English/Language Arts

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    Language, as a cornerstone of thought, knowledge, and culture, is the primary way people communicate ideas and feelings.  Language is a life-long resource for learning, enjoyment and understanding human experience.  Language processes are interrelated and interdependent.  Literacy develops best in a language-rich environment, where there is plenty of time for experience, interaction, reflection, and communication.  Quality language instruction helps learners become literate by engaging them in purposeful work that encourages them to construct meaning and develop thinking.
     
    To view the Oregon Common Core State Standards for Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects, please click here.
    Lang Literacy Develop

     

    Language Arts Curriculum

    Course Sequencing & Content Descriptions Grades K-9

    English Sequence K-9

     

    Links to Curriculum/Course Content Descriptions:

    Related Document:  West Linn-Wilsonville Language Arts Program Grades K-8

    Course descriptions (content standards) are mirrored in the Oregon State Content & Benchmark Standards.  The content standards are measured in the Oregon Statewide Assessments.

    Course Sequencing & Content Descriptions Grades 9-12

    English Sequence 9-12

     

     

    Language Arts Instruction

    Guiding Principles Indicators of
    Excellence    		 Instruction Related Documents Internet Resources

    Guiding Principles

    • Reading Environment
      Environments rich in literacy experiences, resources, and models facilitate reading development.
       

    • Learning
      Reading and writing develop together.  Both are constructive processes. 
       

    • Teaching & Literacy Development
      Teachers play a vital role in the literacy development of children that they teach. 
       

    • Technology
      Technology does not reduce the need for thinking or for reading and writing. In fact, technology has the potential to increase and enhance literacy.
       

    Related document:  West Linn-Wilsonville Language Arts Guiding Principles
                             (further description of above guiding principles and associated bibliography sources)

    Top of Instruction

     

    Classroom Indicators of Excellence

    What is excellence in language arts education?

    Teacher, student and environment combine to produce excellence in education.  Attributes of each are summarized in the Classroom Indicators of Excellence document.

     

    Instruction Related Documents

    Oregon Department of Education

    Top of Instruction

     

    Internet Resources

    • Oregon Department of Education - Language Arts
      Includes information regarding and/or links to:  standards, curriculum and instruction, assessment, professional organizations
       
    • National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
      The National Council of Teachers of English is devoted to improving the teaching and learning of English and the language arts at all levels of education. Since 1911, NCTE has provided a forum for the profession, an array of opportunities for teachers to continue their professional growth throughout their careers, and a framework for cooperation to deal with issues that affect the teaching of English.
       
    • Oregon Council of Teachers of English (OCTE)
       
    •  International Reading Association (IRA)
      The International Reading Association is a professional membership organization dedicated to promoting high levels of literacy for all by improving the quality of reading instruction, disseminating research and information about reading, and encouraging the lifetime reading habit.
       
    • Oregon Reading Association (ORA)