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.