English Language Arts
- Middle School Language Arts General Information
- English Language Arts Course Sequence 2024-2025
- 6th Grade English Language Arts
- 7th Grade English Language Arts
- 8th Grade English Language Arts
Middle School Language Arts General Information
The Issaquah School District believes that literacy, the ability to read, write, listen, speak, and think critically in different ways and for different purposes, begins to develop early and becomes increasingly important as students pursue specialized fields of study in high school and beyond.
The State Standards for reading, writing, speaking, listening and language provide the learning targets for our instruction. Our reading program consists of clearly articulated goals, quality assessments, appropriate, research-based instructional strategies, and quality materials for students with the end goal of helping students achieve college and career readiness.
Our Middle Schools offer two course options at each grade level: English Language Arts and Advanced English Language Arts. Advanced English Language Arts is a program for students which provides additional challenge and rigor in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, listening and language.
English Language Arts Course Sequence 2024-2025
Grade 6 | English Language Arts Grade 6 OR Advanced English Language Arts Grade 6 |
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Grade 7 | English Language Arts Grade 7 OR Advanced English Language Arts Grade 7 |
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Grade 8 | English Language Arts Grade 8 OR Advanced English Language Arts Grade 8 |
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High School | ||||
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Grade 9 | Literacy Analysis & Composition OR Honors Literacy Analysis & Composition |
Students must complete |
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Grade 10 | Literacy Analysis & Composition 2 OR Honors Literacy Analysis & Composition 2 |
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Grade 11 | American Literature OR AP English Language & Composition* |
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Grade 12 | English Language Arts Elective(s) |
For elective options, |
High School options and course descriptions for English Language Arts, refer to the High School course guide:
Skyline High School *Courses will vary for International Baccalaureate (IB)
6th Grade English Language Arts
6th Grade English Language Arts (KL600)
Learning Recommendations: Completion of 5th Grade, enrolled in 6th Grade.
Description: 6th Grade English Language Arts is aligned with the Washington State Standards and includes novels and the Writing Fundamentals curriculum. Students will explore diverse literary genres by exploring theme and character analysis. Critical thinking and persuasive skills are strengthened. The course provides a framework for understanding narrative structures across various texts and will read the novel, Freak the Mighty. There is an emphasis on empowering students to be effective communicators and analytical thinkers. Through a combination of whole-class instruction and small group workshop experiences, students will sharpen their language arts skills and strengthen self-expression.
6th Grade Advanced Language Arts (KL601)
Learning Recommendations: SBA ELA Score: Level 4. Report Card Grades in Reading and Writing: 4. i-Ready reading score in 5th Grade above 4.00 and reading above grade level.
Description: Advanced 6th Grade ELA is aligned with the Washington State Standards and includes novels and the Writing Fundamentals curriculum. The topics covered are similar to the 6th English Language Arts (see description above) but covered more in depth and requires an increased volume of reading and writing.
7th Grade English Language Arts
7th Grade English Language Arts (KL700)
Learning Recommendations: Completion of 6th Grade ELA; enrolled in 7th Grade.
Description: 7th Grade English Language Arts is aligned with the Washington State Standards and includes both reading workshops and the Writing Fundamentals workshop curriculum. Students will delve into the power of short stories and non-fiction narratives, navigate through speculative worlds of dystopia, and celebrate individual voices and narratives about the courage to be an individual. The course is designed to foster a deep appreciation for diverse literary genres and the art of storytelling. There is also an emphasis on using writing for personal expression and critical thinking. Through a combination of whole-class instruction and small group workshop experiences, students will strengthen their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and observational skills.
7th Grade Advanced English Language Arts (KL701)
Learning Recommendations: Report Card Grade in 6th Grade English Language Arts is B+ or higher. SBA ELA score: Level 4.
Description: Similar to 7th Grade English Language Arts, the Advanced class is also aligned with the Washington State Standards and includes novels and the Writing Fundamentals curriculum. The topics covered are similar to the 7th English Language Arts (see description above) but covered more in depth and requires an increased volume of reading and writing.
8th Grade English Language Arts
8th Grade English Language Arts (KL800)
Learning Recommendations: Completion of 7th Grade ELA.
Description: 8th Grade English Language Arts is aligned with the Washington State Standards and includes novels and the Writing Fundamentals curriculum. Students will engage with a diverse array of literature, and extract meaning while reflecting on their own life experience. Students will hone their writing skills, crafting compelling first-person narratives, and strengthen persuasive skills by constructing and defending well-reasoned positions. The course is designed to deepen language arts proficiency and instill an appreciation for literature and effective communication as well as build vocabulary and improve grammar. Through a combination of whole-class instruction and small group workshop experiences, students will sharpen their reading, writing, listening, and thinking skills.
8th Grade Advanced English Language Arts (KL801)
Learning Recommendations: Report Card Grade in 7th English Language Arts: B+. SBA ELA score: Level 4.
Description: Similar to 8th Grade English Language Arts, the Advanced class is also aligned with the Washington State Standards and includes novels and the Writing Fundamentals curriculum. The topics covered are similar to the 8th English Language Arts (see description above) but covered more in depth and students read more complex literature and complete more extensive writing assignments.