MPS - K-12 English Language Arts Instructional Support
The goal of Mason Public Schools' K-12 English Language Arts Instructional Support is to provide teachers, students, and parents with information, resources, tools, and the background knowledge necessary to increase student achievement and their ability to read, write, listen, and communicate. We want our students to be able use these skills to express themselves and enhance their understanding of any subject that they may encounter.
Mason Public Schools' English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum is aligned to the Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCE) and the High School Content Expectations at all grades, K-12. For more information regarding GLCE and HSCE, see below. Mason Public Schools uses Kent County Core Collaborative Curriculum or KC4 (K-12). Our HS English Department has also designed courses aligned with the Michigan Merit Curriculum to provide our students with the highest quality K-12 ELA education possible.
Mason Public Schools' English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum is aligned to the Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCE) and the High School Content Expectations at all grades, K-12. For more information regarding GLCE and HSCE, see below. Mason Public Schools uses Kent County Core Collaborative Curriculum or KC4 (K-12). Our HS English Department has also designed courses aligned with the Michigan Merit Curriculum to provide our students with the highest quality K-12 ELA education possible.
Grade Level Content Expectations and High School Content Expectations
The Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCE) and High School Content Expectations (HSCE) provide a guide for what should be taught and assessed by our ELA teachers throughout the district. The GLCE provide our K-8 teachers with grade level expectations of what each student should learn and master by the time they leave each grade. The HSCE provide our high school ELA teachers with expectations of what each student should learn and master by the time they leave each course. Please click on the links below to retrieve a PDF of the K-8 ELA GLCE or the ELA HSCE.
After ELA teachers had used the GLCE and HSCE documents as a basis for instruction, it became evident that clarification was necessary. As a result, teachers, in collaboration with their Intermediate School Districts, developed Power Standards documents to narrow the focus for instruction. The Power Standards documents are written in teacher and student-friendly language and highlight essential understandings in each of the core content areas.
K-8 ELA GLCE
HSCE ELA
Power Standards ELA
HS Course Descriptions and Related Documents
After ELA teachers had used the GLCE and HSCE documents as a basis for instruction, it became evident that clarification was necessary. As a result, teachers, in collaboration with their Intermediate School Districts, developed Power Standards documents to narrow the focus for instruction. The Power Standards documents are written in teacher and student-friendly language and highlight essential understandings in each of the core content areas.
K-8 ELA GLCE
HSCE ELA
Power Standards ELA
HS Course Descriptions and Related Documents
Looking to the Future...Common Core State Standards
The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) released a set of state-led education standards, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The English-language arts and mathematics standards for grades K-12 were developed in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders including content experts, states, teachers, school administrators and parents. The standards establish clear and consistent goals for learning that will prepare America's children for success in college and work.
The release of the standards marks the conclusion of the development of the Common Core State Standards and signals the start of the adoption and implementation process by the states. The year-long process was led by governors and chief state school officers in 48 states, 2 territories and the District of Columbia. The final standards were informed by nearly 10,000 public comments and by standards in other top performing countries so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy.
These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school fully prepared for college and careers. The standards are: Aligned with college and work expectations;
- Clear, understandable and consistent;
- Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills; Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards;
- Informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and
- Evidence and research-based.
Taken from the Michigan Department of Education Website - 12/16/10
The CCSS are closely aligned with our current Grade Level Content Expectations and High School Content Expectations. However, Mason teachers and administrators will begin working with the CCSS during the winter of 2011 to ensure the alignment of the MPS curriculum in mathematics and Language Arts to these standards by 2014. Faculty members are working closely with Ingham Intermediate School District consultants to make sure that we efficiently transition to the CCSS. If you have any questions regarding the CCSS, please contact the curriculum office.
