The Alabama Course of Study for ELA is designed to ensure that all students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to become proficient readers, writers, speakers, and listeners.
## ReadingThe Reading strand of the Alabama Course of Study for ELA focuses on developing students ability to comprehend and interpret text.
### PhonicsIn kindergarten through second grade, students will learn phonics skills that will help them decode words and understand text.
### FluencyIn third grade and beyond, students will focus on developing fluency skills that will help them read text smoothly and expressively.
### VocabularyThroughout their K-12 education, students will be exposed to new vocabulary words and will learn strategies for understanding and using them in their reading and writing.
### ComprehensionStudents will learn to comprehend text at increasingly complex levels as they progress through the grades.
## WritingThe Writing strand of the Alabama Course of Study for ELA focuses on developing students ability to produce clear, concise, and effective writing.
### CompositionStudents will learn to write a variety of genres of writing, including narrative, expository, persuasive, and technical writing.
### GrammarStudents will learn the rules of grammar and usage and will apply them in their writing.
### MechanicsStudents will learn the mechanics of writing, including punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
## Speaking and ListeningThe Speaking and Listening strand of the Alabama Course of Study for ELA focuses on developing students ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
### SpeakingStudents will learn to speak clearly and confidently in a variety of settings.
### ListeningStudents will learn to listen attentively and to respond appropriately to what they hear.
## Media LiteracyThe Media Literacy strand of the Alabama Course of Study for ELA focuses on developing students ability to critically evaluate and use media.
### Media AnalysisStudents will learn to analyze media messages and to understand how they are constructed.
### Media ProductionStudents will learn to produce their own media messages.
### Media LiteracyStudents will learn to use media effectively and responsibly.
## AssessmentStudents progress in ELA will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
### Classroom AssessmentsTeachers will use a variety of classroom assessments to monitor students progress throughout the year.
### Standardized TestsStudents will take standardized tests in ELA in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10.
### Portfolio AssessmentStudents will create portfolios of their work that demonstrate their progress in ELA.
## ResourcesThere are a variety of resources available to help students and teachers with ELA instruction.
### TextbooksA variety of textbooks are available that align with the Alabama Course of Study for ELA.
### WebsitesThere are a number of websites that provide ELA resources for students and teachers.
### Professional DevelopmentThere are a number of professional development opportunities available for teachers who want to improve their ELA instruction.
The Alabama Course of Study for ELA is a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that is designed to ensure that all students develop the skills they need to be successful in college, career, and life.
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