English Language Arts

Effective communication is widely agreed to be basic both to learning and to everyday life. English Language Arts programs aim to help students master the skills of communication while learning to value the cultural heritage of our language and literature.

In supporting these goals, the Department of Public Instruction addresses curriculum, instruction, and assessment in many ways:

• Disseminating and supporting application of the Model Academic Standards for English Language Arts as frameworks for state and local efforts related to the six content standards:
  
  • Reading and Literature
  • Writing
  • Oral Language
  • Language
  • Media and Technology
  • Research and Inquiry
  
  
• Publishing and disseminating current research, theory, and best practices through publications such as
  • Planning Curriculum in English Language Arts
  • Classroom Activities in Listening and Speaking
  • Planning Curriculum in Classroom Drama and Theatre
  
  
• Providing leadership and consultation to local districts related to curriculum development and instructional planning.
• Working with state, regional, and national professional communities on shared goals.
• Supporting professional development for teachers and teacher educators.

English Language Arts Wisconsin Model Academic Standards Revision Process

Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction is facilitating the revision of Wisconsin’s Model Academic Standards in English language arts and mathematics. Below is an overview of this revision process.

Phase One:

The journey began with a review of existing standards and developing a blueprint for revising them. The recommendations came from leadership and design teams made up of Wisconsin educators, legislators, parents, and business representatives who examined academic standards with an eye for increasing the rigor and relevance of what students should know and be able to do in English language arts and mathematics.

Wisconsin’s unique effort sought critique and guidance from two national groups to ensure that the standards revisions align with workplace and postsecondary expectations. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) comprised of 37 members, including technology, media, and other companies plus education organizations and 10 state departments of education—focuses on infusing broad learning, thinking, and life skills across all subject areas. The American Diploma Project (ADP) of Achieve Inc., created by the nation’s governors and business leaders, assists states in aligning their high school standards with national expectations to improve post-secondary and workforce preparation.

Phase Two:

During the 2008-09 academic year, writing teams have been applying this blueprint to create specific revisions to the English language arts (ELA) and mathematics standards. The ADP/P21 design teams reviewed the high school standards. Their recommendation was to revisit the entire set of standards for ELA & Mathematics, PK-12.

In spring, the writing teams send the drafted revisions to reviewers with the American Diploma Project and in P21 partner states for their critical feedback. Also in spring and summer, the teams will solicit input from individuals, groups, and organizations across Wisconsin. Please continue to visit this site to get information on this critical review process as it is offered.

The timeline calls for the writing teams to finalize the revisions to the standards in English language arts and mathematics by the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year.

If you have further questions about the English language arts standards, please contact Emilie Amundson, English Language Arts Consultant or Jacqueline Karbon, Reading Consultant.

Phase Three

Public Comment: To review a draft of the revised ELA standards and provide valuable feedback, click here. This opportunity will be available until June 15, 2009.

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For questions about this information, contact Emilie Amundson 608-266-3551 or Carol Stricker 608-267-9274.

Last updated on 6/5/2009 2:16:42 PM