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Course Description: 
This English Language Arts (ELA) course is designed to prepare students to graduate “UC eligible” by adhering to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and skills. Not only will students be exposed to CCSS, they will also be challenged in a variety of contexts to apply higher order thinking skills through progressive pedagogical practices-specifically project-based learning (PBL) and competency based learning. This course is designed to address real-world contexts through the creation of broad themes: belief systems, propaganda and persuasion, government, historical fiction, a variety of mediums (such as music and art), and discussion and debate. These broad themes will allow students to make meaningful connections to content standards and skills, thus increasing their engagement and academic performance. Such broad themes also provide ample opportunity to engage in a wide variety of discipline-specific learning activities, through stand-alone units or through PBL products. Throughout each unit of study students will be expected to write between 400-800 words.  Embedded in each unit or project are best practices of formative assessment, in addition to one summative assessment at the conclusion. Teachers will evaluate students’ skills using assessment tools designed by experts at Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning and Equity (SCALE).