English Language Arts Resources
Massachusetts Content Standards and Related Resources
Massachusetts English Language Arts Curriculum Framework, 2001
Massachusetts English Language Arts Curriculum Framework Supplement, 2004
These frameworks were developed by PreK-16 educators in Massachusetts. The 2001 document contains PreK-12 standards for Language, Reading and Literature, Research, Composition, and Media, organized in grade bands (e.g., PreK-2, 3-4, etc.); Appendices include lists of recommended authors and a glossary. The 2004 supplement contains standards for grades 3, 5, and 7 for Language, Reading, and Literature. These 2001/2004 standards provide the basis for the Reading Comprehension and Composition components of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)
Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Benchmarks and Outcomes, 2003
This document provides benchmarks for English Language Learners at various stages of language proficiency. It is based on the English Language Arts Curriculum Framework.
Kindergarten Learning Experiences, 2008
This document provides suggestions for kindergarten curriculum in all subject areas based on the standards of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks
Resource Guide to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Students with Disabilities: English Language Arts, 2006
This guide provides suggestions for differentiating instruction and is the basis for MCAS ALT for students with disabilities.
Standards developed by State Consortia
American Diploma Project of Achieve, Inc.
American Diploma Project Benchmarks for English Language Arts, Grades 4-12, 2005-2008
The English benchmarks, a joint project of Achieve, the Education Trust, and the Fordham Foundation, were identified and refined within and beyond the ADP partner states (including Massachusetts) and in conjunction with K-12 educators. The benchmarks are accompanied by workplace tasks and postsecondary assignments that illustrate the intellectual demand that high school students will encounter in high-performance workplaces or in credit-bearing first-year college and university courses.
Common Core State Standards Initiative
Common Core Standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening, 2009
The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Governors and state commissioners of education from 48 states, 2 territories and the District of Columbia committed to developing a common core of state standards in English language arts and mathematics for grades K-12.
Assessment
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)
Released questions
Examples of student answers to open-response questions and writing prompts
Each year the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education releases questions, writing prompts, and examples of student work in English language arts at various score points for grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, end 10.
The Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Assessment (MEPA)
This assessment is based on the Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Benchmarks and Outcomes, 2004
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
Frameworks for Reading and Writing
NAEP Test Results in Reading
NAEP Test Results in Writing
NAEP is a national test that is administered to a sample of students throughout the United States. There are frameworks for Reading and Writing that provide the basis for tests.
Professional Development and Instructional Resources
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Professional Development Institutes
Graduate level courses in all curriculum framework subject areas, special education, and English language instruction. Includes both online and in-person courses.
Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC)
A state agency that provides support for arts education and for cultural institutions.
Massachusetts Teachers' Domain
Teaching resources and online courses that include video and interactive elements in all content areas; online courses for teachers. The material is aligned to Massachusetts standards as part of the Department's partnership with WGBH. See listings under The Arts: Theatre and English Language Arts.
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
The Big Read
Poetry Out Loud
Shakespeare in American Communities
NEA supports the dance, music, literature, theatre, and visual arts in America. Selected national initiatives that relate to English language arts include The Big Read (a community program on American literature), Poetry Out Loud (a poetry recitation contest for high school students) Shakespeare in American Communities (a program to bring Shakespeare performances into various community settings)
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
NEH seminars and institutes
We the People Program
NEH supports annual institutes and seminars in literature and history/social science for secondary and college teachers and We the People (an initiative to that provides grants to schools and libraries for collections of books and visual art reproductions on themes in American history and culture).
National Gallery of Writing
A collection of writing from schools and communities across the United States. Any Massachusetts classroom, school, school district, college or community organization can submit entries for publication.
Boston Writing Project
Buzzard's Bay Writing Project
Western Massachusetts Writing Project
An organization which provides resources for all kinds of writing and supports the development of teacher leaders in writing. Massachusetts has 3 affiliates of this national project, all of which provide conferences and professional development.
Professional Organizations, Research Organizations, and Journals
American Classical League
The American Classical League site offers a catalogue of materials for teaching mythology and classical literature at all grade levels as well as an extensive list of links to other useful sites.
American Library Association
This site contains links to Booklist and Book Links magazines and to the ALA's "Notable Books" lists. A page dedicated to parents and the public presents a calendar of library activities.
The Folger Shakespeare Library
This site offers an extensive section on teaching Shakespeare that contains lesson plans for teaching individual plays as well as well-selected resources and links.
The American Memory section offers a Learning Page, which contains teacher- created lessons, classroom activities, and professional development opportunities. Another rich resource is the Center for the Book section.
Massachusetts Library and Information Network
Central site for libraries in Massachusetts. From this site, it is possible to search more than 50 library catalogs showing books and other materials of more than 400 Massachusetts libraries.
The Massachusetts Reading Association
Membership organization for teachers of English Language Arts.
International Reading Association
Membership organization for teachers of English Language Arts.
National Council of Teachers of English
Membership organization for teachers of English language arts.
National Research Center for English Learning and Achievement (CELA)
This site contains a wealth of research on effective English Language Arts instruction.
Journals
he digital counterpart of the American Library Association's Booklist Magazine, offering reviews of the latest books and electronic media. Provides a searchable engine as well.
Book Links: Connecting Books, Libraries, and Classrooms
The bimonthly Booklinks magazine reviews books for children that have been grouped into thematic areas. Booklist magazine reviews books, electronic media, and reference works for both adults and children. Both periodicals are published by the American Library Association
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
This journal provides critical annotations, indications of grade level / age, and reviews of children's literature. It is published by Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois and University of Illinois Press
This magazine reviews books written for children and publishes articles about literature for children.
last updated: April 14, 2010
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