Standards

• [Virginia] 10.RV.1.B - Use context and sentence structure to clarify the literal and figurative meanings of words and phrases.
• [Virginia] 10.C.2.A - Report orally on a topic or text or present an opinion. This includes: (i) choosing vocabulary, language, and tone appropriate to the topic, audience, and purpose, (ii) using active listening and speaking strategies effectively with awareness of verbal and nonverbal cues (e.g., appropriate facial expressions and posture), and (iii) evaluating the effectiveness of presentations, including the introduction, central ideas, organization, and conclusion.
• [Virginia] 10.R.1.C - Objectively evaluate primary and secondary sources for their credibility, reliability, accuracy, usefulness, and limitations, that includes identifying their main and supporting ideas, points of view, conflicting information, and any misconceptions or biases.
• [Virginia] 10.W.1.A - Write extended pieces that: (i) introduce a topic clearly by providing context, presenting well-defined theses, and previewing what follows, (ii) adopt an organizational structure that clarifies relationships among ideas and concepts, (iii) develop the topic through sustained use of the most significant and relevant facts, concrete details, quotations, or other information from multiple authoritative sources appropriate to the audience's knowledge, and (iv) provide a concluding section that follows from the information or explanation presented.
• [Virginia] 10.W.1.B - Write arguments that: (i) develop a thesis that demonstrates knowledgeable judgments, (ii) support well-defined points of view effectively with relevant evidence and clear reasoning in ways that logically advance the claim(s), (iii) address and refute counterclaims, and (iv) provide conclusions that follow from and support the argument presented.
• [Virginia] 10.W.2.A - Plan and organize writing to address a specific audience and purpose using the writing process (planning, drafting, revising, editing). This includes: (i) composing a thesis statement that clearly communicates the writer's position or assertion, (ii) introducing and developing central idea(s), and organizing ideas in a logical sequence to exhibit unity, (iii) defending a position using sufficient reasons with evidence from credible sources as support, (iv) embedding narrative techniques (e.g., anecdotes, dialogue, and description) to develop and enhance writing, (v) using transitions effectively to connect ideas within and across paragraphs, and (vi) elaborating ideas clearly through intentional word choice and varied sentence structure.
• [Virginia] 10.W.1.D - Develop flexibility in writing by routinely producing shorter and longer pieces that adapt writing content, technique, and voice for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences, (e.g., summaries, reflections, descriptions, critiques, letters, poetry, narratives, etc.).
• [Virginia] 10.W.3.A - Revise writing for clarity of content, accuracy, and adequate elaboration.
• [Virginia] 10.W.3.B - Use peer- and self-evaluation to edit writing for clarity and quality of information, addressing strengths and making suggestions regarding how writing might be improved.
• [Virginia] 10.W.3.C - Edit writing for appropriate conventions, style, and language (See Language Usage for grade level expectations).
• [Virginia] 10.LU.1.A - Use, edit, and revise parallel structure across complex sentences and paragraphs in writing.
• [Virginia] 10.LU.1.B - Use complex sentence structure (made up of main and subordinate clauses and subordinating conjunctions) to infuse sentence variety in writing.
• [Virginia] 10.LU.2.A - Know and apply the rules for the use of a colon (e.g., joining independent clauses, introducing a list, introducing a quotation) when writing.
• [Virginia] 10.LU.2.B - Apply a style manual, such as that of the Modern Language Association (MLA) or the American Psychological Association (APA), to apply rules for punctuation and formatting of direct quotations in writing.
• [Virginia] 10.LU.2.C - Spell correctly, consulting reference materials to check as needed.
• [Virginia] 10.RI.1.C - Evaluate the argument and specific claims in texts, examining whether the reasoning is valid, the evidence is relevant, and whether there are any false or unsupported statements.
• [Virginia] 10.RI.3.A - Evaluate how different authors write about the same topic and shape their presentations or viewpoints of key information using facts, opinions, and reasoning.
• [Virginia] 10.RI.3.B - Analyze multiple texts addressing the same topic to determine how authors reach similar or different conclusions.
• [Virginia] 10.RV.1.A - Develop and accurately use general academic and content-specific vocabulary through reading, discussing, and writing about grade-level texts and topics.
• [Virginia] 10.RV.1.C - Use structural analysis of roots, affixes, and etymology to clarify the meanings of unfamiliar and complex words.
• [Virginia] 10.RV.1.D - Discriminate between the connotative and denotative meanings and interpret the connotation(s).

Competencies

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
• Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
• Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
• Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
• Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.