Standard 1:  Demonstrates competence in the general skills and strategies of the reading process

Interval Benchmark 1: Uses a variety of strategies to expand understanding of words and text

a:

Uses contextual clues to define unfamiliar words and phrases

b:

Uses text information to make and support inferences

c:

Uses text information to draw and support conclusions

d:

Uses stated, reworded, or paraphrased text information to derive meaning from a variety of text formats

e:

Locates relevant information to support understanding

f:

Uses knowledge of organizational features (such as sequencing, cause and effect, compare and contrast, fact and opinion, etc.) to aid comprehension of a variety of text formats and genre

Interval Benchmark 2: Understands the use of writing devices to influence the reader and accomplish an author's purpose

a:

Understands influences on a reader's response to a text

b:

Understands the effectiveness of writing techniques in accomplishing an author's purpose

Interval Benchmark 3: Understands the philosophical assumptions, perspectives, and basic beliefs underlying an author's work

a:

Understands the philosophical assumptions, basic beliefs, and perspectives underlying an author's work

	Standard 2:  Demonstrates competence in the general skills and strategies for comprehending a variety of literary texts

Interval Benchmark 1: Utilizes critical thinking skills to derive meaning from literary text

a:

Uses reading skills and strategies to understand a variety of literary passages and written materials

b:

Determines the meanings of words or phrases using context clues and prior knowledge

c:

Determines relevant information from text

d:

Makes inferences that explain a character's actions, feelings, motives, viewpoints, or words based on text information (stated and implied)

e:

Uses knowledge of non-literal language to make interpretations

f:

Uses major points from text to make generalizations

g:

Distinguishes between relevant and irrelevant information to aid comprehension

Interval Benchmark 2: Knows the defining characteristics of literary forms and genres

a:

Knows the defining characteristics and organizational structures of a variety of literary forms and genres

b:

Understands the use of archetypes and symbols across literary works

Interval Benchmark 3: Understands themes across a variety of literary texts and genres

a:

Understands connections among literary works based on theme

Interval Benchmark 4: Recognizes writing techniques or d evices to understand the author's purpose and viewpoint

a:

Understands simple and complex relationships

b:

Understands the effectiveness of complex elements of plot

c:

Understands the effects of complex literary devices and techniques on author's purpose and the overall quality of a work

d:

Analyzes aspects of structure, style, mood, or tone to infer author's meaning

e:

Evaluates aspects of style or structure in literary text

Interval Benchmark 5: Understands relationships between literature and historical period, culture, and society

a:

Understands a variety of influences on literary works

Interval Benchmark 6: Uses language and perspectives of literary criticism to evaluate literary texts

a:

Understands how literature relates to his or her own life

b:

Understands that text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-world connections can be made to respond to literary works

c:

Uses a variety of strategies to interpret and evaluate literature

	Standard 3:  Demonstrates competence in the general skills and strategies for comprehending a variety of informational texts

Interval Benchmark 1: Utilizes a variety of reading strategies to determine meaning of informational text

a:

Uses structural features of text to locate relevant information within a text

b:

Uses graphic organizers to document key ideas and supporting details

c:

Knows the defining characteristics and uses of a variety of informational texts

d:

Determines the literal meaning of a specific word or phrase

e:

Locates factual information to support literal understanding

f:

Uses organizational structures of informational text to make meaning

Interval Benchmark 2: Recognizes writing techniques or devices to understand the author's purpose and viewpoint and evaluative information

a:

Understands the effectiveness of techniques used to convey viewpoint

b:

Uses new information from texts or other written material to clarify or refine understanding of academic concepts

c:

Understands the use of propaganda and persuasive techniques in informational texts

d:

Uses a variety of criteria to evaluate the clarity, accuracy, and reliability of primary and secondary source information

e:

Identifies author's viewpoint or purpose

Interval Benchmark 3: Utilizes critical thinking skills to derive meaning from informational text based on text features and organization

a:

Understands the organizational structures in informational texts

b:

Distinguishes relevant information from irrelevant information to derive meaning

c:

Utilizes major points from text to make generalizations

d:

Identifies main ideas or major points from text

e:

Makes explanatory inferences about text based on explicit and implicit information

f:

Draws conclusions based on text information

g:

Summarizes and paraphrases the context of informational text