Grade 11
English Language Arts
Secondary English Language Arts teachers will be focusing on the 11 highest priority standards for student learning we have identified. This priority instructional content selected represents the standards most foundational to ELA instruction:
Close Reading of Complex Texts, and
Volume of Reading to Build Knowledge
The 11 priority content standards are:
Reading
Students read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
Students determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
Students interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
Students analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
Students read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
Writing
Students write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
Students draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Speaking and Listening
Students prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Language
Students demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Students demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
Students 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 unknown term important to comprehension or expression.
Though these standards are common across all secondary grade levels, instruction will be aligned to the corresponding grade-specific level of performance articulated in the common core standards.
Math
Eleventh grade students have a number of options for their math course. Possible courses include math analysis, statistics, calculus. Your student's counselor will help them identify a sequence that is aligned with college requirements as well as their individual interests.
Science
Students in high school will be working to complete a sequence of required laboratory science classes aligned with the a-g requirements. These typically include a sequence of biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as one or more science electives such as biotechnology or physiology. Your student's counselor will help them identify a sequence that is aligned with college requirements as well as their individual interests.
History - Social Studies
In history, students will be continuing to develop their skills for engaging in evidence-based historical inquiry. In eleventh grade, students are focusing on U.S. History, and their teachers will be prioritizing adapted lessons from among the following units:
Connecting with Past Studies - Slavery & Reconstruction
Industrialization, Urbanization, Immigration, and Progressive Reform
The Rise of the United States as a World Power
The 1920s
The Great Depression and the New Deal
America’s Participation in World War II
Postwar America
Cold War Struggles Abroad
Cold War Struggles at Home
Movements for Equality
Contemporary American Society
You can read more about the details of each unit, such as the overarching questions that frame each, as well as highlighted projects and performance tasks here.