Literature and Composition

This class reinforces components of the Language Training class. Students are given a broader exposure to the use of language skills through the study of composition and literature. Five areas are addressed: grammar, written expression, reading comprehension, as well as study skills and the use of assistive technology. In each area students are asked to do challenging work based on their increasing abilities. They are directly taught in a multi-sensory format in which language skills are continuously reviewed.

Literature and Composition/English Goals

Language

• To analyze standard English grammar and usage.
• To participate constructively in class discussions.
• To understand and acquire new vocabulary and use it correctly in reading and writing.

Reading and Literature

• To understand a text, identify the facts, and use them as the basis for interpretation.
• To understand the nature of written English.
• To identify, analyze, and apply knowledge of theme in a literary work.
• To identify, analyze, and apply knowledge of the themes, structure, and elements of poetry.
• To identify, analyze, and apply knowledge of the themes, structure, and elements of myth, traditional narrative, and classic literature.

Composition

• To write with clear focus, coherent organization, and sufficient detail.
• To write for different audiences and purposes.
• To demonstrate improvement in organization, content, paragraph development, levels of detail, style, tone, and word choice.
• To develop cursive writing skills.

Assessment
Students’ progress in language development is assessed using the following criteria: Standardized tests, such as the Woodcock-Johnson III (WJ III), Gallistell-Ellis Test of Coding Skills (GE), Gray Oral Reading Test, Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT), Lindamood Auditory Conceptualization (LAC), Test of Written Language (TOWL) portfolios, student’s daily homework assignments and language notebook as well as teacher observations, quizzes and teacher made tests.