Middle School English Language Arts Instructional Guide

ELA 7

YEAR AT A GLANCE

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Suggested Pacing

9-10 weeks

9-10 weeks

9-10 weeks

9-10 weeks

Writing Focus

Informative

Argument

Multi-Genre/Research

Narrative

What are the various forms of informative writing? How are they similar and different?

What is the main purpose of an argument writing piece ?

How do I know if the information that I have researched is reliable and valid? Writing: 1, 2, 4 Reading: 5, 7, 12, 13, 14 Speaking and Listening: 1, 3

What elements contribute to a compelling narrative, and how do they do so?

Essential Questions

Writing: 2 Reading: 5, 6, 7, 10 Speaking & Listening: 1, 2

Writing: 1 Reading: 5, 13 Speaking & Listening: 1, 2

Writing: 3 Reading: 6, 8, 10, 11 Speaking and Listening: 1

Anchor Standards

Reading Test Windows

MAP Window: Aug. 18th - Sept. 24th

MAP Window: Dec. 2nd - Jan. 14th

MAP Window: Mar. 30th - May 7th

RISE Benchmark: Argument I

RISE Benchmark: Informative I

Testing Reason: Fall Oct. 27th - Nov. 13th

Testing Reason: Winter Jan. 4th - 29th

RISE End-of-Year Summative Assessment

Writing Test Windows

April 12th - May 21st

PLCs to administer and review before February 5th District Collaboration

PLC to administer and review before November 20th District Collaboration

CSD Middle School ELA Resource Hub and Community Sample Unit: Unit 1: Informative: “Problem ‑ Solvers & Change ‑ Makers”

Grade 7-8 USBE Core Guide Utah State Standards, English/Language Arts

Resources

Accessing the District-Wide Standards-Based Assessment (DWSBA)

RISE Benchmarks will be used for the DWSBA to give students practice with the RISE portal tools. Benchmarks can be previewed and administered at https://utahrise.org/ . Use the How-To Guide for step-by-step instructions. For account access, contact Cindy.Perry@canyonsdistrict.org

Last Updated June 2nd, 2026 Secondary ELA, Page 53