HS ELA Guide

●​ Discussion and Collaborative Learning: Foster discussion and critical thinking through small group and whole class discussions. ●​ Post-Reading Reflection and Extension Activities: Synthesize understanding and extend learning through writing responses and engaging in projects. ​ ​ The Close Reading Routine helps teachers guide students through multiple readings of a complex text so they can annotate, discuss, analyze, and write with evidence.

Resource: Writing Text Dependent Questions

Close Reading Routine

Resource: Close Reading Routine

WRITING

A Culture of Writers

Foster a dynamic writing environment that sustains a positive writing culture and empowers students as writers.

See the CSD Writing Framework, linked image below, to learn more and to see strategies for each pillar of the Writing Framework.

The Writing Habit Write daily in a variety of formats, and for a variety of purposes. Writing to Learn Use low stakes writing to write about content to navigate ideas, build upon learning and comprehension, and to communicate thinking. Writing Feedback Provide frequent during-writing feedback and targeted instruction based on formative data.

Writing as Process

Specific strategy instruction on the characteristics and components of good writing via modeling, explanation, and guided practice. Use technology and emerging technologies to support writing processes, practices, and products. Select writing that exemplifies specific literary techniques, genres, or styles, providing students with models to analyze and emulate in their own writing. By studying mentor texts, students can gain insight into effective writing strategies, deepen their understanding of literary conventions, and improve their skills through guided practice and reflection. Teachers will provide students with opportunities to discuss in order to express learning, gain knowledge, engage with text, demonstrate growth, and communicate with the world around them. Teachers will develop opportunities for all students ●​ to speak daily, ●​ for a range of purposes, ●​ Audiences, ●​ and lengths of time.

Writing Modes

Mentor Texts

SPEAKING AND LISTENING Structured Academic Discussion

Structured Academic Discussion

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Jun 4, 2026

Last Updated

High School ELA, Page 8