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Appendix

Western Canadian Language Arts Curriculum Framework

The Common Curriculum Framework for English Language Arts (1998) articulates a shared vision developed by Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, and Yukon Territory and provides a basis for curriculum development in English language arts in Saskatchewan.

The following outcomes serve as a foundation for English Language Arts 10, 20, and 30 courses.

The Common Curriculum Framework for English Language Arts identifies two variations for each of the specific outcomes for Grades 11 and 12. The first variation emphasizes ways in which language is used for understanding, analyzing, and responding to literature; creating in a variety of literary forms; self-expression; and personal satisfaction. The other variation emphasizes ways in which language is used for getting things done in day-to-day living. For example, it emphasizes clear, concise communication, collaboration with others, presentation skills, reading of documents and nonfiction, research, information management, and use of technology. Together, the specific outcomes and their two variations suggest a range of rich and varied learning outcomes that enable students to build on their interests and to strengthen and extend their language knowledge, skills, and strategies.

These specific outcomes and their variations may be incorporated in English language arts courses that encourage students to fulfill personal interests and to achieve goals related to employment, citizenship, and lifelong learning. Sometimes students may pursue the language arts from an aesthetic stance or perspective. For example, they may focus on their own and others' artistic or creative expression: reading and writing prose, plays, and poetry; viewing and making videos; and performing and presenting literary works. At other times, they may study the language arts from a more pragmatic stance or perspective. For example, they may focus on the use of language in conducting a variety of daily transactions: writing reports, documents, and articles; reading, hearing, and viewing a wide range of texts designed for pragmatic purposes; and preparing multimedia presentations.

A description of the five general outcomes with their related specific outcomes and variations follow.

General Outcome 1: Students will listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, and experiences.

Exploratory language enables students to organize and give meaning to experiences. Students use exploratory language to share thoughts, ideas, and experiences, and to express and acknowledge emotions. Exploratory language enables students to discover and understand what they think and who they are. It also helps them reflect on themselves as language learners and language users. In addition, exploratory language helps them establish and maintain relationships.


1.1 Discover and Explore

Express Ideas
10    consider the potential of emerging ideas through a variety of means (such as talking, mapping, writing journals, rehearsing, drafting, role-playing, brainstorming, sketching) to develop tentative positions
20    connect ideas, observations, opinions, and emotions through a variety of means to develop a train of thought and test tentative positions

30    weigh and assess the validity of a range of ideas, observations, opinions, and emotions to reconsider and/or affirm positions

Consider Others’ Ideas
10    seek and consider others' ideas through a variety of means (such as interviews, Internet discussion groups, dialogues) to expand understanding
20    seek others' responses through a variety of means (such as consulting Elders, e-mail correspondence, surveys) to clarify and rework ideas and positions

30    invite diverse and challenging ideas and opinions through a variety of means (such as listening actively, reserving judgement, asking clarifying questions) to facilitate the re-examination of own ideas and positions

Experiment with Language and Forms
10    demonstrate a willingness to take risks in language use and experiment with language and forms of expression (such as word choice, dramatic presentations, media interviews)
20    experiment with language and forms of expression to achieve particular effects

30    vary language uses and forms of expression to discover how they influence ideas and enhance the power of communication

Express Preference
10    pursue and expand interests and ideas through sharing reactions to, and preferences for, particular texts and genres by various writers, artists, storytellers, and filmmakers
20    explore a range of texts and genres and discuss how they affect personal interests, ideas, and attitudes

30    explore how personal experiences influence the selection of particular texts and how texts influence perspectives

Set Goals
10    assess personal language learning and select strategies to enhance growth in language learning
20    establish goals and plans for personal language learning based on self-assessment of achievements, needs, and interests

30    reflect on personal growth and successes in language learning and consider the role and importance of language learning when developing personal goals and plans


1.2 Clarify and Extend

Develop Understanding
10    clarify and shape understanding by assessing connections between new and prior knowledge, ideas, and experiences
20    examine and adjust initial understanding according to new knowledge, ideas, experiences, and responses from others

30    explain how new knowledge, ideas, experiences, and perspective reshape knowledge, ideas, and beliefs

Explain Opinions
10    explain opinions, providing support or reasons; anticipate other viewpoints
20    explore various viewpoints and consider the consequences of particular positions when generating and responding to texts

30    explore the strengths and limitations of various viewpoints on an issue or topic and identify aspects for further consideration; evaluate implications of particular perspectives when generating and responding to texts

Combine Ideas
10    connect ideas and experiences through a variety of means to gain understanding when generating, and responding to, texts
20    combine ideas and information through a variety of means to clarify understanding when generating and responding to texts

30    consider ways in which interrelationships of ideas provide insight when generating and responding to texts

Extend Understanding
10    explore ways in which real and vicarious experiences and various perspectives affect understanding when generating, and responding to, texts
20    extend understanding by exploring and acknowledging multiple perspectives and ambiguities when generating and responding to texts

30    extend breadth and depth of understanding by considering various experiences, perspectives, and sources of knowledge when generating and responding to texts


General Outcome 2: Students will listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print, and other media texts.

Making meaning of oral, print, and other media texts is fundamental to the English language arts. Through these texts, students experience a variety of situations, people, and cultures, and learn about themselves. Students can respond personally to texts by relating them to their prior knowledge, to their feelings and experiences, and to other texts. Through personal response, they explore and form values and beliefs. They respond critically to texts by making interpretations and evaluating ideas, forms, and techniques. Students use a variety of strategies and cueing systems before, during, and after interacting with various oral, print, and other media texts.


2.1 Use Strategies and Cues

Prior Knowledge
10    apply personal experiences and prior knowledge of language and texts to develop understanding and interpretations of a variety of texts
20    examine connections between personal experiences and prior knowledge of language and texts to develop understanding and interpretations of a variety of texts

30    analyze connections between personal experiences and prior knowledge of language and texts to develop interpretations of a variety of texts

Comprehension Strategies
10    select, describe, and use comprehension strategies (such as inferring, visualizing, summarizing, recalling, replaying, reviewing) to monitor understanding and develop interpretations of a variety of texts
20    use and adjust comprehension strategies to monitor understanding and develop interpretations of a variety of texts

30    apply a broad repertoire of appropriate comprehension strategies to monitor understanding and extend interpretations of a variety of texts

Textual Cues
10    use textual cues (such as transitional phrases in print texts, introductions in speeches, stage directions in plays, opening scenes in films) and prominent organizational patterns (such as compare and contrast) to construct and confirm meaning and interpret texts
20    use textual cues and prominent organizational patterns to construct and confirm meaning and interpret texts

30    use textual cues and prominent organizational patterns to construct and confirm meaning, and interpret texts

Cueing Systems
10    use syntactic, semantic, graphophonic, and pragmatic cueing systems (such as word order and sentence patterns; connotations, word analysis, social context) to construct and confirm meaning and interpret texts
20    use syntactic, semantic, graphophonic, and pragmatic cueing systems to construct and confirm meaning and interpret texts

30    use syntactic, semantic, graphophonic, and pragmatic cueing systems to construct and confirm meaning, and interpret texts


2.2 Respond to Texts

Experience Various Texts
10    experience texts from a variety of genres and cultural traditions (such as talking circles, legends, human interest stories, situation comedies); explore others' responses to texts
20    experience texts from a variety of genres and cultural traditions; compare various interpretations of texts

30    experience texts from a variety of genres and cultural traditions; examine and analyze various interpretations of texts to revise or extend understanding

Connect Self, Texts, and Culture
10    respond personally and critically to individuals, events, and ideas presented in a variety of Canadian and international texts
20    respond personally and critically to ideas and values presented in a variety of Canadian and international texts

30    respond personally and critically to perspectives and styles of a variety of Canadian and international texts

Appreciate the Artistry of Texts
10    explore how language and stylistic choices in oral, print, and other media texts affect mood, meaning, and audience
20    examine how language and stylistic choices in oral, print, and other media texts accomplish a variety of purposes

30    analyze how language and stylistic choices in oral, print, and other media texts communicate intended meaning and create effect


2.3 Understand Forms and Techniques

Forms and Genres
10    recognize the appropriateness of various forms and genres (such as oral presentations, pamphlets, posters) for various audiences and purposes
20    analyze how various forms and genres are used for particular audiences and purposes

30    evaluate the effect of forms and genres on content and purpose

Techniques and Elements
10    explain how various techniques and elements (such as sentence variety, sentence order, point of view, anecdotes, fade or dissolve) are used in oral, print, and other media texts to create particular affects
20    examine how various techniques and elements are used in oral, print, and other media texts to accomplish particular purposes

30    analyze how various techniques and elements are used in oral, print, and other media texts to accomplish particular purposes

Vocabulary
10    recognize that vocabulary and idiom are influenced by various factors (such as cultures, languages, science, media, technology); select and use register appropriate for context
20    demonstrate understanding of how vocabulary and idiom affect meaning and impact; use appropriate vocabulary when discussing and creating texts

30    analyze the impact of vocabulary and idiom in texts; identify how word choice and idiom vary and are used in language communities

Experiment with Language
10    experiment with language, visuals, and sounds to create effects for particular audiences, purposes, and contexts
20    experiment with language, visuals, and sounds to convey intended meaning and impact

30    experiment with and use language, visuals, and sounds to influence thought, emotions, and behaviour

Create Original Texts
10    create original texts (such as editorials, compact disc covers, displays, essays, photographs, multimedia presentations) to communicate ideas and enhance understanding of forms and techniques
20    create original texts to communicate ideas and enhance understanding of forms and techniques

30    create original texts to communicate ideas and enhance understanding of forms and techniques


General Outcome 3: Students will listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to manage ideas and information.

The ability to manage information is important in school, in the workplace, on the land, and for personal growth and satisfaction. Students learn to access and communicate information and to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of communication through the language arts. They learn to interpret and analyze texts, ask questions, and gather and evaluate information.


3.1 Plan and Focus

Use Personal Knowledge
10    determine inquiry or research focus based on personal knowledge and interests, and on others' expertise
20    determine inquiry or research focus and parameters based on personal knowledge and others' expertise

30    consider own and others' expertise to explore breadth and depth of knowledge, and focus inquiry or research based on parameters of task

Ask Questions
10    formulate questions to focus and guide inquiry or research
20    formulate and revise questions to focus inquiry or research topic and purpose

30    formulate focused inquiry or research questions and refine them through reflection and discussion of topic, purpose, and context

Participate in Group Inquiry
10    collaborate to determine group knowledge base, and to define research or inquiry purpose and parameters
20    explore group knowledge and strengths to determine inquiry or research topic, purpose, and procedures

30    collaborate with and support group members in adapting procedures to achieve inquiry or research goals

Create and Follow a Plan
10    develop and use an inquiry or research plan to access relevant ideas and information from a variety of sources
20    develop, use, and adapt an inquiry or research plan appropriate for content, audience, purpose, context, sources, and procedures

30    develop and select from a repertoire of inquiry and research strategies (such as posing, refining, and eliminating questions; clarifying thesis statement or core message) and adjust plan according to changes in audience, purpose, and context


3.2 Select and Process

Identify Personal and Peer Knowledge
10    select relevant personal and peer knowledge, experiences, and perspectives related to inquiry or research topic
20    select ideas and information from prior knowledge of inquiry or research topic appropriate for audience, purpose, and personal perspective or focus

30    evaluate and select ideas and information from prior knowledge of inquiry or research topic appropriate for audience, purpose, and personal perspective or focus

Identify Sources
10    identify and discuss the purpose and usefulness of specialized information sources (such as magazines, documentaries, hobby or sports materials, multimedia resources) relevant to particular inquiry or research needs
20    identify and discuss the purpose and usefulness of information sources relevant to particular inquiry or research needs

30    identify and discuss diverse information sources relevant to particular inquiry or research needs

Evaluate Source
10    determine the credibility, accuracy, and completeness of a variety of information sources for a particular inquiry or research plan
20    evaluate how perspectives and biases influence the choice of information sources for inquiry or research

30    evaluate factors that affect the credibility, authenticity, accuracy, and bias of information sources for inquiry or research

Access Information
10    access information using a variety of tools and sources (such as electronic networks, libraries, taped oral histories)
20    access information using a variety of tools, skills, and sources to accomplish a particular purpose

30    access information to accomplish a particular purpose within the topic parameters and time available

Make Sense of Information
10    identify and use text cues and organizational patterns to understand main ideas and their relationships in extended texts; adjust reading and viewing rates according to purpose, content, and context
20    use knowledge of text cues, organizational patterns, and persuasive techniques to sort and relate ideas in extended texts; adjust reading and viewing rates according to purpose, content, and context

30    use knowledge of text cues, organizational patterns, and cognitive and emotional appeals to extract, infer, synthesize, organize, and integrate ideas from extended texts; adjust reading and viewing rates according to purpose, content, and context


3.3 Organize, Record, and Evaluate

Organize Information
10    organize information using appropriate forms (such as charts, diagrams, outlines, electronic databases and filing systems, notes) for specific purposes
20    organize and reorganize information and ideas in a variety of ways for different audiences and purposes

30    organize and reorganize information and ideas to clarify thinking and to achieve desired effect

Record Information
10    select and record important information and ideas using an organizational structure appropriate for purpose and information source; document sources accurately
20    summarize and record information, ideas, and perspectives from a variety of sources; document sources accurately


30    synthesize information, ideas, and perspectives from a variety of sources; document sources accurately

Evaluate Information
10    evaluate information for completeness, accuracy, usefulness, and relevance
20    evaluate information for completeness, accuracy, currency, historical context, relevance, and balance of perspectives

30    evaluate information for completeness, accuracy, currency, historical context, relevance, balance of perspectives, and bias

Develop New Understanding
10    integrate new information with prior knowledge to draw logical conclusions and to refine understanding; consider alternative ways of reaching inquiry or research goals
20    explain the importance of new understanding to self and others; assess own inquiry and research skills

30    assess the effect of new understanding on self and others; evaluate the effect of inquiry or research plans and procedures on conclusions


General Outcome 4: Students will listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to enhance the clarity and artistry of communication.

In school and in daily life, students are required to communicate ideas and information using clarity and artistry. Their thoughts should be well-organized and clearly expressed using precise language. They are also required to use artistry to communicate their ideas through a variety of oral, print, and other media texts.


4.1 Generate and Focus

Generate Ideas
10    generate and combine ideas from personal experiences and other sources to focus a topic appropriate for audience and purpose
20    generate, evaluate, and select ideas to develop a topic, express a perspective, engage an audience, and achieve a purpose

30    generate, evaluate, and select ideas to focus and clarify a topic and perspective appropriate for audience, purpose, and context

Choose Forms
10    experiment with a variety of forms (such as reports, résumés, cover letters, dramatizations, visual representations, short stories) appropriate for content, audience, and purpose
20    select and use a variety of forms appropriate for content, audience, and purpose

30    adapt and use forms appropriate for audience, purpose, and context

Organize Ideas
10    select organizational structures and techniques to create oral, written, and visual texts; use effective introduction, well-organized body, and effective conclusion to engage and sustain audience interest
20    select and use a variety of organizational structures and techniques and appropriate transitions in oral, written, and visual texts to communicate clearly and effectively

30    evaluate the potential impact of various organizational structures, techniques, and transitions in oral, written, and visual texts to achieve specific purposes for particular audiences, and to ensure unity and coherence


4.2 Enhance and Improve

Appraise Own and Others’ Work
10    appraise drafts of own work and respond to others' drafts with constructive suggestions on content, language use, and form
20    appraise own choices of ideas, language use, and forms relative to purpose and audience, and provide others with constructive appraisals

30    appraise and discuss the effectiveness of own and others' choices relative to content, form, style, and presentation

Revise Content
10    analyze and revise drafts to ensure appropriate content, accuracy, clarity, and completeness
20    analyze and revise drafts to ensure appropriate content and to enhance unity, clarity, and coherence

30    evaluate and revise drafts to ensure appropriate content and language use, and to enhance precision, unity, and coherence

Enhance Legibility
10    use appropriate text features (such as underlining, indentation, spacing, margins, left and right justification) to enhance legibility for particular audiences, purposes, and contexts
20    use appropriate text features to enhance legibility for particular audiences, purposes, and contexts

30    select text features to enhance legibility and artistry for particular audiences, purposes, and contexts

Enhance Artistry
10    use an appropriate variety of sentence patterns, visuals, sounds, and figurative language to create a desired effect
20    use effective language, visuals, and sounds, and arrange ideas for emphasis and desired effect

30    use effective language, visuals, and sounds, and arrange and juxtapose ideas for balance, effect, and originality

Enhance Presentation
10    experiment with strategies and devices (such as diagrams, sound effects, demonstrations) to enhance the clarity of presentations
20    use appropriate strategies and devices to enhance the clarity and appeal of presentations

30    use appropriate strategies and devices to enhance the impact of presentations


4.3 Attend to Conventions

Grammar and Usage
10    select appropriate words, grammatical structures, and register (such as formal or informal vocabulary, varied sentence patterns, active voice, colloquial or formal language) to achieve clarity and desired effect
20    select appropriate words, grammatical structures, and register for audience, purpose, and context

30    analyze and edit texts for appropriate word choice, grammatical structures, and register to achieve clarity, artistry, and effectiveness

Spelling
10    know and apply Canadian spelling conventions for familiar and new vocabulary; monitor for correctness in editing and proofreading using appropriate resources
20    know and apply Canadian spelling conventions and monitor for correctness using appropriate resources; recognize adapted spellings for particular effects

30    know and apply Canadian spelling conventions for a broad repertoire of words and monitor for correctness; recognize and use creative spellings for special effects

Capitalization and Punctuation
10    know and apply capitalization and punctuation conventions to clarify intended meaning, using appropriate resources as required
20    know and apply capitalization and punctuation conventions to clarify intended meaning, using appropriate resources as required

30    know and apply capitalization and punctuation conventions to clarify intended meaning, referring to appropriate style manuals and other resources


4.4 Present and Share

Share Ideas and Information
10    present ideas and information using a variety of print and other resources and interactive approaches (such as dramatizations, multimedia presentations, photographs and slides, audiotapes)
20    demonstrate confidence when presenting ideas and information; revise presentations as needed for subsequent occasions

30    demonstrate confidence and flexibility in meeting audience needs when presenting ideas and information; adjust presentation plan and pace according to purpose, topic, and audience feedback

Effective Oral and Visual Communication
10    use appropriate voice production factors (such as pitch, tone, pauses) and nonverbal cues (such as gestures, stance, eye contact) to clarify intent in personal and public communication
20    use appropriate voice and visual production factors to communicate and emphasize intent in personal and public communication

30    select and adjust appropriate voice and visual production factors that take into account audience knowledge, attitudes, and response

Attentive Listening and Viewing
10    demonstrate active listening and viewing behaviours (such as observing gender portrayals, inclusion and exclusion, stereotyping, respectful and disrespectful portrayals) to understand and respond to presentations using a variety of means (such as small-group discussion, personal writing)
20    demonstrate critical listening and viewing behaviours (such as analyzing message, qualifications of presenter, support used, reasoning used) to understand and respond to presentations in a variety of ways

30    demonstrate critical listening and viewing behaviours (such as analyzing cognitive and emotional appeals, identifying faulty reasoning, reflecting, summarizing) to make inferences about presentations


General Outcome 5: Students will listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to celebrate and to build community.

Language is necessary for working together. Students learn collaboration skills by discussing in groups, by building on others’ ideas, and by planning and working together to meet common goals and strengthen community. Students also learn that language is important for celebrating events of personal, social, community, and national significance. In their language learning and use, they develop their knowledge of language forms and functions. As well, they come to know how language preserves and enriches culture. To celebrate their own use of language, students display their work, share with others, and delight both in their own and others’ use of the language arts.


5.1 Encourage, Support, and Work With Others

Co-operate with Others
10    make and encourage contributions (such as making accurate notes, exploring others' viewpoints, listening attentively) to assist in developing group ideas; take responsibility for developing and expressing viewpoints
20    use language to build and maintain collaborative relationships; take responsibility for respectfully questioning others' viewpoints and requesting further explanation

30    use language to demonstrate flexibility in working with others; encourage differing viewpoints to extend breadth and depth of individual and group thought

Work in Groups
10    demonstrate effective group interaction skills and strategies
20    demonstrate flexibility in assuming a variety of group roles and take responsibility for tasks that achieve group goals

30    demonstrate commitment and flexibility in a group, monitor own and others' contributions, and build on others' strengths to achieve group goals

Use Language to Show Respect
10    recognize and analyze how language, symbols, and images are used to include or exclude people across cultures, races, genders, ages, and abilities
20    recognize and analyze how personal language use may create and sustain an inclusive community

30    recognize how language choice and use, how tone, and register may sustain or counter exploitative or discriminatory situations

Evaluate Group Process
10    evaluate own and others' contributions to group process and provide support where needed
20    evaluate the effectiveness of group process to improve subsequent success

30    evaluate the usefulness of group process to achieve particular goals or tasks


5.2 Develop and Celebrate Community

Share and Compare Responses
10    consider various ideas, evidence, and viewpoints to expand understanding of texts, others, and self
20    identify various factors (such as experiences, age, gender, culture) that shape understanding of texts, others, and self

30    demonstrate the value of diverse ideas and viewpoints to deepen understanding of texts, others, and self

Relate Texts to Culture
10    identify and examine ways in which texts reflect cultural and societal influences
20    identify and examine ways in which culture, society, and language conventions shape texts

30    identify and analyze ways in which cultural, societal, and historical factors influence texts and how texts, in turn, influence understanding of self and others

Appreciate Diversity
10    discuss ways in which texts convey and challenge individual and community values and behaviours
20    explain ways in which language and texts express and shape the perceptions of people and diverse communities

30    analyze ways in which languages and texts reflect and influence the values and behaviours of people and diverse communities

Celebrate Special Occasions
10    use effective language and texts (such as organizing commemorative events, making videos to celebrate events) to celebrate special community occasions and accomplishments
20    use language and texts to celebrate personal and community occasions and accomplishments

30    use language and texts to celebrate important occasions and accomplishments, and to extend and strengthen a sense of community

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