Close Reading
Cite evidence, infer, analyze development, interpret language, structure, perspective, and transformation.
National Benchmarking
Standards Crosswalk
A complete floor with an advanced ceiling.
The course covers the Grade 9–10 Common Core domains and NCTE/IRA national standards, then extends toward ACT upper-band language expectations, college-level rhetorical analysis, digital research, publication, and oral defense.
Competency Architecture
Twelve integrated competencies.
Literary Knowledge
Read fiction, poetry, drama, myth, epic, and a full novel across cultures and periods.
Informational Reading
Analyze central ideas, reasoning, evidence, rhetoric, visuals, and source relationships.
Argument Writing
Develop precise claims, logical organization, relevant evidence, counterclaims, rebuttal, and responsible style.
Informative Writing
Explain complex ideas through accurate structure, examples, definitions, data, visuals, and precise language.
Narrative Writing
Create purposeful narratives using character, structure, pacing, dialogue, detail, and reflection.
Research and Citation
Ask significant questions, search strategically, evaluate credibility, synthesize sources, and cite ethically.
Speaking and Listening
Discuss, question, collaborate, perform, debate, present, listen, and defend ideas with evidence.
Language and Style
Control conventions, syntax, vocabulary, register, tone, rhythm, cohesion, and purposeful variation.
Media and Digital Literacy
Evaluate platforms and visuals, verify claims, design accessible media, and understand rights and attribution.
Creative Publication
Compose, edit, curate, design, proof, credit, and publish work for authentic audiences.
Independence and Reflection
Set goals, sustain reading, revise from feedback, curate evidence, transfer learning, and defend growth.
Unit Evidence Map
Where competencies are assessed.
| Unit | Focus | Standards Emphasis | Principal Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scholarly Foundations | RL.9-10.1–2, RI.9-10.1–2, W.9-10.4–5, L.9-10.1–2, SL.9-10.1 | Evidence-based analytical paragraph, revised diagnostic essay, and language conventions check. |
| 2 | Myth and Epic | RL.9-10.2–7, W.9-10.2, W.9-10.9, SL.9-10.4, L.9-10.4–6 | Comparative literary analysis with a visual archetype map. |
| 3 | Narrative Craft | RL.9-10.3–6, W.9-10.3–5, SL.9-10.1, L.9-10.1–3 | Polished short story with craft commentary and peer-review record. |
| 4 | Poetry and Voice | RL.9-10.4–7, W.9-10.3–5, SL.9-10.4–6, L.9-10.3–5 | Four-poem portfolio, comparative analysis, and formal oral reading. |
| 5 | Drama and Consequence | RL.9-10.2–7, W.9-10.1–2, SL.9-10.1–6, L.9-10.3 | Literary analysis, Socratic seminar, and staged interpretation. |
| 6 | Rhetoric and Speech | RI.9-10.4–8, W.9-10.1, SL.9-10.2–6, L.9-10.3–6 | Four-to-six-minute evidence-based speech with rhetorical analysis. |
| 7 | Research and Media | RI.9-10.1–9, W.9-10.7–9, SL.9-10.2, L.9-10.6 | Annotated bibliography, source audit, and 900–1,200-word research report. |
| 8 | Informational Writing | RI.9-10.2–7, W.9-10.2, WHST.9-10.2, SL.9-10.5, L.9-10.1–3 | Explanatory article, tested procedure, and accessible infographic. |
| 9 | Novel Study | RL.9-10.1–10, W.9-10.2,4–5,9, SL.9-10.1,4, L.9-10.4–6 | 1,200–1,500-word literary analysis and independent reading conference. |
| 10 | Argument and Debate | RI.9-10.1,5–9, W.9-10.1,7–9, SL.9-10.1–4, L.9-10.3–6 | 1,200–1,600-word position paper and structured debate. |
| 11 | Publication Studio | W.9-10.3–6, SL.9-10.2,4–6, L.9-10.1–3, NCTE 6,8,11,12 | Curated literary magazine, digital exhibit, or themed publication with editorial statement. |
| 12 | Capstone and Defense | All Grade 9–10 ELA strands, NCTE 1–12, ACT college-readiness stretch skills | Portfolio, synthesis capstone, cumulative final examination, and oral defense. |
No static package can legally certify compliance with every future state revision. This framework is deliberately broader and deeper than a single-state checklist; local educators should attach the current state code overlay required for official reporting.