Grades Nine and Ten
The first year of high school is an exciting but anxious time for students. They are moving from
middle school to what may be the largest school they have ever attended. In the midst of one of
the biggest transitions students make in their academic careers, they enter a new world of high
school ELA and literacy in which they encounter new ideas,
universal themes, and new demands in reading, writing,
speaking, and listening. Moving beyond the structure of
middle school, students are now expected to exercise more
skill, more creativity, and even deeper thinking. As students
move from grade nine to grade ten, expectations for college
preparation become a reality. Their academic performance
takes on new importance as grades from the sophomore
year are the first that state four-year universities consider
for admission. These two years are critical in a young
person’s life, for it is during this time that students who have
experienced difficulty decide whether or not to continue
their educations. Schools and teachers at grades nine and
ten both support fledgling competence and encourage it to take flight; they provide structure where
needed while pushing for greater performance and independence.
This grade-span section provides an overview of the key themes of ELA/literacy and ELD
instruction in grades nine and ten. It offers guidance for ensuring ELs have access to ELA and content
instruction, including integrated and designated ELD instruction. Snapshots and vignettes bring several
of the concepts to life.
Key Themes of ELA/Literacy and ELD Instruction in Grades
Nine and Ten
In this section, the key themes of ELA/Literacy and ELD instruction are discussed as they apply
to grades nine and ten. These include Meaning Making, Language Development, Effective
Expression, Content Knowledge, and Foundational
Skills. See figure 7.16. These themes are largely overlapping
and consistent with the call for the integration of reading,
writing, speaking and listening, and language in the CA CCSS
for ELA/Literacy and the CA ELD Standards. Inextricably
linked to every area of the curricula, the two sets of
standards promote an interdisciplinary approach. Each of the
snapshots for grades nine and ten that follow are presented
in connection with a theme; however, most snapshots could
illustrate several themes. The two vignettes at the end of
the section for grade ten depict integrated ELA and ELD
instruction and designated ELD instruction based on the
same topic and/or readings.
Moving beyond the structure
of middle school, students are
now expected to exercise more
skill, more creativity, and even
deeper thinking. As students
move from grade nine to
grade ten, expectations for
college preparation become a
reality.Schools and teachers at grades
nine and ten both support
fledgling competence and
encourage it to take flight;
they provide structure where
needed while pushing for
greater performance and
independence.Grades 9 and 10 Chapter 7 | 723