Course Description

  • Practical Writing is a middle level writing course focused on writing situations in academic settings and professional life. Students complete a variety of essays and writing assignments of varying lengths and purposes including personal statements, argumentative writing, creative writing, and expository writing. Students who display proficiency in Practical Writing and have aspirations of attending a four-year college are encouraged to take College Writing as an English elective credit.

Proficiency learning targets for Grade 11/12 ELA

  • Writing Proficiency Targets

    As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

    • Introduce and develop information about a topic (11.7.2.2)
    • Organize and format information to maximize content clarity and audience understanding. (11.7.2.2)
    • Organize and write using formal standards. (11.7.2.2)
    • Use language, including figurative language, appropriate to the audience. (11.7.2.2)
    • Produce clear and coherent writing. (11.7.4.4)
    • Organize and develop content using a formal writing process. (11.7.4.4)
    • Generate effective research questions. (11.7.7.7)
    • Develop an outline according to evidence gathered (11.7.7.7)
    • Synthesize multiple sources to support research questions. (11.7.7.7)
    • Integrate multiple types of credible sources to support research (11.7.8.8)
    • Provide accurate citations for evidence. (11.7.8.8)

    Language Proficiency Targets

    As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

    • Correctly use grammar in speaking and writing. (11.11.1.1; 11.11.2.2)
    • Correctly use punctuation and spelling in writing. (11.11.1.1; 11.11.2.2)
    • Edit written work for correct use of grammar and mechanics. (11.11.1.1; 11.11.2.2)
    • Use context clues and word structure to determine meaning of words. (11.11.4.4)

Materials Used

  • No Textbook -- All Supplemental Materials