English Language Arts Performance Tasks

Description

An unfortunate title for an excellent readings-based writing series. Although technically accurate, the term "performance assessment" under-communicates. This series provides well-constructed lessons utilizing literature selections (from a huge variety of sources) and training the student in the analysis of those selections. Then, step-by-step instruction leads the student through the completion of specific writing assignments (performance tasks). Intriguing topics, well-defined expectations, interesting reading material, and grading rubrics ensure success for both teacher and student. Colorful and appealing, these engaging worktexts easily provide the composition component for a standards-based grade level English/Language Arts course. As a surprising byproduct, these also provide excellent standardized test preparation in areas of reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing analysis, not to mention composition skills.

Each course is comprised of units (Grade 4 has five; Grade 10 has four). Each unit is focused on a specific form of writing. These vary a bit with the grade level. For instance, Grade 10 has units on Argumentative Essay, Informative Essay, and Literary Analysis while Grade 4 has units on Opinion Essay, Informative Essay, Response to Literature, and Narrative. Both grade levels have a concluding unit that is Mixed Practice or, in other words, one of each form of writing covered in that grade level. Within these units (the Mixed Practice unit being an exception) there are three steps: Analyze the Model, Practice the Task, and Perform the Task. Completion of each step involves reading various literature selections with accompanying analysis, discussion, comparisons, and essay-writing. Students are expected to write 9-12 grade-level pieces (essays, narratives, or responses to literature) for each course plus analysis of the student models that are provided. Literature selections are varied and include informative articles, newspaper ads, business analysis, student blogs, newspaper editorials, databases, memoir, field notes, biographies, poems, letters, petitions, infographic, book reviews, journal entries, radio interviews, short story, novel excerpts, and even train schedules.

As you might expect, the topics included in all these literature sources are extremely varied, politically correct, and often controversial. To give you an idea, discussions from the Grade 4 course include: Should people use disposable bags? Should dogs be allowed on the beach? Should plastic water bottles be banned? How do human actions reshape the Earth? How does erosion change the landscape? How did a meteor impact affect life on Earth? How can a character show courage? How does a setting influence a character's actions? What makes a character "larger than life"? What happens to a lone flamingo among swans? What happens when two schedules get mixed up? What would happen if you went back in time? Truthfully, I found these topics and assignments exciting and challenging at grade level. I might be tempted to think them too challenging for any specific grade level but the preparation and step-by-step nature of the instruction and exercises prepare the student well and lead him or her in the production of a well-written, well-thought-out piece.

Student Books are appealingly colorful and consumable; providing writing space for all exercises leading up to the essay writing assignments. Reading material is also provided in the Student Book. Teacher's Guides are a necessary companion. They provide answers to all exercises, but more importantly, grading rubrics and talking points for all discussion questions. Packages include both a Student Book and a Teacher's Guide. Student Books are 150-190 pgs, pb. Teacher's Guides are 40-50 pgs, pb. ~ Janice

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.