL.5.10 By the end of the year, read and
comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas,
and poetry, at the high end of the grades 2–3 text poetry, in the grades 4–5 text complexity band and poetry, at the high end of the grades 4–5 text
complexity band independently and proficiently. proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high complexity band independently and proficiently.
Activate prior knowledge and draw on previous end of the range. Activate prior knowledge and draw Activate prior knowledge and draw on previous
experiences in order to make text-to-self or text-to- on previous experiences in order to make text-to-self experiences in order to make text-to-self or text-
text connections and comparisons. or text-to-text connections and comparisons. to-text connections and comparisons.

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OHIO’S LEARNING STANDARDS I ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS I A D O P T E D 2 0 1 7

GRADE 6 STUDENTS: GRADE 7 STUDENTS: GRADE 8 STUDENTS:

KEY IDEAS AND DETAILS

RL.6.1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of RL.7.1 Cite several pieces of textual evidence to RL.8.1 Cite the textual evidence that most
what the text says explicitly as well as inferences support analysis of what the text says explicitly as strongly supports an analysis of what the text says
drawn from the text. well as inferences drawn from the text. explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the
text.
RL.6.2 Analyze literary text development. RL.7.2 Analyze literary text development. RL.8.2 Analyze literary text development.
a. Determine a theme of a text and how it is a. Determine a theme of a text and analyze its a. Determine a theme of a text and analyze
conveyed through particular details. development over the course of the text. its development over the course of the
b. Incorporate a theme and story details into b. Incorporate the development of a theme and text, including its relationship to the
an objective summary of the text. other story details into an objective summary characters, setting, and plot.
of the text. b. Incorporate a theme and its relationship to
other story elements into an objective
summary of the text.

RL.6.3 Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s RL.7.3 Analyze how particular elements of a story or RL.8.3 Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or
plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the incidents in a story or drama propel the action,
the characters respond or change as the plot moves characters or plot). reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a
toward a resolution. decision.

CRAFT AND STRUCTURE

RL.6.4 Determine the meaning of words and RL.7.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases RL.8.4 Determine the meaning of words and
phrases as they are used in a text, including as they are used in a text, including figurative and phrases as they are used in a text, including
figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the
impact of specific word choices, including sensory language choices, such as sensory words or impact of specific word choices on meaning,
language, on meaning and tone. phrases, on meaning and tone, including rhymes and mood, and tone, including analogies or allusions
other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a to other texts.
specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a
story or drama.
RL.6.5 Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, RL.7.5 Analyze how a drama’s or poem’s form or RL.8.5 Compare and contrast the structure of two
scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a structure (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet) contributes to its or more texts and analyze how the differing
text and contributes to the development of the meaning. structure of each text contributes to its meaning
theme, setting, or plot. and style.

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RL.6.6 Explain how an author uses the point of view RL.7.6 Analyze how an author uses the point of view RL.8.6 Analyze how differences in the points of
to develop the perspective of the narrator or to develop and contrast the perspectives of different view and perspectives of the characters and the
speaker in a text. characters or narrators in a text. audience or reader (e.g., created through the use
of dramatic irony) create effects such as suspense
or humor.

INTEGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

RL.6.7 Compare and contrast the experience of RL.7.7 Compare and contrast a written story, drama, RL.8.7 Analyze the extent to which a filmed or live
reading a story, drama, or poem to listening to or or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia production of a story or drama stays faithful to or
viewing an audio, video, or live version of the text, version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to departs from the text or script, evaluating the
including contrasting what they “see” and “hear” each medium (e.g., lighting, sound, color, or camera choices made by the director or actors.
when reading the text to what they perceive when focus and angles in a film).
they listen or watch.

RL.6.8 (Not applicable to literature) RL.7.8 (Not applicable to literature) RL.8.8 (Not applicable to literature)

RL.6.9 Compare and contrast texts in different RL.7.9 Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of RL.8.9 Analyze how a modern work of fiction
forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems; historical a time, place, or character and a historical account of alludes to themes, patterns of events, or character
novels and fantasy stories) in terms of their the same period as a means of understanding how types from myths, traditional stories, and religious
approaches to similar themes and topics. authors of fiction use or alter history. literary texts, such as (but not limited to) the Bible
and The Epic of Gilgamesh, including describing
how the material is rendered new.

RANGE OF READING AND LEVEL OF TEXT COMPLEXITY

RL.6.10 By the end of the year, read and RL.7.10 By the end of the year, read and RL.8.10 By the end of the year, read and
comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas,
and poems, in the grades 6–8 text complexity band poems, in the grades 6–8 text complexity band and poems, at the high end of grades 6–8 text
proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high complexity band independently and proficiently.
end of the range. Build background knowledge and end of the range. Build background knowledge and Build background knowledge and activate prior
activate prior knowledge in order to make text-to- activate prior knowledge in order to make text-to-self, knowledge in order to make text-to-self, text-to-
self, text-to-text, and text-to-world connections that text-to-text, and text-to-world connections that text, and text-to-world connections that deepen
deepen understanding of the text. deepen understanding of the text. understanding of the text.

GRADES 9-10 STUDENTS: GRADES 11-12 STUDENTS:

KEY IDEAS AND DETAILS

RL.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of RL.11-12.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of

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what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including
determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

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RL.9-10.2 Analyze literary text development. RL.11-12.2 Analyze literary text development.
a. Determine a theme of a text and analyze in detail its development over a. Determine two or more themes of a text and analyze their development
the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one
refined by specific details. another.
b. Provide an objective summary of the text that includes the theme and b. Produce a thorough analysis of the text.
relevant story elements.

RL.9-10.3 Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or RL.11-12.3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to
conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other develop and relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., where a story is set, how
characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme. the action is ordered, how the characters are introduced and developed).

CRAFT AND STRUCTURE

RL.9-10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in RL.11-12.4 Determine the connotative, denotative, and figurative meaning of
the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative words and phrases as they are used in the text; analyze the impact of author’s
impact of specific word choices on meaning, mood, and tone (e.g., how the diction, including multiple-meaning words or language that is particularly
language evokes a sense of time and place or an emotion; how it sets a formal evocative to the tone and mood of the text.
or informal tone).
RL.9-10.5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure a text, RL.11-12.5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure
order events within it (e.g., parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g., pacing, specific parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the
flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension, or surprise. choice to provide a comedic or tragic resolution) contribute to its overall
structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact.

RL.9-10.6 Analyze how a point of view, perspective, or cultural experience is RL.11-12.6 Analyze a case in which grasping point of view or perspective
reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on a requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant
wide reading of world literature. (e.g., satire, sarcasm, irony, or understatement) and evaluate the impact of
these literary devices on the content and style of the text.

INTEGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

RL.9-10.7 Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two RL.11-12.7 Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem (e.g.,
different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each recorded or live production of a play or recorded novel or poetry), evaluating
treatment (e.g., Auden’s “Musée des Beaux Arts” and Breughel’s Landscape how each version interprets the source text. (Include at least one play by
with the Fall of Icarus). Shakespeare and one play by an American dramatist.)

RL.9-10.8 (Not applicable to literature) RL.11-12.8 (Not applicable to literature)

RL.9-10.9 Analyze how an author alludes to and transforms source material in RL.11-12.9 Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-
a specific work (e.g., how Shakespeare treats a theme or topic from Ovid or twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two

19
the Bible or how a later author draws on a play by Shakespeare). or more diverse texts from the same period treat similar themes and/or topics.

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RANGE OF READING AND LEVEL OF TEXT COMPLEXITY

RL.9-10.10 By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literature, including RL.11-12.10 By the end of grade 11, read and comprehend literature, including
stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 9–10 text complexity band stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 11–CCR text complexity band
proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range, building proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range, building
background knowledge and activating prior knowledge in order to make background knowledge and activating prior knowledge in order to make
personal, historical, and cultural connections that deepen understanding of personal, societal, and ethical connections that deepen understanding of
complex text. complex text.

By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend literature, including stories, By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend literature, including stories,
dramas, and poems, at the high end of the grades 9–10 text complexity band dramas, and poems, at the high end of the grades 11–CCR text complexity
independently and proficiently, building background knowledge and activating band independently and proficiently, building background knowledge and
prior knowledge in order to make personal, historical, and cultural connections activating prior knowledge in order to make personal, societal, and ethical
that deepen understanding of complex text. connections that deepen understanding of complex text.

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Reading Standards for Informational Text K–12

The following standards offer a focus for instruction each year and help ensure that students gain adequate exposure to a range of texts and
tasks. The requirement that students read increasingly complex texts through the grades implies rigor. Students advancing through the grades
should meet each year’s grade-specific standards and retain or further develop skills and understandings mastered in preceding grades.

KINDERGARTNERS: GRADE 1 STUDENTS: GRADE 2 STUDENTS:

KEY IDEAS AND DETAILS
RI.K.1 With prompting and support, ask and answer RI.1.1 Ask and answer questions about key details in RI.2.1 Ask and answer such questions as who,
questions about key details in a text. a text. what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate
understanding of key details in a text.

RI.K.2 With prompting and support, identify the RI.1.2 Analyze informational text development. RI.2.2 Analyze informational text development.
main topic and retell key details of a text. a. Identify the main topic. a. Identify the main topic of a multi-
b. Retell key details of a text. paragraph text.
b. Identify the focus of specific paragraphs
within the text.

RI.K.3 With prompting and support, describe the RI.1.3 Describe the connection between two RI.2.3 Describe the connection between a series
connection between two individuals, events, ideas, individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or
or pieces of information in a text. a text. steps in technical procedures in a text.

CRAFT AND STRUCTURE

RI.K.4 With prompting and support, ask and answer RI.1.4 Ask and answer questions to help determine RI.2.4 Determine the meaning of words and
questions about unknown words in a text. or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text. phrases in a text relevant to a grade 2 topic or
subject area.
RI.K.5 Identify the front cover, back cover, and title RI.1.5 Know and use various text features (e.g., RI.2.5 Know and use various text features (e.g.,
page of a book. headings, tables of contents, glossaries, electronic captions, bold print, subheadings, glossaries,
menus, icons) to locate key facts or information in a indexes, electronic menus, icons) to locate key
text. facts or information in a text efficiently.

RI.K.6 Name the author and illustrator of a text and RI.1.6 Distinguish between information provided by RI.2.6 Identify the main purpose of a text,
define the role of each in presenting the ideas or pictures or other illustrations and information including what the author wants to answer,
information in a text. provided by the words in a text. explain, or describe.

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INTEGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

RI.K.7 With prompting and support, describe the RI.1.7 Use the illustrations and details in a text to RI.2.7 Explain how specific images (e.g., a
relationship between illustrations and the text in describe its key ideas. diagram showing how a machine works)
which they appear (e.g., what person, place, thing, contribute to and clarify a text.
or idea in the text an illustration depicts).

RI.K.8 With prompting and support, identify the RI.1.8 Identify the reasons an author gives to support RI.2.8 Identify the main points an author uses in a
reasons an author gives to support points in a text. points in a text. text and, with support, explain how reasons
connect to the main points.

RI.K.9 With prompting and support, identify basic RI.1.9 Identify basic similarities in and differences RI.2.9 Compare and contrast the most important
similarities in and differences between two texts on between two texts on the same topic (e.g., in points presented by two texts on the same topic.
the same topic (e.g., in illustrations, descriptions, or illustrations, descriptions, or procedures).
procedures).

RANGE OF READING AND LEVEL OF TEXT COMPLEXITY

RI.K.10 Actively engage in group reading activities RI.1.10 With prompting and support, read RI.2.10 By the end of year, read and comprehend
with purpose and understanding. informational texts appropriately complex for grade 1. informational texts, including history/social
studies, science, and technical texts, in the grades
2–3 text complexity band proficiently, with
scaffolding as needed at the high end of the
range.

GRADE 3 STUDENTS: GRADE 4 STUDENTS: GRADE 5 STUDENTS:

KEY IDEAS AND DETAILS
RI.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate RI.4.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when RI.5.1 Quote accurately from a text when
understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text explaining what the text says explicitly and when explaining what the text says explicitly and when
as the basis for the answers. drawing inferences from the text. drawing inferences from the text.

RI.3.2 Analyze informational text development. RI.4.2 Analyze informational text development. RI.5.2 Analyze informational text development.
a. Determine the main idea of a text. a. Determine the main idea of a text and a. Determine the main ideas of a text and
b. Retell the key details and explain how they explain how it is supported by key details. explain how they are supported by key
support the main idea. b. Provide a summary of the text that includes details.
the main idea and key details, as well as b. Provide a summary of the text that
other important information. includes the main ideas and key details,

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as well as other important information.

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RI.3.3 Describe the relationship between a series of RI.4.3 Explain events, procedures, ideas, or RI.5.3 Explain the relationships or interactions
historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or
steps in technical procedures in a text, using including what happened and why, based on specific concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text
language that pertains to time, sequence, and information in the text. based on specific information in the text.
cause/effect.
CRAFT AND STRUCTURE
RI.3.4 Determine the meaning of general academic RI.4.4 Determine the meaning of general academic RI.5.4 Determine the meaning of general
and domain-specific words and phrases in a text and domain-specific words or phrases in a text academic and domain-specific words and phrases
relevant to a grade 3 topic or subject area. relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area. in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject
area.
RI.3.5 Use text features and search tools (e.g., key RI.4.5 Describe the overall structure (e.g., RI.5.5 Compare and contrast the overall structure
words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information chronology, comparison, cause/effect, (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect,
relevant to a given topic efficiently. problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or
information in a text or part of a text. information in two or more texts.

RI.3.6 Distinguish their own perspective from that of RI.4.6 Compare and contrast a firsthand and RI.5.6 Analyze multiple accounts of the same
the author of a text. secondhand account of the same event or topic; event or topic, noting important similarities and
describe the differences in perspective and the differences in the perspectives they represent.
information provided.
INTEGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS
RI.3.7 Use information gained from illustrations RI.4.7 Interpret information presented visually, orally, RI.5.7 Draw on information from multiple print or
(e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate
demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on an answer to a question quickly or to solve a
when, why, and how key events occur). Web pages) and explain how the information problem efficiently.
contributes to an understanding of the text in which it
appears.
RI.3.8 Describe the relationships between the RI.4.8 Explain how an author uses evidence to RI.5.8 Explain how an author uses evidence to
evidence and points an author uses throughout a support particular points in a text. support particular points in a text, identifying
text. which evidence supports corresponding point(s).

RI.3.9 Compare and contrast the most important RI.4.9 Integrate information from two texts on the RI.5.9 Integrate information from several texts on
points and key details presented in two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the the same topic in order to write or speak about the
same topic. subject knowledgeably. subject knowledgeably.

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RANGE OF READING AND LEVEL OF TEXT COMPLEXITY

RI.3.10 By the end of the year, read and RI.4.10 By the end of year, read and comprehend RI.5.10 By the end of the year, read and
comprehend informational texts, including informational texts, including history/social studies, comprehend informational texts, including
history/social studies, science, and technical texts, science, and technical texts, in the grades 4–5 text history/social studies, science, and technical texts,
at the high end of the grades 2–3 text complexity complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as at the high end of the grades 4–5 text complexity
band independently and proficiently. needed at the high end of the range. band independently and proficiently.

GRADE 6 STUDENTS: GRADE 7 STUDENTS: GRADE 8 STUDENTS:

KEY IDEAS AND DETAILS

RI.6.1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of RI.7.1 Cite several pieces of textual evidence to RI.8.1 Cite the textual evidence that most
what the text says explicitly as well as inferences support analysis of what the text says explicitly as strongly supports an analysis of what the text
drawn from the text. well as inferences drawn from the text. says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from
the text.
RI.6.2 Analyze informational text development. RI.7.2 Analyze informational text development. RI.8.2 Analyze informational text development.
a. Determine a central idea of a text and how it a. Determine two or more central ideas in a text a. Determine a central idea of a text and
is conveyed through particular details. and analyze their development over the analyze its development over the course
b. Provide an objective summary of the text course of the text. of the text, including its relationship to
that includes the central idea and relevant b. Provide an objective summary of the text that supporting ideas.
details. includes the central ideas and their b. Incorporate central ideas and their
development. relationships into an objective summary
of the text.

RI.6.3 Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, RI.7.3 Analyze the interactions between individuals, RI.8.3 Analyze how a text makes connections
or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a events, and ideas in a text (e.g., how ideas influence among and distinctions between individuals,
text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes). individuals or events, or how individuals influence ideas, or events (e.g., through comparisons,
ideas or events). analogies, or categories).

CRAFT AND STRUCTURE

RI.6.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases RI.7.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases RI.8.4 Determine the meaning of words and
as they are used in a text, including figurative, as they are used in a text, including figurative, phrases as they are used in a text, including
connotative, and technical meanings. connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the figurative, connotative, and technical meanings;
impact of a specific word choice on meaning and analyze the impact of specific word choices on
tone. meaning and tone, including analogies or

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allusions to other texts.

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RI.6.5 Analyze how a particular sentence, RI.7.5 Analyze the structure an author uses to RI.8.5 Analyze in detail the structure of a specific
paragraph, chapter, or section fits into the overall organize a text, including how the major sections paragraph in a text, including the role of
structure of a text and contributes to the contribute to the whole and to the development of the particular sentences in developing and refining a
development of the ideas. ideas. key concept.
RI.6.6 Determine an author’s perspective or RI.7.6 Determine an author’s perspective or purpose RI.8.6 Determine an author’s perspective or
purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in in a text and analyze how the author distinguishes purpose in a text and analyze how the author
the text. his or her position from that of others. acknowledges and responds to conflicting
evidence or viewpoints.
INTEGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

RI.6.7 Integrate information presented in different RI.7.7 Compare and contrast a text to an audio, RI.8.7 Evaluate the advantages and
media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as video, or multimedia version of the text, analyzing disadvantages of using different mediums (e.g.,
well as in words to develop a coherent each medium’s portrayal of the subject (e.g., how the print or digital text, video, multimedia) to present
understanding of a topic or issue. delivery of a speech affects the impact of the words). a particular topic or idea.
RI.6.8 Trace and evaluate the argument and RI.7.8 Trace and evaluate the argument and specific RI.8.8 Delineate and evaluate the argument and
specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is specific claims in a text, assessing whether the
are supported by evidence from claims that are not. sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant
support the claims. and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant
evidence is introduced.
RI.6.9 Compare and contrast one author’s RI.7.9 Analyze how two or more authors writing RI.8.9 Analyze a case in which two or more texts
presentation of events with that of another (e.g., a about the same topic shape their presentations of provide conflicting information on the same topic
memoir written by and a biography on the same key information by emphasizing different evidence or and identify where the texts disagree on matters
person). advancing different interpretations of facts. of fact or interpretation.

RANGE OF READING AND LEVEL OF TEXT COMPLEXITY

RI.6.10 By the end of the year, read and RI.7.10 By the end of the year, read and comprehend RI.8 10 By the end of the year, read and
comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 6–8 literary nonfiction in the grades 6–8 text complexity comprehend literary nonfiction at the high end of
text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the the grades 6–8 text complexity band
needed at the high end of the range. high end of the range. independently and proficiently.

GRADES 9-10 STUDENTS: GRADES 11-12 STUDENTS:

KEY IDEAS AND DETAILS

RI.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of RI.11-12.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of
what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text,

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including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

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RI.9-10.2 Analyze informational text development. RI.11-12.2 Analyze informational text development.
a. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over a. Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their
the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and development over the course of the text, including how they interact
refined by specific details and build on one another.
b. Provide an objective summary of the text that includes the b. Craft an informative abstract that delineates how the central ideas of a
development of the central idea and how details impact this idea. text interact and build on one another.

RI.9-10.3 Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or RI.11-12.3 Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain
events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are how specific individuals, ideas, or events interact and develop over the course
introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them. of the text.

CRAFT AND STRUCTURE

RI.9-10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a RI.11-12.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a
text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze how an
cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the author uses and refines the meaning of a key term or terms over the course of
language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper). a text (e.g., how Madison defines faction in Federalist No. 10).

RI.9-10.5 Analyze in detail how an author’s ideas or claims are developed and RI.11-12.5 Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the structure an author
refined by particular sentences, paragraphs, or larger portions of a text (e.g., a uses in his or her exposition or argument, including whether the structure
section or chapter). makes points clear, convincing, and engaging.

RI.9-10.6 Determine an author’s perspective or purpose in a text and analyze RI.11-12.6 Determine an author’s perspective or purpose in a text in which the
how an author uses rhetoric to advance that perspective or purpose. rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to
the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text.

INTEGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

RI.9-10.7 Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., RI.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in
a person’s life story in both print and multimedia), determining which details different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words in
are emphasized in each account. order to address a question or solve a problem.

RI.9-10.8 Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, RI.11-12.8 Delineate and evaluate the reasoning in seminal U.S. texts and the
assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and premises, purposes, and arguments in works of public advocacy (e.g., The
sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning. Federalist, presidential addresses).

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RI.9-10.9 Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary RI.11-12.9 Analyze seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and nineteenth-century
significance (e.g., Washington’s Farewell Address, the Gettysburg Address, foundational U.S. documents of historical and literary significance (including
Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms speech, King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”), The Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution, the Bill of
including how they address related themes and concepts. Rights, and Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address) for their themes, purposes,
and rhetorical features.
RANGE OF READING AND LEVEL OF TEXT COMPLEXITY

RI.9-10.10 By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in RI.11-12.10 By the end of grade 11, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in
the grades 9–10 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed the grades 11–CCR text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as
at the high end of the range. needed at the high end of the range.

By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at the high By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at the high
end of the grades 9–10 text complexity band independently and proficiently. end of the grades 11–CCR text complexity band independently and
proficiently.

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Reading Standards for Foundational Skills K–12

These standards encourage fostering students’ understanding and working knowledge of concepts of print, the alphabetic principle, and other basic
conventions of the English writing system. These foundational skills are not an end in and of themselves; rather, they are necessary and important
components of an effective, comprehensive reading program designed to develop proficient readers with the capacity to comprehend texts across a
range of types and disciplines. Educators should differentiate instruction: good readers will need much less practice with these concepts than
struggling readers will. The point is to teach students what they need to learn and not what they already know—to discern when particular children or
activities warrant more or less attention.
Note: In kindergarten, children should demonstrate increasing awareness and competence in the areas that follow.

KINDERGARTNERS: GRADE 1 STUDENTS:

PRINT CONCEPTS

RF.K.1 Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of RF.1.1 Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of
print. print by recognizing the distinguishing features of a sentence (e.g., first word,
a. Follow words from left to right, top to bottom, and page by page. capitalization, ending punctuation).
b. Recognize that spoken words are represented in written language by
specific sequences of letters.
c. Understand that words are separated by spaces in print.
d. Recognize and name all upper- and lowercase letters of the alphabet.

PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS

RF.K.2 Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and phonemes RF.1.2 Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and phonemes
(sounds). (sounds).
a. Recognize and produce rhyming words. a. Distinguish long from short vowel sounds in spoken single-syllable
b. Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words. words.
c. Blend and segment onsets and rimes of single-syllable spoken words. b. Orally produce single-syllable words by blending phonemes, including
consonant blends.
d. Isolate and pronounce the initial, medial vowel, and final phonemes
(sounds) in three-phoneme (consonant-vowel-consonant, or CVC) c. Isolate and pronounce initial, medial vowel, and final phonemes in
words.* (This does not include CVCs ending with /l/, /r/, or /x/.) spoken single-syllable words.
e. Add or substitute individual phonemes (sounds) in simple, one-syllable d. Segment spoken single-syllable words into their complete sequence of
words to make new words. individual phonemes.

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KINDERGARTNERS: GRADE 1 STUDENTS: GRADE 2 STUDENTS:

PHONICS AND WORD RECOGNITION

RF.K.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and RF.1.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and RF.2.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and
word analysis skills in decoding words. word analysis skills in decoding words. word analysis skills in decoding words.
a. Demonstrate basic knowledge of one-to- a. Know the spelling-sound correspondences a. Distinguish long and short vowels when
one grapheme (letter)-sound for common consonant digraphs. reading regularly spelled one-syllable
correspondences by producing the primary b. Decode regularly spelled one-syllable words. words.
sound or many of the most frequent sounds c. Know final -e and common vowel team b. Know spelling-sound correspondences
for each consonant. conventions for representing long vowel for additional common vowel teams.
b. Associate the long and short sounds with sounds. c. Decode regularly spelled two-syllable
common spellings (graphemes) for the five d. Use knowledge that every syllable must have words with long vowels.
major vowels. a vowel sound to determine the number of d. Decode words with common prefixes
c. Read common high-frequency words by syllables in a printed word. and suffixes.
sight (e.g., the, of, to, you, she, my, is, are, e. Decode two-syllable words following basic e. Identify words with inconsistent but
do, does). patterns by breaking the words into syllables. common spelling-sound
d. Distinguish between similarly spelled words f. Read words with inflectional endings. correspondences.
by identifying the sounds of the letters that g. Recognize and read grade-appropriate f. Recognize and read grade-appropriate
differ. irregularly spelled words. irregularly spelled words.

FLUENCY

RF.K.4 Read emergent-reader texts with purpose RF.1.4 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to RF.2.4 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency
and understanding. support comprehension. to support comprehension.
a. Read grade-level text with purpose and a. Read grade-level text with purpose and
understanding. understanding.
b. Read grade-level text orally with accuracy, b. Read grade-level text orally with
appropriate rate, and expression on accuracy, appropriate rate, and
successive readings. expression on successive readings.
c. Use context to confirm or self-correct word c. Use context to confirm or self-correct
recognition and understanding, rereading as word recognition and understanding,
necessary. rereading as necessary.

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GRADE 3 STUDENTS: GRADE 4 STUDENTS: GRADE 5 STUDENTS:

PHONICS AND WORD RECOGNITION

RF.3.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and RF.4.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and RF.5.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and
word analysis skills in decoding words. word analysis skills in decoding words by using word analysis skills in decoding words by using
a. Identify and know the meaning of the most combined knowledge of all letter-sound combined knowledge of all letter-sound
common prefixes and derivational suffixes. correspondences, syllabication patterns, and correspondences, syllabication patterns, and
b. Decode words with common Latin suffixes. morphology (e.g., roots and affixes) to read morphology (e.g., roots and affixes) to read
c. Decode multi-syllable words. accurately unfamiliar multisyllabic words in context accurately unfamiliar multisyllabic words in
d. Read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled and out of context. context and out of context.
words.

FLUENCY
RF.3.4 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to RF.4.4 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to RF.5.4 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency
support comprehension. support comprehension. to support comprehension.
a. Read grade-level text with purpose and a. Read grade-level text with purpose and a. Read grade-level text with purpose and
understanding. understanding. understanding.
b. Read grade-level prose and poetry orally b. Read grade-level prose and poetry orally b. Read grade-level prose and poetry orally
with accuracy, appropriate rate, and with accuracy, appropriate rate, and with accuracy, appropriate rate, and
expression on successive readings. expression on successive readings. expression on successive readings.
c. Use context to confirm or self-correct word c. Use context to confirm or self-correct word c. Use context to confirm or self-correct
recognition and understanding, rereading as recognition and understanding, rereading as word recognition and understanding,
necessary. necessary. rereading as necessary.

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Writing Standards K–12

The following standards for K–12 offer a focus for instruction each year to help ensure that students gain adequate mastery of a range of skills and applications.
Each year in their writing, students should demonstrate increasing sophistication in all aspects of language use, from vocabulary and syntax to the development
and organization of ideas, and they should address increasingly demanding content and sources. Students advancing through the grades should meet each year’s
grade-specific standards and retain or further develop skills and understandings mastered in preceding grades. Both the standards themselves and the collection
of annotated student writing samples in Appendix C reflect the expected growth in student writing ability.

KINDERGARTNERS: GRADE 1 STUDENTS: GRADE 2 STUDENTS:

TEXT TYPES AND PURPOSES

W.K.1 Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and W.1.1 Write opinion pieces that introduce the topic or W.2.1 Write opinion pieces that introduce the
writing to compose opinion pieces that tell a reader name the book being written about, express an topic or book being written about, express an
the topic or the name of the book being written opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide opinion, supply reasons that support the opinion,
about and express an opinion or preference about some sense of closure. use linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to
the topic or book (e.g., My favorite book is ... ). connect opinion and reasons, and provide a
concluding statement or section.

W.K.2 Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and W.1.2 Write informative/explanatory texts that name W.2.2 Write informative/explanatory texts that
writing to compose informative/explanatory texts a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to
that name what is being written about and supply provide some sense of closure. develop points, and provide a concluding
some information about the topic. statement or section.

W.K.3 Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and W.1.3 Write narratives to recount two or more W.2.3 Write narratives to recount a well-
writing to narrate a single event or several loosely appropriately sequenced events, include some elaborated event or short sequence of events,
linked events, tell about the events in the order in details regarding what happened, use temporal include details to describe actions, thoughts, and
which they occurred, and provide a reaction to what words to signal event order, and provide some sense feelings, use temporal words to signal event
happened. of closure. order, and provide a sense of closure.

PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF WRITING

W.K.4 (Begins in grade 3) W.1.4 (Begins in grade 3) W.2.4 (Begins in grade 3)

W.K.5 With guidance and support from adults, W.1.5 With guidance and support from adults, focus W.2.5 With guidance and support from adults
respond to questions and suggestions from peers on a topic, respond to questions and suggestions and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen
and add details to strengthen writing as needed. from peers, and add details to strengthen writing as writing as needed by revising and editing.
needed.
W.K.6 With guidance and support from adults, W.1.6 With guidance and support from adults, use a W.2.6 With guidance and support from adults,

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explore a variety of digital tools to produce and variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, use a variety of digital tools to produce and
publish writing, including in collaboration with peers. including in collaboration with peers. publish writing, including in collaboration with

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peers.
OHIO’S LEARNING STANDARDS I ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS I A D O P T E D 2 0 1 7

RESEARCH TO BUILD AND PRESENT KNOWLEDGE

W.K.7 Participate in shared research and writing W.1.7 Participate in shared research and writing W.2.7 Participate in shared research and writing
projects (e.g., explore a number of books by a projects (e.g., explore a number of “how-to” books on projects (e.g., read a number of books on a
favorite author and express opinions about them). a given topic and use them to write a sequence of single topic to produce a report; record science
instructions). observations).

W.K.8 With guidance and support from adults, recall W.1.8 With guidance and support from adults, recall W.2.8 Recall information from experiences or
information from experiences or gather information information from experiences or gather information gather information from provided sources to
from provided sources to answer a question. from provided sources to answer a question. answer a question.

W.K.9 (Begins in grade 4) W.1.9 (Begins in grade 4) W.2.9 (Begins in grade 4)

RANGE OF WRITING
W.K.10 (Begins in grade 3) W.1.10 (Begins in grade 3) W.2.10 (Begins in grade 3)

GRADE 3 STUDENTS: GRADE 4 STUDENTS: GRADE 5 STUDENTS:

TEXT TYPES AND PURPOSES

W.3.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, W.4.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, W.5.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts,
supporting a point of view with reasons. supporting a point of view with reasons and supporting a point of view with reasons and
a. Introduce the topic or text they are writing information. information.
about, state an opinion, and create an a. Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an a. Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an
organizational structure that lists reasons. opinion, and create an organizational opinion, and create an organizational
b. Provide reasons that support the opinion. structure in which related ideas are grouped structure in which ideas are logically
c. Use linking words and phrases (e.g., to support the writer’s purpose. grouped to support the writer’s purpose.
because, therefore, since, for example) to b. Provide reasons that are supported by facts b. Provide logically ordered reasons that
connect opinion and reasons. and details. are supported by facts and details.
d. Provide a concluding statement or section. c. Link opinion and reasons using words and c. Link opinion and reasons using words,
phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in phrases, and clauses (e.g.,
addition). consequently, specifically).
d. Provide a concluding statement or section d. Provide a concluding statement or
related to the opinion presented. section related to the opinion presented.

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W.3.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to W.4.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine W.5.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to
examine a topic and convey ideas and information a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. examine a topic and convey ideas and
clearly. a. Introduce a topic clearly and group related information clearly.
a. Introduce a topic and group related information in paragraphs and sections; a. Introduce a topic clearly, provide a
information together; include illustrations to include formatting (e.g., headings), general observation and focus, and
aid comprehension, if needed. illustrations, and multimedia to aid group related information logically;
b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and comprehension, if needed. include formatting (e.g., headings),
details. b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, illustrations, and multimedia to aid in
c. Use linking words and phrases (e.g., also, concrete details, quotations, or other comprehension, if needed.
another, and, more, but) to connect ideas information and examples related to the b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions,
within categories of information. topic. concrete details, quotations, or other
d. Provide a concluding statement or section. c. Link ideas within categories of information information and examples related to the
using words and phrases (e.g., another, for topic.
example, also, because). c. Link ideas within and across categories
d. Use precise language and domain-specific of information using words, phrases, and
vocabulary to inform about or explain the clauses (e.g., in contrast, especially).
topic. d. Use precise language and domain-
e. Provide a concluding statement or section specific vocabulary to inform about or
related to the information or explanation explain the topic.
presented. e. Provide a concluding statement or
section related to the information or
explanation presented.

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W.3.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined W.4.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined W.5.3 Write narratives to develop real or
experiences or events using effective technique, experiences or events using effective technique, imagined experiences or events using effective
descriptive details, and clear event sequences. descriptive details, and clear event sequences. technique, descriptive details, and clear event
a. Establish a situation and introduce a a. Orient the reader by establishing a situation sequences.
narrator and/or characters; organize an and introducing a narrator and/or characters; a. Orient the reader by establishing a
event sequence that unfolds naturally. organize an event sequence that unfolds situation and introducing a narrator
b. Use dialogue and descriptions of actions, naturally. and/or characters; organize an event
thoughts, and feelings to develop b. Use dialogue and description to develop sequence that unfolds naturally.
experiences and events or show the experiences and events or show the b. Use narrative techniques, such as
response of characters to situations. responses of characters to situations. dialogue, description, and pacing, to
c. Use temporal words and phrases to signal c. Use a variety of transitional words and develop experiences and events or show
event order. phrases to manage the sequence of events. the responses of characters to situations.
d. Provide a sense of closure. d. Use concrete words and phrases and c. Use a variety of transitional words,
sensory details to convey experiences and phrases, and clauses to manage the
events precisely. sequence of events.
e. Provide a conclusion that follows from the d. Use concrete words and phrases and
narrated experiences or events. sensory details to convey experiences
and events precisely.
e. Provide a conclusion that follows from
the narrated experiences or events.

PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF WRITING

W.3.4 With guidance and support from adults, W.4.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which W.5.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in
produce writing in which the development and the development and organization are appropriate to which the development and organization are
organization are appropriate to task and purpose. task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
(Grade-specific expectations for writing types are expectations for writing types are defined in (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are
defined in standards 1–3 above.) standards 1–3 above.) defined in standards 1–3 above.)

W.3.5 With guidance and support from peers and W.4.5 With guidance and support from peers and W.5.5 With guidance and support from peers and
adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed
planning, revising, and editing. (Editing for planning, revising, and editing. (Editing for by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying
conventions should demonstrate command of conventions should demonstrate command of a new approach. (Editing for conventions should
Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade demonstrate command of Language standards
3.) 4.) 1–3 up to and including grade 5.)

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W.3.6 With guidance and support from adults, use W.4.6 With some guidance and support from adults, W.5.6 With some guidance and support from
technology to produce and publish writing (using use technology, including the Internet, to produce adults, use technology, including the Internet, to
keyboarding skills), as well as to interact and and publish writing as well as to interact and produce and publish writing as well as to interact
collaborate with others. collaborate with others, while demonstrating and collaborate with others, while demonstrating
sufficient command of keyboarding skills. sufficient command of keyboarding skills.

RESEARCH TO BUILD AND PRESENT KNOWLEDGE

W.3.7 Conduct short research projects that build W.4.7 Conduct short research projects that build W.5.7 Conduct short research projects that use
knowledge about a topic. knowledge through investigation of different aspects several sources to build knowledge through
of a topic. investigation of different aspects of a topic.

W.3.8 Recall information from experiences or gather W.4.8 Recall relevant information from experiences W.5.8 Recall relevant information from
information from print and digital sources; take brief or gather relevant information from print and digital experiences or gather relevant information from
notes on sources and sort evidence into provided sources; take notes and categorize information and print and digital sources; summarize or
categories. provide a list of sources. paraphrase information in notes and finished
work and provide a list of sources.
W.3.9 (Begins in grade 4) W.4.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational W.5.9 Draw evidence from literary or
texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. informational texts to support analysis, reflection,
a. Apply grade 4 Reading standards to and research.
literature (e.g., “Describe in depth a a. Apply grade 5 Reading standards to
character, setting, or event in a story or literature (e.g., “Compare and contrast
drama, drawing on specific details in the text two or more characters, settings, or
[e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or events in a story or a drama, drawing on
actions].”). specific details in the text [e.g., how
b. Apply grade 4 Reading standards to characters interact]”).
informational texts (e.g., “Explain how an b. Apply grade 5 Reading standards to
author uses reasons and evidence to support informational texts (e.g., “Explain how an
particular points in a text”). author uses reasons and evidence to
support particular points in a text,
identifying which reasons and evidence
support which point[s]”).
RANGE OF WRITING

W.3.10 Write routinely over extended time frames W.4.10 Write routinely over extended time frames W.5.10 Write routinely over extended time
(time for research, reflection, and revision) and time for research, reflection, and revision) and frames (time for research, reflection, and
shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting
for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific

35
and audiences. audiences. tasks, purposes, and audiences.

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GRADE 6 STUDENTS: GRADE 7 STUDENTS: GRADE 8 STUDENTS:

TEXT TYPES AND PURPOSES

W.6.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear W.7.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear W.8.1 Write arguments to support claims with
reasons and relevant evidence. reasons and relevant evidence. clear reasons and relevant evidence.
a. Establish a thesis statement to present an a. Establish a thesis statement to present an a. Establish a clear thesis statement to
argument. argument. present an argument.
b. Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons b. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or b. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and
and evidence clearly. opposing claims, and organize the reasons distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or
c. Support claim(s) with clear reasons and and evidence logically. opposing claims, and organize the
relevant evidence, using credible sources c. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and reasons and evidence logically.
and demonstrating an understanding of the relevant evidence, using accurate, credible c. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning
topic or text. sources and demonstrating an understanding and relevant evidence, using accurate,
d. Use words, phrases, and clauses to clarify of the topic or text. credible sources and demonstrating an
the relationships among claim(s) and d. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create understanding of the topic or text.
reasons. cohesion and clarify the relationships among d. Use words, phrases, and clauses to
e. Establish and maintain a formal style. claim(s), reasons, and evidence. create cohesion and clarify the
f. Provide a concluding statement or section e. Establish and maintain a formal style. relationships among claim(s),
that follows from the argument presented. f. Provide a concluding statement or section counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
that follows from and supports the argument e. Establish and maintain a formal style.
presented. f. Provide a concluding statement or
section that follows from and supports
the argument presented.

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W.6.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to W.7.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine W.8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to
examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and
information through the selection, organization, and through the selection, organization, and analysis of information through the selection, organization,
analysis of relevant content. relevant content. and analysis of relevant content.
a. Establish a thesis statement to present a. Establish a thesis statement to present a. Establish a clear thesis statement to
information. information. present information.
b. Introduce a topic; organize ideas, concepts, b. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is b. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing
and information, using strategies such as to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and what is to follow; organize ideas,
definition, classification, information, using strategies such as concepts, and information into broader
comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; definition, classification, comparison/contrast, categories; include formatting (e.g.,
include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables),
(e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia to aid headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and and multimedia to aid comprehension, if
comprehension, if needed. multimedia to aid comprehension, if needed. needed.
c. Develop the topic with relevant facts, c. Develop the topic with relevant facts, c. Develop the topic with relevant, well-
definitions, concrete details, quotations, or definitions, concrete details, quotations, or chosen facts, definitions, concrete
other information and examples. other information and examples. details, quotations, or other information
d. Use appropriate transitions to clarify the d. Use appropriate transitions to create and examples.
relationships among ideas and concepts. cohesion and clarify the relationships among d. Use appropriate and varied transitions to
e. Use precise language and domain-specific ideas and concepts. create cohesion and clarify the
vocabulary to inform about or explain the e. Use precise language and domain-specific relationships among ideas and concepts.
topic. vocabulary to inform about or explain the e. Use precise language and domain-
f. Establish and maintain a formal style. topic. specific vocabulary to inform about or
g. Provide a concluding statement or section f. Establish and maintain a formal style. explain the topic.
that follows from the information or g. Provide a concluding statement or section f. Establish and maintain a formal style.
explanation presented. that follows from and supports the g. Provide a concluding statement or
information or explanation presented. section that follows from and supports
the information or explanation presented.

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W.6.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined W.7.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined W.8.3 Write narratives to develop real or
experiences or events using effective technique, experiences or events using effective technique, imagined experiences or events using effective
relevant descriptive details, and well-structured relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-
event sequences. sequences. structured event sequences.
a. Engage and orient the reader by a. Engage and orient the reader by establishing a. Engage and orient the reader by
establishing a context and introducing a a context and point of view and introducing a establishing a context and point of view
narrator and/or characters; organize an narrator and/or characters; organize an event and introducing a narrator and/or
event sequence that unfolds naturally and sequence that unfolds naturally and logically. characters; organize an event sequence
logically. b. Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, that unfolds naturally and logically.
b. Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop b. Use narrative techniques, such as
pacing, and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters. dialogue, pacing, description, and
experiences, events, and/or characters. c. Use a variety of transition words, phrases, reflection, to develop experiences,
c. Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal events, and/or characters.
and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts from one time frame or setting to c. Use a variety of transition words,
shifts from one time frame or setting to another. phrases, and clauses to convey
another. d. Use precise words and phrases, relevant sequence, signal shifts from one time
d. Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to frame or setting to another, and show the
descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences relationships among experiences and
convey experiences and events. and events. events.
e. Provide a conclusion that follows from the e. Provide a conclusion that follows from and d. Use precise words and phrases, relevant
narrated experiences or events. reflects on the narrated experiences or descriptive details, and sensory
events. language to capture the action and
convey experiences and events.
e. Provide a conclusion that follows from
and reflects on the narrated experiences
or events.

PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF WRITING

W.6.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which W.7.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which W.8.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in
the development, organization, and style are the development, organization, and style are which the development, organization, and style
appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade- appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade- are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
specific expectations for writing types are defined in specific expectations for writing types are defined in (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are
standards 1–3 above.) standards 1–3 above.) defined in standards 1–3 above.)

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W.6.5 With some guidance and support from peers W.7.5 With some guidance and support from peers W.8.5 With some guidance and support from
and adults, develop and strengthen writing as and adults, develop and strengthen writing as peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing
needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or as needed by planning, revising, editing,
trying a new approach. (Editing for conventions trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on
should demonstrate command of Language and audience have been addressed. (Editing for how well purpose and audience have been
standards 1–3 up to and including grade 6.) conventions should demonstrate command of addressed. (Editing for conventions should
Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade demonstrate command of Language standards
7.) 1–3 up to and including grade 8.)

W.6.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to W.7.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to W.8.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to
produce and publish writing as well as to interact produce and publish writing and link to and cite produce and publish writing and present the
and collaborate with others, while demonstrating sources, as well as to interact and collaborate with relationships between information and ideas
sufficient command of keyboarding skills. others, including linking to and citing sources. efficiently, as well as to interact and collaborate
with others.

RESEARCH TO BUILD AND PRESENT KNOWLEDGE

W.6.7 Conduct short research projects to answer a W.7.7 Conduct short research projects to answer a W.8.7 Conduct short research projects to answer
question, drawing on several sources and question, drawing on several sources and generating a question (including a self-generated question),
refocusing the inquiry when appropriate. additional related, focused questions for further drawing on several sources and generating
research and investigation. additional related, focused questions that allow
for multiple avenues of exploration.

W.6.8 Gather relevant information from multiple W.7.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print W.8.8 Gather relevant information from multiple
print and digital sources; assess the credibility of and digital sources, using search terms effectively; print and digital sources, using search terms
each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of
conclusions of others, while avoiding plagiarism and and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data
providing basic bibliographic information for others while avoiding plagiarism and following a and conclusions of others, while avoiding
sources. standard format for citation. plagiarism and following a standard format for
citation.

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W.6.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational W.7.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational W.8.9 Draw evidence from literary or
texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. informational texts to support analysis, reflection,
a. Apply grade 6 Reading standards to a. Apply grade 7 Reading standards to and research.
literature (e.g., “Compare and contrast texts literature (e.g., “Compare and contrast a a. Apply grade 8 Reading standards to
in different forms or genres [e.g., stories fictional portrayal of a time, place, or literature (e.g., “Analyze how a modern
and poems; historical novels and fantasy character and a historical account of the work of fiction alludes to themes,
stories] in terms of their approaches to same period as a means of understanding patterns of events, or character types
similar themes and topics”). how authors of fiction use or alter history”). from myths, traditional stories, and
b. Apply grade 6 Reading standards to literary b. Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literary religious literary texts, such as (but not
nonfiction (e.g., “Trace and evaluate the nonfiction (e.g. “Trace and evaluate the limited to) the Bible and The Epic of
argument and specific claims in a text, argument and specific claims in a text, Gilgamesh, including describing how the
distinguishing claims that are supported by assessing whether the reasoning is sound material is rendered new”).
reasons and evidence from claims that are and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to b. Apply grade 8 Reading standards to
not”). support the claims”). literary nonfiction (e.g., “Delineate and
evaluate the argument and specific
claims in a text, assessing whether the
reasoning is sound and the evidence is
relevant and sufficient; recognize when
irrelevant evidence is introduced”).

RANGE OF WRITING

W.6.10 Write routinely over extended time frames W.7.10 Write routinely over extended time frames W.8.10 Write routinely over extended time
(time for research, reflection, and revision) and (time for research, reflection, and revision) and frames (time for research, reflection, and
shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting
for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific
and audiences. audiences. tasks, purposes, and audiences.

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GRADES 9-10 STUDENTS: GRADES 11-12 STUDENTS:

TEXT TYPES AND PURPOSES

W.9-10.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive W.11-12.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive
topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
a. Establish a clear and thorough thesis to present an argument. a. Establish a clear and thorough thesis to present a complex argument.
b. Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or b. Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance
opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing
relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence. claims, and create an organization that logically sequences claim(s),
c. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that c. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying
anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and concerns. the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths
d. Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s
create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases.
reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and d. Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the
counterclaims. major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the
e. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and
attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
are writing. e. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while
f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they
supports the argument presented. are writing.
f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and
supports the argument presented.

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W.9-10.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex W.11-12.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex
ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective
selection, organization, and analysis of content. selection, organization, and analysis of content.
a. Establish a clear and thorough thesis to present information. a. Establish a clear and thorough thesis to present and explain
b. Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information information.
to make important connections and distinctions; include formatting b. Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information
(e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia to aid so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a
in comprehension, if needed. unified whole; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g.,
c. Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts, figures, tables), and multimedia to aid comprehension, if needed.
extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information c. Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and
and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic. relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or
d. Use appropriate and varied transitions to link the major sections of the other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s
text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex knowledge of the topic.
ideas and concepts. d. Use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the major
e. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships
complexity of the topic. among complex ideas and concepts.
f. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while e. Use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary, and techniques
attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of
are writing. the topic.
g. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and f. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while
supports the information or explanation presented (e.g., articulating attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they
implications or the significance of the topic). are writing.
g. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and
supports the information or explanation presented (e.g., articulating
implications or the significance of the topic).

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W.9-10.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events W.11-12.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events
using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event
sequences. sequences.
a. Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or a. Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or
observation, establishing one or multiple point(s) of view, and observation and its significance, establishing one or multiple point(s) of
introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression view, and introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth
of experiences or events. progression of experiences or events.
b. Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, b. Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description,
reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events,
and/or characters. and/or characters.
c. Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on c. Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on
one another to create a coherent whole. one another to create a coherent whole and build toward a particular
d. Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language tone and outcome (e.g., a sense of mystery, suspense, growth, or
to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or resolution).
characters. d. Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language
e. Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or
experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative. characters.
e. Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is
experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF WRITING

W.9-10.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, W.11-12.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development,
organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
(Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3
above.) above.)
W.9-10.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, W.11-12.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising,
editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is
most significant for a specific purpose and audience. (Editing for conventions most significant for a specific purpose and audience. (Editing for conventions
should demonstrate command of Language standards 1–3 up to and including should demonstrate command of Language standards 1–3 up to and including
grades 9–10.) grades 11–12.)
W.9-10.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and W.11-12.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and
update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology’s update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback,
capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and including new arguments or information.
dynamically.

RESEARCH TO BUILD AND PRESENT KNOWLEDGE

W.9-10.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer W.11-12.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to
a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem;
broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources

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subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

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W.9-10.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and W.11-12.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and
digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and
each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience;
text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas,
a standard format for citation. avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a
standard format for citation.
W.9-10.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support W.11-12.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support
analysis, reflection, and research. analysis, reflection, and research.
a. Apply grades 9–10 Reading standards to literature (e.g., “Analyze how a. Apply grades 11–12 Reading standards to literature (e.g.,
an author alludes to and transforms source material in a specific work “Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-
[e.g., how Shakespeare treats a theme or topic from Ovid or the Bible twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including
or how a later author draws on a play by Shakespeare]”). how two or more diverse texts from the same period treat similar
b. Apply grades 9–10 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g., themes and/or topics”).
“Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, b. Apply grades 11–12 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g.,
assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant “Delineate and evaluate the reasoning in seminal U.S. texts, including
and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning”). the application of constitutional principles and use of legal reasoning
[e.g., in U.S. Supreme Court Case majority opinions and dissents] and
the premises, purposes, and arguments in works of public advocacy
[e.g., The Federalist, presidential addresses]”).

RANGE OF WRITING

W.9-10.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, W.11-12.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research,
reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or
two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

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Speaking and Listening Standards K–12

The following standards for K–12 offer a focus for instruction each year to help ensure that students gain adequate mastery of a range of skills and applications.
Students advancing through the grades should meet each year’s grade-specific standards and retain or further develop skills and understandings mastered in
preceding grades.

KINDERGARTNERS: GRADE 1 STUDENTS: GRADE 2 STUDENTS:

COMPREHENSION AND COLLABORATION

SL.K.1 Participate in collaborative conversations SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative conversations SL.2.1 Participate in collaborative conversations
about kindergarten topics and texts with diverse about grade 1 topics and texts with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with diverse
partners in small and larger groups. in small and larger groups. partners in small and larger groups.
a. Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions a. Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions a. Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions
(e.g., listening to others and taking turns (e.g., listening to others with care, speaking (e.g., gaining the floor in respectful ways,
speaking about the topics and texts under one at a time about the topics and texts listening to others with care, speaking
discussion). under discussion). one at a time about the topics and texts
b. Continue a conversation through multiple b. Build on others’ talk in conversations by under discussion).
exchanges. responding to the comments of others b. Build on others’ talk in conversations by
through multiple exchanges. linking their comments to the remarks of
c. Ask questions to clear up any confusion others.
about the topics and texts under discussion. c. Ask for clarification and further
explanation as needed about the topics
and texts under discussion.

SL.K.2 Confirm understanding of a text read aloud SL.1.2 Ask and answer questions about key details SL.2.2 Retell or describe key ideas or details
or information presented in various media and other in a text read aloud or information presented in from a text read aloud or information presented
formats (e.g., orally) by asking and answering various media and other formats (e.g., orally). in various media and other formats (e.g., orally).
questions about key details and requesting
clarification if something is not understood.

SL.K.3 Ask and answer questions in order to seek SL.1.3 Ask and answer questions about what a SL.2.3 Ask and answer questions about what a
help, get information, or clarify something that is not speaker says in order to gather additional information speaker says in order to clarify comprehension,
understood. or clarify something that is not understood. gather additional information, or deepen
understanding of a topic or issue.

PRESENTATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

SL.K.4 Describe familiar people, places, things, and SL.1.4 Describe people, places, things, and events SL.2.4 Tell a story or recount an experience with

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events and, with prompting and support, provide with relevant details, expressing ideas and feelings appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive
additional detail. clearly. details, speaking audibly in coherent sentences.

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SL.K.5 Add drawings or other visual displays to SL.1.5 Add drawings or other visual displays to SL.2.5 Create audio recordings of stories or
descriptions as desired to provide additional detail. descriptions when appropriate to clarify ideas, poems; add drawings or other visual displays to
thoughts, and feelings. stories or recounts of experiences when
appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and
feelings.
SL.K.6 Speak audibly and express thoughts, SL.1.6 Produce complete sentences when SL.2.6 Produce complete sentences when
feelings, and ideas clearly. appropriate to task and situation. (See grade 1 appropriate to task and situation in order to
Language standards 1 and 3 for specific provide requested detail or clarification. (See
expectations.) grade 2 Language standards 1 and 3 for specific
expectations.)

GRADE 3 STUDENTS: GRADE 4 STUDENTS: GRADE 5 STUDENTS:

COMPREHENSION AND COLLABORATION

SL.3.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative SL.4.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative SL.5.1 Engage effectively in a range of
discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher- discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups,
led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5
texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their building on others’ ideas and expressing their own topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and
own clearly. clearly. expressing their own clearly.
a. Come to discussions prepared, having read a. Come to discussions prepared, having read a. Come to discussions prepared, having
or studied required material; explicitly draw or studied required material; explicitly draw read or studied required material;
on that preparation and other information on that preparation and other information explicitly draw on that preparation and
known about the topic to explore ideas known about the topic to explore ideas under other information known about the topic
under discussion. discussion. to explore ideas under discussion.
b. Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions b. Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions b. Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions
(e.g., gaining the floor in respectful ways, and carry out assigned roles. and carry out assigned roles.
listening to others with care, speaking one c. Pose and respond to specific questions to c. Pose and respond to specific questions
at a time about the topics and texts under clarify or follow up on information, and make by making comments that contribute to
discussion). comments that contribute to the discussion the discussion and elaborate on the
c. Ask questions to check understanding of and link to the remarks of others. remarks of others.
information presented, stay on topic, and d. Review the key ideas expressed and explain d. Review the key ideas expressed and
link their comments to the remarks of their own ideas and understanding in light of draw conclusions in light of information
others. the discussion. and knowledge gained from the
d. Explain their own ideas and understanding discussions.
in light of the discussion.
SL.3.2 Determine the main ideas and supporting SL.4.2 Paraphrase portions of a text read aloud or SL.5.2 Summarize a written text read aloud or
details of a text read aloud or information presented information presented in diverse media and formats, information presented in diverse media and
in diverse media and formats, including visually, including visually, quantitatively, and orally. formats, including visually, quantitatively, and

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quantitatively, and orally. orally.

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SL.3.3 Ask and answer questions about information SL.4.3 Identify the reasons and evidence a speaker SL.5.3 Summarize the points a speaker makes
from a speaker, offering appropriate elaboration and provides to support particular points. and explain how each claim is supported by
detail. reasons and evidence.

PRESENTATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

SL.3.4 Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or SL.4.4 Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or SL.5.4 Report on a topic or text or present an
recount an experience with appropriate facts and recount an experience in an organized manner, using opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using
relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details
understandable pace. support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at
understandable pace. an understandable pace.

SL.3.5 Create engaging audio recordings of stories SL.4.5 Add audio recordings and visual displays to SL.5.5 Include multimedia components (e.g.,
or poems that demonstrate fluid reading at an presentations when appropriate to enhance the graphics, sound) and visual displays in
understandable pace; add visual displays when development of main ideas or themes. presentations when appropriate to enhance the
appropriate to emphasize or enhance certain facts development of main ideas or themes.
or details.

SL.3.6 Speak in complete sentences when SL.4.6 Differentiate between contexts that call for SL.5.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and
appropriate to task and situation in order to provide formal English (e.g., presenting ideas) and situations tasks, using formal English when appropriate to
requested detail or clarification. (See grade 3 where informal discourse is appropriate (e.g., small- task and situation. (See grade 5 Language
Language standards 1 and 3 for specific group discussion); use formal English when standards 1 and 3 for specific expectations.)
expectations.) appropriate to task and situation. (See grade 4
Language standards 1 for specific expectations.)

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GRADE 6 STUDENTS: GRADE 7 STUDENTS: GRADE 8 STUDENTS:

COMPREHENSION AND COLLABORATION

SL.6.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative SL.7.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative SL.8.1 Engage effectively in a range of
discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher- discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups,
led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8
and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their topics, texts, and issues, building on others’
their own clearly. own clearly. ideas and expressing their own clearly.
a. Come to discussions prepared, having read a. Come to discussions prepared, having read a. Come to discussions prepared, having
or studied required material; explicitly draw or researched material under study; explicitly read or researched material under study;
on that preparation by referring to evidence draw on that preparation by referring to explicitly draw on that preparation by
on the topic, text, or issue to probe and evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe referring to evidence on the topic, text, or
reflect on ideas under discussion. and reflect on ideas under discussion. issue to probe and reflect on ideas under
b. Follow rules for collegial discussions, set b. Follow rules for collegial discussions, track discussion.
specific goals and deadlines, and define progress toward specific goals and b. Follow rules for collegial discussions and
individual roles as needed. deadlines, and define individual roles as decision-making, track progress toward
c. Pose and respond to specific questions with needed. specific goals and deadlines, and define
elaboration and detail by making comments c. Pose questions that elicit elaboration and individual roles as needed.
that contribute to the topic, text, or issue respond to others’ questions and comments c. Pose questions that connect the ideas of
under discussion. with relevant observations and ideas that several speakers and respond to others’
d. Review the key ideas expressed and bring the discussion back on topic as questions and comments with relevant
demonstrate understanding of multiple needed. evidence, observations, and ideas.
perspectives through reflection and d. Acknowledge new information expressed by d. Acknowledge new information expressed
paraphrasing. others and, when warranted, modify their by others, and, when warranted, qualify
own views. or justify their own views in light of the
evidence presented.

SL.6.2 Interpret information presented in diverse SL.7.2 Analyze the main ideas and supporting details SL.8.2 Analyze the purpose of information
media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., presented in diverse media and formats (e.g.,
orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the
or issue under study ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study. motives (e.g., social, commercial, political)
behind its presentation.
SL.6.3 Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific SL.7.3 Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific SL.8.3 Delineate a speaker’s argument and
claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the
reasons and evidence from claims that are not. and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence. reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the
evidence and identifying when irrelevant
evidence is introduced.

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PRESENTATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

SL.6.4 Present claims and findings, sequencing SL.7.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing SL.8.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing
ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, salient points in a focused, coherent manner with salient points in a focused, coherent manner with
facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and
themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact,
volume, and clear pronunciation. clear pronunciation. adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

SL.6.5 Include multimedia components (e.g., SL.7.5 Include multimedia components and visual SL.8.5 Integrate multimedia and visual displays
graphics, images, music, sound) and visual displays displays in presentations to clarify claims and into presentations to clarify information,
in presentations to clarify information. findings and emphasize salient points. strengthen claims and evidence, and add
interest.
SL.6.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and SL.7.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and SL.8.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and
tasks, demonstrating command of formal English tasks, demonstrating command of formal English tasks, demonstrating command of formal English
when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 6 when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 7 when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 8
Language standards 1 and 3 for specific Language standards 1 and 3 for specific Language standards 1 and 3 for specific
expectations.) expectations.) expectations.)

GRADES 9-10 STUDENTS: GRADES 11-12 STUDENTS:

COMPREHENSION AND COLLABORATION

SL.9-10.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative SL.11-12.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative
discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on
grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing grades 11–12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and
their own clearly and persuasively. expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
a. Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material a. Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material
under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to
evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to
stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas. stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.
b. Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision- b. Work with peers to promote civil, democratic discussions and decision
making (e.g., informal consensus, taking votes on key issues, making, set clear goals and deadlines, and establish individual roles
presentation of alternate views), clear goals and deadlines, and as needed.
individual roles as needed. c. Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that
c. Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence; ensure a hearing for a full range of
relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger ideas; positions on a topic or issue; clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and
actively incorporate others into the discussion; and clarify, verify, or conclusions; and promote divergent and creative perspectives.
challenge ideas and conclusions. d. Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives; synthesize comments,
d. Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, summarize points of claims, and evidence made on all sides of an issue; resolve
agreement and disagreement, and, when warranted, qualify or justify contradictions when possible; and determine what additional

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their own views and understanding and make new connections in light information or research is required to deepen the investigation or
of the evidence and reasoning presented. complete the task.

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SL.9-10.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media SL.11-12.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse
or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make
accuracy of each source. informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy
of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.

SL.9-10.3 Evaluate a speaker’s perspective, reasoning, and use of evidence SL.11-12.3 Evaluate a speaker’s perspective, reasoning, and use of evidence
and rhetoric, identifying any fallacious reasoning or exaggerated or distorted and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice,
evidence. points of emphasis, and tone used.

PRESENTATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

SL.9-10.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, SL.11-12.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying
concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of
the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the
purpose, audience, and task. organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose,
audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.

SL.9-10.5 Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, SL.11-12.5 Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio,
visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of
findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest. findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.

SL.9-10.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating SL.11-12.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating a
command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 9–10 command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 11–12
Language standards 1 and 3 for specific expectations.) Language standards 1 and 3 for specific expectations.)

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Language Standards K–12

The following standards for grades K–12 offer a focus for instruction each year to help ensure that students gain adequate mastery of a
range of skills and applications. Students advancing through the grades should meet each year’s grade-specific standards and retain or further
develop skills and understandings mastered in preceding grades.

A note about grammar instruction: while we do understand the controversy and confusion surrounding grammar instruction, the
standards do not specify specific strategies for best practice grammar instruction. The Model Curriculum contains many best practice
strategies and is located here. Our English Language Arts Instructional Strategies webpage also contains helpful strategies and
guidance.
KINDERGARTNERS: GRADE 1 STUDENTS: GRADE 2 STUDENTS:

CONVENTIONS OF STANDARD ENGLISH

L.K.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of L.1.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of L.2.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions
standard English grammar and usage when writing standard English grammar and usage when writing of standard English grammar and usage when
or speaking. or speaking. writing or speaking.
a. Print many upper- and lowercase letters. a. Print all upper- and lowercase letters. a. Use collective nouns (e.g., group).
b. Use frequently occurring nouns and verbs. b. Use common, proper, and possessive nouns. b. Form and use frequently occurring
c. Form regular plural nouns orally by adding c. Use singular and plural nouns with matching irregular plural nouns (e.g., feet, children,
/s/ or /es/ (e.g., dog, dogs; wish, wishes). verbs in basic sentences (e.g., He hops; We teeth, mice, fish).
d. Understand and use interrogatives hop). c. Use reflexive pronouns (e.g., myself,
(question words) (e.g., who, what, where, d. Use personal, possessive, and indefinite ourselves).
when, why, how). pronouns (e.g., I, me, my; they, them, their; d. Form and use the past tense of
e. Use the most frequently occurring anyone, everything). frequently occurring irregular verbs (e.g.,
prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, e. Use verbs to convey a sense of past, sat, hid, told).
for, of, by, with). present, and future (e.g., Yesterday I walked e. Use adjectives and adverbs, and choose
f. Produce and expand complete sentences in home; Today I walk home; Tomorrow I will between them depending on what is to
shared language activities. walk home). be modified.
f. Use frequently occurring adjectives. f. Produce, expand, and rearrange
g. Use frequently occurring coordinating and complete simple and compound
subordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or, sentences (e.g., The boy watched the
so, because). movie; The little boy watched the movie;
h. Use determiners (e.g., articles, The action movie was watched by the
demonstratives). little boy).
i. Use frequently occurring prepositions (e.g.,
during, beyond, toward).
j. Produce and expand complete simple and
compound declarative, interrogative,
imperative, and exclamatory sentences in

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response to prompts.

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L.K.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of L.1.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of L.2.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions
standard English capitalization, punctuation, and standard English capitalization, punctuation, and of standard English capitalization, punctuation,
spelling when writing. spelling when writing. and spelling when writing.
a. Capitalize the first word in a sentence and a. Capitalize dates and names of people. a. Capitalize holidays, product names, and
the pronoun I. b. Use end punctuation for sentences. geographic names.
b. Recognize and name end punctuation. c. Use commas in dates and to separate single b. Use commas in greetings and closings of
c. Write a letter or letters for most consonant words in a series. letters.
and short-vowel phonemes (sounds). d. Use conventional spelling for words with c. Use an apostrophe to form contractions
d. Spell simple words phonetically, drawing on common spelling patterns and for frequently and frequently occurring possessives.
knowledge of sound-letter relationships. occurring irregular words. d. Generalize learned spelling patterns
e. Spell untaught words phonetically, drawing when writing words (e.g., cage → badge;
on phonemic awareness and spelling boy → boil).
conventions. e. Consult reference materials, including
beginning dictionaries, as needed to
check and correct spellings.

KNOWLEDGE OF LANGUAGE
L.K.3 (Begins in grade 2) L.1.3 (Begins in grade 2) L.2.3 Use knowledge of language and its
conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or
listening.
a. Recognize formal and informal uses of
English.
b. Compare formal and informal uses of
English.

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VOCABULARY ACQUISITION AND USE

L.K.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown L.1.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown L.2.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of
and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on unknown and multiple-meaning words and
kindergarten reading and content. grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from phrases based on grade 2 reading and content,
a. Identify new meanings for familiar words an array of strategies. choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.
and apply them accurately (e.g., knowing a. Use sentence-level context as a clue to the a. Use sentence-level context as a clue to
duck is a bird and learning the verb to meaning of a word or phrase. the meaning of a word or phrase.
duck). b. Use frequently occurring affixes as a clue to b. Determine the meaning of the new word
b. Use the most frequently occurring the meaning of a word. formed when a known prefix is added to
inflections and affixes (e.g., -ed, -s, re-, un-, c. Identify frequently occurring root words (e.g., a known word (e.g., happy/unhappy,
pre-, -ful, -less) as a clue to the meaning of look) and their inflectional forms (e.g., looks, tell/retell).
an unknown word. looked, looking). c. Use a known root word as a clue to the
meaning of an unknown word with the
same root (e.g., addition, additional).
d. Use knowledge of the meaning of
individual words to predict the meaning
of compound words (e.g., birdhouse,
lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf,
notebook, bookmark).
e. Use glossaries and beginning
dictionaries, both print and digital, to
determine or clarify the meaning of
words and phrases.
L.K.5 With guidance and support from adults, L.1.5 With guidance and support from adults, L.2.5 Demonstrate understanding of word
explore word relationships and nuances in word demonstrate understanding of word relationships and relationships and nuances in word meanings.
meanings. nuances in word meanings. a. Identify real-life connections between
a. Sort common objects into categories (e.g., a. Sort words into categories (e.g., colors, words and their use (e.g., describe foods
shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the clothing) to gain a sense of the concepts the that are spicy or juicy).
concepts the categories represent. categories represent. b. Distinguish shades of meaning among
b. Demonstrate understanding of frequently b. Define words by category and by one or closely related verbs (e.g., toss, throw,
occurring verbs and adjectives by relating more key attributes (e.g., a duck is a bird that hurl) and closely related adjectives (e.g.,
them to their antonyms (opposites). swims; a tiger is a large cat with stripes). thin, slender, skinny, scrawny).
c. Identify real-life connections between words c. Identify real-life connections between words
and their use (e.g., note places at school and their use (e.g., note places at home that
that are colorful). are cozy).
d. Distinguish shades of meaning among d. Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs
verbs describing the same general action differing in manner (e.g., look, peek, glance,
(e.g., walk, march, strut, prance) by acting stare, glare, scowl) and adjectives differing in

53
out the meanings. intensity (e.g., large, gigantic) by defining or
choosing them or by acting out the

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L.K.6 Use words and phrases acquired through L.1.6 Use words and phrases acquired through L.2.6 Use words and phrases acquired through
conversations, reading and being read to, and conversations, reading and being read to, and conversations, reading and being read to, and
responding to texts. responding to texts, including using frequently responding to texts, including using adjectives
occurring conjunctions to signal simple relationships and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids
(e.g., because). are happy that makes me happy).

GRADE 3 STUDENTS: GRADE 4 STUDENTS: GRADE 5 STUDENTS:

CONVENTIONS OF STANDARD ENGLISH

L.3.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of L.4.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of L.5.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions
standard English grammar and usage when writing standard English grammar and usage when writing of standard English grammar and usage when
or speaking. or speaking. writing or speaking.
a. Explain the function of nouns, pronouns, a. Use relative pronouns (who, whose, whom, a. Explain the function of conjunctions,
verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in general which, that) and relative adverbs (where, prepositions, and interjections in general
and their functions in particular sentences. when, why). and their function in particular sentences.
b. Form and use regular and irregular plural b. Form and use the progressive (e.g., I was b. Form and use the perfect (e.g., I had
nouns. walking; I am walking; I will be walking) verb walked; I have walked; I will have
c. Use abstract nouns (e.g., childhood). tenses. walked) verb tenses.
d. Form and use regular and irregular verbs. c. Use modal auxiliaries (e.g., can, may, must) c. Use verb tense to convey various times,
e. Form and use the simple (e.g., I walked; I to convey various conditions. sequences, states, and conditions.
walk; I will walk) verb tenses. d. Order adjectives within sentences according d. Recognize and correct inappropriate
f. Ensure subject-verb and pronoun- to conventional patterns (e.g., a small red shifts in verb tense.
antecedent agreement.* bag rather than a red small bag). e. Use correlative conjunctions (e.g.,
g. Form and use comparative and superlative e. Form and use prepositional phrases. either/or, neither/nor).
adjectives and adverbs, and choose f. Produce complete sentences, recognizing
between them depending on what is to be and correcting inappropriate fragments and
modified. run-ons.
h. Use coordinating and subordinating g. Correctly use frequently confused words
conjunctions. (e.g., to, too, two; there, their).
i. Produce simple, compound, and complex
sentences.

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L.3.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of L.4.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of L.5.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions
standard English capitalization, punctuation, and standard English capitalization, punctuation, and of standard English capitalization, punctuation,
spelling when writing. spelling when writing. and spelling when writing.
a. Capitalize appropriate words in titles. a. Use correct capitalization. a. Use punctuation to separate items in a
b. Use commas in addresses. b. Use commas and quotation marks to mark series.
c. Use commas and quotation marks in direct speech and quotations from a text. b. Use a comma to separate an
dialogue. c. Use a comma before a coordinating introductory element from the rest of the
d. Form and use possessives. conjunction in a compound sentence. sentence.
e. Use conventional spelling for high- d. Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, c. Use a comma to set off the words yes
frequency and other studied words and for consulting references as needed. and no (e.g., Yes, thank you), to set off a
adding suffixes to base words (e.g., sitting, tag question from the rest of the
smiled, cries, happiness). sentence (e.g., It’s true, isn’t it?), and to
f. Use spelling patterns and generalizations indicate direct address (e.g., Is that you,
(e.g., word families, position-based Steve?).
spellings, syllable patterns, ending rules, d. Use underlining, quotation marks, or
meaningful word parts) in writing words. italics to indicate titles of works.
g. Consult reference materials, including e. Spell grade-appropriate words correctly,
beginning dictionaries, as needed to check consulting references as needed.
and correct spellings.

KNOWLEDGE OF LANGUAGE
L.3.3 Use knowledge of language and its L.4.3 Use knowledge of language and its L.5.3 Use knowledge of language and its
conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or
listening. listening. listening.
a. Choose words and phrases for effect.* a. Choose words and phrases to convey ideas a. Expand, combine, and reduce sentences
b. Recognize and observe differences precisely. for meaning, reader/listener interest, and
between the conventions of spoken and b. Choose punctuation for effect. style.
written standard English. c. Differentiate between contexts that call for b. Compare and contrast the varieties of
formal English (e.g., presenting ideas) and English (e.g., dialects, registers) used in
situations where informal discourse is stories, dramas, or poems.
appropriate (e.g., small-group discussion).

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VOCABULARY ACQUISITION AND USE

L.3.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown L.4.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown L.5.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of
and multiple-meaning word and phrases based on and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on unknown and multiple-meaning words and
grade 3 reading and content, choosing flexibly from grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a phrases based on grade 5 reading and content,
a range of strategies. range of strategies. choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
a. Use sentence-level context as a clue to the a. Use context (e.g., definitions, examples, or a. Use context (e.g., cause/effect
meaning of a word or phrase. restatements in text) as a clue to the relationships and comparisons in text) as
b. Determine the meaning of the new word meaning of a word or phrase. a clue to the meaning of a word or
formed when a known affix is added to a b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek and phrase.
known word (e.g., agreeable/disagreeable, Latin affixes and roots as clues to the b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek
comfortable/uncomfortable, care/careless, meaning of a word (e.g., telegraph, and Latin affixes and roots as clues to
heat/preheat). photograph, autograph). the meaning of a word (e.g., photograph,
c. Use a known root word as a clue to the c. Consult reference materials (e.g., photosynthesis).
meaning of an unknown word with the same dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both c. Consult reference materials (e.g.,
root (e.g., company, companion). print and digital, to find the pronunciation and dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses),
d. Use glossaries or beginning dictionaries, determine or clarify the precise meaning of both print and digital, to find the
both print and digital, to determine or clarify key words and phrases. pronunciation and determine or clarify
the precise meaning of key words and the precise meaning of key words and
phrases. phrases.

L.3.5 Demonstrate understanding of word L.4.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative L.5.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative
relationships and nuances in word meanings. language, word relationships, and nuances in word language, word relationships, and nuances in
a. Distinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings. word meanings.
meanings of words and phrases in context a. Explain the meaning of simple similes and a. Interpret figurative language, including
(e.g., take steps). metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture) in similes and metaphors, in context.
b. Identify real-life connections between words context. b. Recognize and explain the meaning of
and their use (e.g., describe people who are b. Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs.
friendly or helpful). common idioms, adages, and proverbs. c. Use the relationship between particular
c. Distinguish shades of meaning among c. Demonstrate understanding of words by words (e.g., synonyms, antonyms,
related words that describe states of mind relating them to their antonyms (opposites) homographs) to better understand each
or degrees of certainty (e.g., knew, and synonyms (words with similar but not of the words.
believed, suspected, heard, wondered). identical meanings).

L.3.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate L.4.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate L.5.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-
conversational, general academic, and domain general academic and domain-specific words and appropriate general academic and domain-
specific words and phrases, including those that phrases, including those that signal precise actions, specific words and phrases, including those that
signal spatial and temporal relationships (e.g., After emotions, or states of being (e.g., quizzed, whined, signal contrast, addition, and other logical

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dinner that night, we went looking for them). stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic relationships (e.g., however, although,
(e.g., wildlife, conservation, and endangered when nevertheless, similarly, moreover, in addition).

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discussing animal preservation).
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GRADE 6 STUDENTS: GRADE 7 STUDENTS: GRADE 8 STUDENTS:

CONVENTIONS OF STANDARD ENGLISH

L.6.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of L.7.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of L.8.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions
standard English grammar and usage when writing standard English grammar and usage when writing of standard English grammar and usage when
or speaking. or speaking. writing or speaking.
a. Ensure that pronouns are in the proper case a. Explain the function of phrases and clauses a. Explain the function of verbals (gerunds,
(subjective, objective, possessive). in general and their function in specific participles, infinitives) in general and
b. Use intensive pronouns (e.g., myself, sentences. their function in particular sentences.
ourselves). b. Choose among simple, compound, complex, b. Form and use verbs in the active and
c. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts and compound-complex sentences to signal passive voice.
in pronoun number and person. differing relationships among ideas. c. Form and use verbs in the indicative,
d. Recognize and correct vague pronouns c. Place phrases and clauses within a imperative, interrogative, conditional, and
(i.e., ones with unclear or ambiguous sentence, recognizing and correcting subjunctive mood.
antecedents). misplaced and dangling modifiers. d. Recognize and correct inappropriate
e. Recognize variations from standard English shifts in verb voice and mood.
in their own and others’ writing and
speaking, and identify and use strategies to
improve expression in conventional
language.
L.6.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of L.7.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of L.8.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions
standard English capitalization, punctuation, and standard English capitalization, punctuation, and of standard English capitalization, punctuation,
spelling when writing. spelling when writing. and spelling when writing.
a. Use punctuation (commas, parentheses, a. Use a comma to separate coordinate a. Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash)
dashes) to set off adjectives (e.g., It was a fascinating, to indicate a pause or break.
nonrestrictive/parenthetical elements. enjoyable movie but not He wore an old[,] b. Use an ellipsis to indicate an omission.
b. Spell correctly. green shirt). c. Spell correctly.
b. Spell correctly.

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KNOWLEDGE OF LANGUAGE
L.6.3 Use knowledge of language and its L.7.3 Use knowledge of language and its L.8.3 Use knowledge of language and its
conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or
listening. listening. listening.
a. Vary sentence patterns for meaning, a. Choose language that expresses ideas
reader/listener interest, and style.* precisely and concisely. a. Use verbs in the active and passive
b. Maintain consistency in style and tone. b. Recognize and eliminate wordiness and voice (e.g., emphasizing the actor or the
redundancy. action).
b. Use verbs in the conditional and
subjunctive moods to achieve particular
effects (e.g., expressing uncertainty or
describing a state contrary to fact).

VOCABULARY ACQUISITION AND USE

L.6.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown L.7.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown L.8.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of
and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on unknown and multiple-meaning words or phrases
grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibly from grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a based on grade 8 reading and content, choosing
a range of strategies. range of strategies. flexibly from a range of strategies.
a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of
sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or a sentence or paragraph; a word’s
function in a sentence) as a clue to the function in a sentence) as a clue to the position or function in a sentence) as a
meaning of a word or phrase. meaning of a word or phrase. clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek
affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a Latin affixes and roots as clues to the or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the
word (e.g., audience, auditory, audible). meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, meaning of a word (e.g., precede,
c. Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, bellicose, rebel). recede, secede).
glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, c. Consult general and specialized reference c. Consult general and specialized
to find the pronunciation of a word or determine materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, reference materials (e.g., dictionaries,
or clarify its precise meaning or part of speech. thesauruses), both print and digital, to find glossaries, thesauruses), both print and
d. Verify the preliminary determination of the the pronunciation of a word or determine or digital, to find the pronunciation of a word
meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking clarify its precise meaning or part of speech. or determine or clarify its precise
the inferred meaning in context or in a d. Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning or part of speech.
dictionary). meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by d. Verify the preliminary determination of
checking the inferred meaning in context or the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g.,
in a dictionary). by checking the inferred meaning in
context or in a dictionary).

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L.6.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative L.7.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative L.8.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative
language, word relationships, and nuances in word language, word relationships, and nuances in word language, word relationships, and nuances in
meanings. meanings. word meanings.
a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g. verbal
personification) in context. biblical, and mythological allusions) in irony, puns) in context.
b. Use the relationship between particular context. b. Use the relationship between particular
words (e.g., cause/effect, part/whole, b. Use the relationship between particular words to better understand each of the
item/category) to better understand each of words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to words.
the words. better understand each of the words. c. Distinguish among the connotations
c. Distinguish among the connotations c. Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar
(associations) of words with similar (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g.,
denotations (definitions) (e.g., stingy, denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, bullheaded, willful, firm, persistent,
scrimping, economical, frugal, thrifty). respectful, polite, diplomatic, resolute).
condescending).
L.6.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate L.7.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate L.8.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-
general academic and domain-specific words and general academic and domain-specific words and appropriate general academic and domain-
phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary
considering a word or phrase important to considering a word or phrase important to knowledge when considering a word or phrase
comprehension or expression. comprehension or expression. important to comprehension or expression.

GRADES 9-10 STUDENTS: GRADES 11-12 STUDENTS:

CONVENTIONS OF STANDARD ENGLISH

L.9-10.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English L.11-12.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
grammar and usage when writing or speaking. grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
a. Use parallel structure.* a. Apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can
b. Use various types of phrases (noun, verb, adjectival, adverbial, change over time, and is sometimes contested.
participial, prepositional, absolute) and clauses (independent, b. Resolve issues of complex or contested usage, consulting references
dependent; noun, relative, adverbial) to convey specific meanings and (e.g., Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, Garner’s
add variety and interest to writing or presentations. Modern American Usage) as needed.

L.9-10.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English L.11-12.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
a. Use a semicolon (and perhaps a conjunctive adverb) to link two or a. Observe hyphenation conventions.
more closely related independent clauses. b. Spell correctly.

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b. Use a colon to introduce a list or quotation.
c. Spell correctly.

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KNOWLEDGE OF LANGUAGE

L.9-10.3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions L.11-12.3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions
in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to
comprehend more fully when reading or listening. comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
a. Write work so that it conforms to the guidelines in a style manual (e.g., a. Vary syntax for effect, consulting references (e.g., Tufte’s Artful
MLA Handbook, Turabian’s Manual for Writers) appropriate for the Sentences) for guidance as needed.
discipline and writing type. b. Apply an understanding of syntax to the study of complex texts when
b. Edit work so that it conforms to the guidelines in a style manual reading.
appropriate for the discipline and writing type.

VOCABULARY ACQUISITON AND USE

L.9-10.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning L.11-12.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning
words and phrases based on grades 9–10 reading and content, choosing words and phrases based on grades 11–12 reading and content, choosing
flexibly from a range of strategies. flexibly from a range of strategies.
a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence, paragraph, or a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence, paragraph, or
text; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the text; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the
meaning of a word or phrase. meaning of a word or phrase.
b. Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate b. Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate
different meanings or parts of speech (e.g., analyze, analysis, different meanings or parts of speech (e.g., conceive, conception,
analytical; advocate, advocacy). conceivable).
c. Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, c. Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries,
glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the
pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning,
part of speech, or etymology. part of speech, etymology, or standard usage.
d. Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or 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 phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a
dictionary). dictionary).

L.9-10.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word L.11-12.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word
relationships, and nuances in word meanings. relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., euphemism, oxymoron) in context a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and
and analyze their role in the text. analyze their role in the text.
b. Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations. b. Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.

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L.9-10.6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific L.11-12.6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific
words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at
the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in
gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important
to comprehension or expression. to comprehension or expression.

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Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and

Technical Subjects 6–12
The standards below begin at grade 6; standards for K–5 reading in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects are integrated into
the K–5 Reading standards. The CCR anchor standards and high school standards in literacy work in tandem to define college and career
readiness expectations—the former providing broad standards, the latter providing additional specificity. It is important to note that the 6–12
literacy standards in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects do not replace content standards in those areas but rather
supplement them. States may incorporate these standards into their standards for those subjects or adopt them as content area literacy
standards.

HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES
GRADE 6-8 STUDENTS: GRADE 9-10 STUDENTS: GRADE 11-12 STUDENTS:

KEY IDEAS AND DETAILS

RH.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support RH.9-10.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support RH.11-12.1 Cite specific textual evidence to
analysis of primary and secondary sources. analysis of primary and secondary sources, attending support analysis of primary and secondary
to such features as the date and origin of the sources, connecting insights gained from specific
information. details to an understanding of the text as a
whole.
RH.6-8.2 Analyze content-area-specific text RH.9-10.2 Analyze content-area-specific text RH.11-12.2 Analyze content-area-specific text
development. development. development.
a. Determine the central ideas or information a. Determine the central ideas or information of a. Determine the central ideas or
of a primary or secondary source. a primary or secondary source. information of a primary or secondary
b. Provide an accurate summary that includes b. Provide an accurate and objective summary source.
the central ideas of the source. of how key events or ideas develop over the b. Provide an accurate and objective
course of the text. summary that makes clear the
relationships among the key details and
ideas.
RH.6-8.3 Identify key steps in a text’s description of RH.9-10.3 Analyze in detail a series of events RH.11-12.3 Evaluate various explanations for
a process related to history/social studies (e.g., how described in a text; determine whether earlier events actions or events and determine which
a bill becomes law, how interest rates are raised or caused later ones or simply preceded them. explanation best accords with textual evidence,
lowered). acknowledging where the text leaves matters
uncertain.

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CRAFT AND STRUCTURE

RH.6-8.4 Determine the meaning of words and RH.9-10.4 Determine the meaning of words and RH.11-12.4 Determine the meaning of words and
phrases as they are used in a text, including phrases as they are used in a text, including phrases as they are used in a text, including
vocabulary specific to domains related to vocabulary describing political, social, or economic analyzing how an author uses and refines the
history/social studies. aspects of history/social studies. meaning of a key term over the course of a text
(e.g., how Madison defines faction in Federalist
No. 10).
RH.6-8.5 Describe how a text presents information RH.9-10.5 Analyze how a text uses structure to RH.11-12.5 Analyze in detail how a complex
(e.g., sequentially, comparatively, causally). emphasize key points or advance an explanation or primary source is structured, including how key
analysis. sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the
text contribute to the whole.

RH.6-8.6 Identify aspects of a text that reveal an RH.9-10.6 Compare the perspectives of two or more RH.11-12.6 Evaluate authors’ differing
author’s perspective or purpose (e.g., loaded authors for how they treat the same or similar topics, perspectives on the same historical event or
language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts). including which details they include and emphasize issue by assessing the authors’ claims,
in their respective accounts. reasoning, and evidence.

INTEGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

RH.6-8.7 Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, RH.9-10.7 Integrate quantitative or technical analysis RH.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple
graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other (e.g., charts, research data) with qualitative analysis sources of information presented in diverse
information in print and digital texts. in print or digital text. formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively,
as well as in words) in order to address a
question or solve a problem.

RH.6-8.8 Distinguish among fact, opinion, and RH.9-10.8 Assess the extent to which the reasoning RH.11-12.8 Evaluate an author’s premises,
reasoned judgment in a text. and evidence in a text support the author’s claims. claims, and evidence by corroborating or
challenging them with other information.

RH.6-8.9 Analyze the relationship between a RH.9-10.9 Compare and contrast treatments of the RH.11-12.9 Integrate information from diverse
primary and secondary source on the same topic. same topic in several primary and secondary sources, both primary and secondary, into a
sources. coherent understanding of an idea or event,
noting discrepancies among sources.

RANGE OF READING AND LEVEL OF TEXT COMPLEXITY

RH.6-8.10 By the end of grade 8, read, RH.9-10.10 By the end of grade 10, read, RH.11-12.10 By the end of grade 12, read,

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comprehend, and respond to history/social studies comprehend, and respond to history/social studies comprehend, and respond to history/social
texts in the grades 6–8 text complexity band texts in the grades 9–10 text complexity band studies texts in the grades 11–CCR text

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independently and proficiently. independently and proficiently. complexity band independently and proficiently.
OHIO’S LEARNING STANDARDS I ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS I A D O P T E D 2 0 1 7

SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS

GRADE 6-8 STUDENTS: GRADE 9-10 STUDENTS: GRADE 11-12 STUDENTS:

KEY IDEAS AND DETAILS

RST.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support RST.9-10.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support RST.11-12.1 Cite specific textual evidence to
analysis of science and technical texts. analysis of science and technical texts, attending to support analysis of science and technical texts,
the precise details of explanations or descriptions. attending to important distinctions the author
makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the
account.
RST.6-8.2 Analyze content-area-specific text RST.9-10.2 Analyze content-area-specific text RST.11-12.2 Analyze content-area-specific text
development. development. development.
a. Determine the central ideas or conclusions a. Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a. Determine the central ideas or
of a text. a text. conclusions of a text.
b. Provide an accurate and objective summary b. Provide an accurate and objective summary b. Provide an objective summary of the
that includes the central ideas or of the central ideas of the text that traces the central ideas of a text, paraphrasing
conclusions of the text. text’s explanation or depiction of a complex complex concepts, processes, or
process, phenomenon, or concept. information by presenting them in
simpler but still accurate terms.

RST.6-8.3 Follow precisely a multistep procedure RST.9-10.3 Follow precisely a complex multistep RST.11-12.3 Follow precisely a complex
when carrying out experiments, taking procedure when carrying out experiments, taking multistep procedure when carrying out
measurements, or performing technical tasks. measurements, or performing technical tasks, experiments, taking measurements, or
attending to special cases or exceptions defined in performing technical tasks; analyze the specific
the text. results based on explanations in the text.

CRAFT AND STRUCTURE

RST.6-8.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key RST.9-10.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key RST.11-12.4 Determine the meaning of symbols,
terms, and other domain-specific words and terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases key terms, and other domain-specific words and
phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or as they are used in a specific scientific or technical phrases as they are used in a specific scientific
technical context relevant to grades 6–8 texts and context relevant to grades 9–10 texts and topics. or technical context relevant to grades 11–12
topics. texts and topics.
RST.6-8.5 Analyze the structure an author uses to RST.9-10.5 Analyze the structure of the relationships RST.11-12.5 Analyze how the text structures
organize a text, including how the major sections among concepts in a text, including relationships information or ideas into categories or
contribute to the whole and to an understanding of among key terms (e.g., force, friction, reaction force, hierarchies, demonstrating understanding of the
the topic. energy). information or ideas.

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RST.6-8.6 Analyze the author’s purpose in providing RST.9-10.6 Analyze the author’s purpose in RST.11-12.6 Analyze the author’s purpose in
an explanation, describing a procedure, or providing an explanation, describing a procedure, or providing an explanation, describing a procedure,
discussing an experiment in a text. discussing an experiment in a text, defining the or discussing an experiment in a text, identifying
question the author seeks to address. important issues that remain unresolved.

INTEGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

RST.6-8.7 Integrate quantitative or technical RST.9-10.7 Translate quantitative or technical RST.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple
information expressed in words in a text with a information expressed in words in a text into visual sources of information presented in diverse
version of that information expressed visually (e.g., form (e.g., a table or chart) and translate information formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video,
in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table). expressed visually or mathematically (e.g., in an multimedia) in order to address a question or
equation) into words. solve a problem.
RST.6-8.8 Distinguish among facts, reasoned RST.9-10.8 Assess the extent to which the reasoning RST.11-12.8 Evaluate the hypotheses, data,
judgment based on research findings, and and evidence in a text support the author’s claim or a analysis, and conclusions in a science or
speculation in a text. recommendation for solving a scientific or technical technical text, verifying the data when possible
problem. and corroborating or challenging conclusions
with other sources of information.

RST.6-8.9 Compare and contrast the information RST.9-10.9 Compare and contrast findings RST.11-12.9 Synthesize information from a
gained from experiments, simulations, video, or presented in a text to those from other sources range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments,
multimedia sources with that gained from reading a (including their own experiments), noting when the simulations) into a coherent understanding of a
text on the same topic. findings support or contradict previous explanations process, phenomenon, or concept, resolving
or accounts. conflicting information when possible.

RANGE OF READING AND LEVEL OF TEXT COMPLEXITY

RST.6-8.10 By the end of grade 8, read, RST.9-10.10 By the end of grade 10, read, RST.11-12.10 By the end of grade 12, read,
comprehend, and respond to science/technical texts comprehend, and respond to science/technical texts comprehend, and respond to science/technical
in the grades 6–8 text complexity band in the grades 9–10 text complexity band texts in the grades 11–CCR text complexity band
independently and proficiently. independently and proficiently. independently and proficiently.

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Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science,

and Technical Subjects 6–12
The standards below begin at grade 6; standards for K–5 writing in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects are integrated into the K–5 Writing
standards. The CCR anchor standards and high school standards in literacy work in tandem to define college and career readiness expectations.
GRADE 6-8 STUDENTS: GRADE 9-10 STUDENTS: GRADE 11-12 STUDENTS:

TEXT TYPES AND PURPOSES

WHST.6-8.1 Write arguments focused on discipline- WHST.9-10.1 Write arguments focused on discipline- WHST.11-12.1 Write arguments focused on
specific content. specific content. discipline-specific content.
a. Establish a clear thesis statement to present a. Establish a clear and thorough thesis to present a. Establish a clear and thorough thesis to
an argument. an argument. present a complex argument.
b. Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, b. Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the b. Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s),
acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and establish the significance of the claim(s),
alternate or opposing claims, and organize the create an organization that establishes clear distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or
reasons and evidence logically. relationships among the claim(s), opposing claims, and create an
c. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and counterclaims, reasons, and evidence. organization that logically sequences the
relevant, accurate data and evidence that c. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and
demonstrate an understanding of the topic or supplying data and evidence for each while evidence.
text, using credible sources. pointing out the strengths and limitations of c. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly
d. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create both claim(s) and counterclaims in a discipline- and thoroughly, supplying the most
cohesion and clarify the relationships among appropriate form and in a manner that relevant data and evidence for each while
claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and pointing out the strengths and limitations of
evidence. concerns. both claim(s) and counterclaims in a
e. Establish and maintain a formal style. d. Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the discipline-appropriate form that anticipates
f. Provide a concluding statement or section that major sections of the text, create cohesion, and the audience’s knowledge level, concerns,
follows from and supports the argument clarify the relationships between claim(s) and values, and possible biases.
presented. reasons, between reasons and evidence, and d. Use words, phrases, and clauses as well
between claim(s) and counterclaims. as varied syntax to link the major sections
e. Establish and maintain a formal style and of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the
objective tone while attending to the norms and relationships between claim(s) and
conventions of the discipline in which they are reasons, between reasons and evidence,
writing. and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
f. Provide a concluding statement or section that e. Establish and maintain a formal style and
follows from or supports the argument objective tone while attending to the norms
presented. and conventions of the discipline in which
they are writing.
f. Provide a concluding statement or section
that follows from or supports the argument

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presented.

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WHST.6-8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts, WHST.9-10.2 Write informative/explanatory texts, WHST.11-12.2 Write informative/explanatory
including the narration of historical events, scientific including the narration of historical events, scientific texts, including the narration of historical events,
procedures/ experiments, or technical processes. procedures/ experiments, or technical processes. scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical
a. Establish a thesis statement to present a. Establish a clear and thorough thesis to processes.
information. present information. a. Establish a clear and thorough thesis to
b. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is b. Introduce a topic and organize ideas, present and explain information.
to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and concepts, and information to make important b. Introduce a topic and organize complex
information into broader categories as connections and distinctions; include ideas, concepts, and information so that
appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., each new element builds on that which
formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful precedes it to create a unified whole;
charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. include formatting (e.g., headings),
to aiding comprehension. c. Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant, graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and
c. Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen and sufficient facts, extended definitions, multimedia when useful to aiding
facts, definitions, concrete details, concrete details, quotations, or other comprehension.
quotations, or other information and information and examples appropriate to the c. Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting
examples. audience’s knowledge of the topic. the most significant and relevant facts,
d. Use appropriate and varied transitions to d. Use varied transitions and sentence extended definitions, concrete details,
create cohesion and clarify the relationships structures to link the major sections of the quotations, or other information and
among ideas and concepts. text, create cohesion, and clarify the examples appropriate to the audience’s
e. Use precise language and domain-specific relationships among ideas and concepts. knowledge of the topic.
vocabulary to inform about or explain the e. Use precise language and domain-specific d. Use varied transitions and sentence
topic. vocabulary to manage the complexity of the structures to link the major sections of
f. Establish and maintain a formal style and topic and convey a style appropriate to the the text, create cohesion, and clarify the
objective tone. discipline and context as well as to the relationships among complex ideas and
g. Provide a concluding statement or section expertise of likely readers. concepts.
that follows from and supports the f. Establish and maintain a formal style and e. Use precise language, domain-specific
information or explanation presented. objective tone while attending to the norms vocabulary and techniques such as
and conventions of the discipline in which metaphor, simile, and analogy to
they are writing. manage the complexity of the topic;
g. Provide a concluding statement or section convey a knowledgeable stance in a
that follows from and supports the style that responds to the discipline and
information or explanation presented (e.g., context as well as to the expertise of
articulating implications or the significance of likely readers.
the topic). f. Provide a concluding statement or
section that follows from and supports
the information or explanation provided
(e.g., articulating implications or the
significance of the topic).

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WHST.6-8.3 (See note; not applicable as a separate WHST.9-10.3 (See note; not applicable as a WHST.11-12.3 (See note; not applicable as a
requirement) separate requirement) separate requirement)

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PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF WRITING

WHST.6-8.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in WHST.9-10.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in WHST.11-12.4 Produce clear and coherent
which the development, organization, and style are which the development, organization, and style are writing in which the development, organization,
appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and
audience.
WHST.6-8.5 With some guidance and support from WHST.9-10.5 Develop and strengthen writing as WHST.11-12.5 Develop and strengthen writing
peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or as needed by planning, revising, editing,
needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on
trying a new approach, focusing on how well is most significant for a specific purpose and addressing what is most significant for a specific
purpose and audience have been addressed. audience. purpose and audience.

WHST.6-8.6 Use technology, including the Internet, WHST.9-10.6 Use technology, including the Internet, WHST.11-12.6 Use technology, including the
to produce and publish writing and present the to produce, publish, and update individual or shared Internet, to produce, publish, and update
relationships between information and ideas clearly writing products, taking advantage of technology’s individual or shared writing products in response
and efficiently. capacity to link to other information and to display to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or
information flexibly and dynamically. information.

RESEARCH TO BUILD AND PRESENT KNOWLEDGE

WHST.6-8.7 Conduct short research projects to WHST.9-10.7 Conduct short as well as more WHST.11-12.7 Conduct short as well as more
answer a question (including a self-generated sustained research projects to answer a question sustained research projects to answer a question
question), drawing on several sources and (including a self-generated question) or solve a (including a self-generated question) or solve a
generating additional related, focused questions that problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when
allow for multiple avenues of exploration. appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the
subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject subject, demonstrating understanding of the
under investigation. subject under investigation.

WHST.6-8.8 Gather relevant information from WHST.9-10.8 Gather relevant information from WHST.11-12.8 Gather relevant information from
multiple print and digital sources, using search multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using multiple authoritative print and digital sources,
terms effectively; assess the credibility and advanced searches effectively; assess the using advanced searches effectively; assess the
accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase usefulness of each source in answering the research strengths and limitations of each source in terms
the data and conclusions of others, while avoiding question; integrate information into the text of the specific task, purpose, and audience;
plagiarism and following a standard format for selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding integrate information into the text selectively to
citation. plagiarism and following a standard format for maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism
citation. and overreliance on any one source and
following a standard format for citation.

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WHST.6-8.9 Draw evidence from informational texts WHST.9-10.9 Draw evidence from informational texts WHST.11-12.9 Draw evidence from informational
to support analysis reflection, and research. to support analysis reflection, and research. texts to support analysis reflection, and research.

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RANGE OF WRITING

WHST.6-8.10 Write routinely over extended time WHST.9-10.10 Write routinely over extended time WHST.11-12.10 Write routinely over extended
frames (time for reflection and revision) and shorter frames (time for reflection and revision) and shorter time frames (time for reflection and revision) and
time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or
range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks,
audiences. audiences. purposes, and audiences.

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English Language Arts Standards Revision Advisory Committee and

Working Group

Advisory Committee Members

Representative Organization
Sarah Jackson Early Learning
Emily Rozmus INFOhio
Gayle Geitgey INFOhio
Andrea Scott Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)
Jackie Blosser Ohio Association of Administrators of State and Federal Education Programs
Amy Piacentino Ohio Association for Curriculum and Supervision Development (ASCD)
Julie Greenberg Ohio Council of the International Reading Association (OCIRA)
Karla Hayslett Ohio Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (OCTELA)
Matthew DeMatteis Ohio Education Association
Deb Tully Ohio Federation of Teachers
April Hoying Ohio Language Arts Supervisors Network (OLASN)
Jackie Arendt Ohio PTA
Jovette Hiltunen Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA)
Cori Stevens Ohio TESOL
Dr. Caroline Clark Ohio Department of Higher Education
Tricia Ebner Committee Co-Chair

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Lisa Bass Committee Co-Chair

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Working Group Members

Grades K-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12

Thuwaiba Duncan, Columbus City Sara Cart, Cleveland Municipal Clifton Gregory, Columbus City

Natasha Taylor, Cincinnati City Belinda Jovanov, Miamisburg City Theresa Bosse, Treca Digital Academy

Tonya West-Wright, Princeton City Debra Neal, South Amherst Anna Fox, Muskingum Valley ESC

LaVerne Thomas, Berea City Bernetta Snell, Canton City Lisa Iberis, Mahoning County ESC

Denise Johnson, Bellefontaine City Jennifer Payne, Urbana City Joanne Krajeck, Malone University

Eddie Kerney, Ross County Trent Kreischer, Crestview Local Tiffany Minton, Miami Career Tech Center

Kristal Lovette, Fayetteville-Perry Local Joyce Gerber, Norton City Mary Ellis, Cincinnati Public

Krissy Machamer, Licking Heights Local Christina Smart-Meigs, Triad Local Connie Salvayon, Eastern Gateway CC

Mia Brower, Reynoldsburg City Dawn Spurr, Fort Frye Local Desiree Moyer-Stephens, Cleveland Central

Marlo Moransky-Miller, Mahoning County ESC Katherine Adick, Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Desiree Bernard-Johnson, Pickerington Local

Linda Fenner, Franklin County

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