The Prince William County Public Schools English Language Arts program promotes the development of a continuum of literacy skills and strategies for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. This continuum includes processes critical to reading, writing, speaking, listening, information management, and the use of technology.
The Prince William County Public Schools English Language Arts Curriculum is the 2017 Virginia English Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework. In grades K-12 the Curriculum Framework is organized by the strands of Communication, Reading, Writing, and Research.
Grade 9
Students completing English 9 will have, through wide reading, a thorough understanding of the elements of the literary genres, including prose and poetry, fiction and nonfiction. They will apply word derivations and origins to expand their vocabulary development. They will be proficient in applying interpersonal and formal speaking skills. Their study of media literacy will include skill in production, analysis, and evaluation of media messages. Daily writing and continual practice with narrative and expository writing forms will include analytical writing and practical applications of research writing.
Grade 9 Curriculum Framework (PDF)
This document is based on the 2017 Virginia English Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework. It explains the standards and the essential understandings, knowledge, skills, and processes a student must develop to master the standards.
Grade 10
Students completing English 10 will apply understanding of genre elements to a wide variety of multi-cultural literature. They will apply word derivations, origins, and figurative language through the reading and analysis of authentic texts. Collaborative skills for group work will be practiced and critiqued. Students will use comparative skills to analyze and evaluate media messages. Daily writing with an ongoing emphasis on analysis and persuasive writing will also support research applications.
Grade 10 Curriculum Framework (PDF)
This document is based on the 2017 Virginia English Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework. It explains the standards and the essential understandings, knowledge, skills, and processes a student must develop to master the standards.
Grade 11
Students completing English 11 will be firmly grounded in both classic and contemporary American literature, understanding the prevalent themes that reflect American history and culture. Vocabulary skills will be continually developed and extended to other content areas. Students will both give and critique effective persuasive formal presentations. They will examine and evaluate persuasive mass media messages. Daily writing with persuasion and development of logical argumentation in formal papers, including research, will be practiced to achieve proficiency on local, state, and national assessments.
Grade 11 Curriculum Framework (PDF)
This document is based on the 2017 Virginia English Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework. It explains the standards and the essential understandings, knowledge, skills, and processes a student must develop to master the standards.
Grade 12
Students completing English 12 will analyze a wide variety of texts from British literature and other cultures, examining how literature reflects major themes and issues, as well as how it influences culture and the individual. Students will extend non-fiction reading and vocabulary skills to other content areas. They will use non-verbal, verbal, and organizational presentation skills to deliver and critique effective formal oral presentations. Students will analyze media messages for bias and audience effects. They will proficiently clarify and defend a position, produce expository, informational, and persuasive formal papers. Additionally, they will independently conduct and ethically report on research.
Grade 12 Curriculum Framework (PDF)
This document is based on the 2017 Virginia English Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework. It explains the standards and the essential understandings, knowledge, skills, and processes a student must develop to master the standards.