English

The goals of the English Standards of Learning are to teach students to read, write, and communicate. Fredericksburg City Schools wants students to be prepared to participate in society as literate citizens, equipped with the ability to communicate effectively in their communities, in the workplace, and in postsecondary education. As students progress through the school years, they become active and involved listeners and develop a full command of the English language, evidenced by their use of standard English and their rich speaking and writing vocabularies.

Students become competent readers of a variety of texts and are encouraged to acquire a lifelong love of reading. In kindergarten through third grade, the primary goal is to teach all students to read fluently and to comprehend a variety of fiction and nonfiction selections that relate to all areas of the curriculum. In fourth through twelfth grades, students continue to acquire and refine strategies for comprehending and analyzing selections that encompass all literary genres, exemplify universal themes, and relate to all subjects. Students in high school become familiar with a wide variety of authors and classic literary works.

Proficient use of the English language enables students to explore and articulate the complex issues and ideas encountered in public and personal life. Students acquire the ability to make full and effective use of the written language in their future educational, occupational, and personal endeavors.

In Kindergarten through 3rd grades, the standards are organized in 3 related strands:
  • Oral Language
  • Reading
  • Writing
In 4th-12th grades, the standards are organized in 4 related strands:
  • Communications (Speaking, Listening, and Media Literacy)
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Research
Although the strands are developed separately, they are integrated in the classroom. Proficiency in reading, writing, listening, speaking, media literacy, and research skills allows students to learn and to use knowledge to make meaningful connections between their lives and other academic disciplines.
 

VDOE English Links:

Virginia Department of Education – Resources for Instruction & Assessment