English Language Arts Students must gain control over many conventions of standard English grammar, usage, and mechanics as well as learn other ways to use language to convey meaning effectively. They must also be able to determine or clarify the meaning of grade-appropriate words encountered through listening, reading, and media use; come to appreciate that words have non-literal meanings, shadings of meaning, and relationships to other words; and expand their vocabulary in the course of studying content. Reading Students must read widely and deeply from among a broad range of high-quality, increasingly challenging literary and informational texts. Through extensive reading of stories, dramas, poems, and myths from diverse cultures and different time periods, students gain literary and cultural knowledge as well as familiarity with various text structures and elements. By reading texts in history/social studies, science, and other disciplines, students build a foundation of knowledge in these fields that will also give them the background to be better readers in all content areas. Students can only gain this foundation when the curriculum is intentionally and coherently structured to develop rich content knowledge within and across grades. Students also acquire the habits of reading independently and closely, which are essential to their future success.
Social Studies In order to become college and career ready, Tennessee students must have a strong background in social studies. It is through social studies that students prepare for their futures by opening doors to a more diverse, competitive workforce and responsible citizenry. Teachers should center instruction on inquiry-based models, which require students to engage in critical thinking, self-assessment, reasoning, problem-solving, collaboration, and investigation in order to make connections in new and innovative ways as they progress through social studies education. Our current students are our future leaders, and, as such, they need to be able to understand the complexity of the world. Students should be aware of the changing cultural and physical environments of Tennessee, the United States, and the world; know and understand the past; read, write, and think deeply; and act in ways that promote the common good. Social studies offers the critical knowledge necessary to create a framework for understanding the systems of society and becoming college, career, and civics ready.