Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-3-3-.21

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 290-3-3-.21 - English Language Arts (Grades 6-12)

(1)Rationale. The main goal of these standards is to promote quality educator preparation programs that will promote the development of literacy among all grade 6-12 students in Alabama. The standards are consistent with the National Council of Teachers of English Standards for the Initial Preparation of Secondary English Language Arts Teachers and the Alabama Course of Study: English Language Arts. The standards build upon the Alabama Core Teaching Standards.

(2)Program Curriculum. In addition to meeting Rules 290-3-3-.03(6)(a)1. -4., 290-3-3-.03(6)(e)1.(i) -(iii) and 2.(i)-(iii), 290-3-3-.04, 290-3-3-.05, and 290-3-3.14, the teaching field shall require an academic major that includes a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit with at least 18 semester hours of upper-division credit. Additional information is provided in the definition for academic major in Rule 290-3-3-.01(2). At a minimum, coursework must include literature, grammar, reading skills, writing, speech, drama/theatre, and print or broadcast journalism, and may include coursework in other areas within English language arts.

(a)Content Knowledge.

1. Candidates demonstrate knowledge of the English language arts subject matter content that specifically includes literature and multimedia texts as well as knowledge of the nature of adolescents as readers.

(i) Candidates are knowledgeable about texts-print and non-print texts, media texts, classic texts and contemporary texts, including young adult-that represent a range of world literatures, historical traditions, genres, and the experience of different genders, ethnicities, and social classes; they use literary theories to interpret and critique a range of texts.

(ii) Candidates are knowledgeable about how adolescents read texts and make meaning through interaction with media environments.

2. Candidates demonstrate knowledge of English language arts subject matter content that specifically includes language and writing as well as knowledge of adolescents as language users.

(i) Candidates can compose a range of formal and informal texts taking into consideration the interrelationships among form, audience, context, and purpose; candidates understand that writing is a recursive process; candidates can use contemporary technologies and/or digital media to compose multimodal discourse.

(ii) Candidates know the conventions of English language as they relate to various rhetorical situations (grammar, usage, and mechanics); they understand the concept of dialect and are familiar with relevant grammar systems (e.g., descriptive and prescriptive); they understand principles of language acquisition; they recognize the influence of English language history on English language arts content; and they understand the impact of language on society.

(iii) Candidates are knowledgeable about how adolescents compose texts and make meaning through interaction with media environments.

(b)Content Pedagogy: Planning Literature and Reading Instruction in English Language Arts. Candidates plan instruction and design assessments for reading and the study of literature to promote learning for all students.

1. Candidates use their knowledge of theory, research, and practice in English language arts to plan standards-based, coherent, rigorous and relevant learning experiences utilizing a range of different texts-across genres, periods, forms, authors, cultures, and various forms of media- and instructional strategies that are motivating and accessible to all students, including English language learners, students with special needs, students from diverse language and learning backgrounds, those designated as high achieving, and those at risk of failure.

2. Candidates design a range of authentic assessments (e.g., formal and informal, formative and summative) of reading and literature that demonstrate an understanding of how learners develop and that address interpretive, critical, and evaluative abilities in reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and presenting.

3. Candidates plan standards-based, coherent and relevant learning experiences in reading that reflect knowledge of current theory and research about the teaching and learning of reading and that utilize individual and collaborative approaches and a variety of reading strategies, including those advocated by the Alabama Reading Initiative.

4. Candidates design or knowledgeably select appropriate reading assessments that inform instruction by providing data about student interests, reading proficiencies, and reading processes.

5. Candidates plan instruction that incorporates knowledge of language-structure, history, and conventions-to facilitate students' comprehension and interpretation of print and non-print texts.

6. Candidates plan instruction which, when appropriate, reflects curriculum integration and incorporates interdisciplinary teaching methods and materials.

(c)Content Pedagogy: Planning Composition Instruction in English Language Arts. Candidates plan instruction and design assessments for composing texts (i.e., oral, written, and visual) to promote learning for all students.

1. Candidates use their knowledge of theory, research, and practice in English language arts to plan standards-based, coherent and relevant composing experiences that utilize individual and collaborative approaches and contemporary technologies and reflect an understanding of writing processes and strategies in different genres for a variety of purposes and audiences.

2. Candidates design a range of assessments for students that promote their development as writers, are appropriate to the writing task, and are consistent with current research and theory. Candidates respond to student writing in process and to finished texts in ways that engage students' ideas and encourage their growth as writers over time.

3. Candidates design instruction related to the strategic use of language conventions (grammar, usage, and mechanics) in the context of students' writing for different audiences, purposes, and modalities.

4. Candidates design instruction that incorporates students' home and community languages to enable skillful control over their rhetorical choices and language practices for a variety of audiences and purposes.

(d)Learners and Learning: Implementing English Language Arts Instruction. Candidates plan, implement, assess, and reflect on research-based instruction that increases motivation and active student engagement, builds sustained learning of English language arts, and responds to diverse students' context-based needs.

1. Candidates plan and implement instruction based on English language arts curricular requirements and standards, school and community contexts, and knowledge about students' linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

2. Candidates use data about their students' individual differences, identities, and funds of knowledge for literacy learning to create inclusive learning environments that contextualize curriculum and instruction and help students participate actively in their own learning in English language arts.

3. Candidates differentiate instruction based on students' self-assessments and formal and informal assessments of learning in English language arts; candidates communicate with students about their performance in ways that actively involve them in their own learning.

4. Candidates select, create, and use a variety of instructional strategies and teaching resources, including contemporary technologies and digital media, consistent with what is currently known about student learning in English language arts.

(e)Professional Knowledge and Skills.

1. Candidates demonstrate knowledge of how theories and research about social justice, diversity, equity, student identities, and schools as institutions can enhance students' opportunities to learn in English language arts.

(i) Candidates plan and implement English language arts and literacy instruction that promotes critical engagement with complex issues related to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable society.

(ii) Candidates use knowledge of theories and research to plan instruction responsive to students' local, national and international histories, individual identities (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, age, appearance, ability, socioeconomic status, and community environment), and languages/dialects as they affect students' opportunities to learn in English language arts.

2. Candidates are prepared to interact knowledgeably with students, families, and colleagues based on social needs and instructional roles, engage in leadership and/or collaborative roles in English language arts professional learning communities, and actively develop as professional educators.

(i) Candidates model literate and ethical practices in English language arts teaching, and engage in and reflect on a variety of experience related to English language arts.

(ii) Candidates engage in and reflect on a variety of experiences related to English language arts that demonstrate understanding of and readiness for leadership, collaboration, ongoing professional development, and community engagement.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-3-3-.21

New Rule: Filed December 13, 1990; effective February 1, 1991. Repealed and Replaced: Filed January 9, 1997; effective February 13, 1997; operative July 1, 1997. Repealed and New Rule: Filed September 11, 2003; effective October 16, 2003. Repealed and New Rule: Filed July 13, 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Repealed and New Rule: April 14, 2005; effective May 19, 2005. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 6, 2007; effective September 10, 2007.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIII, Issue No. 11, August 31, 2015, eff. 9/17/2015.

Reserved by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVI, Issue No. 12, September 28, 2018, eff. 10/28/2018; operative 6/1/2019.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIX, Issue No. 11, August 31, 2021, eff. 10/15/2021.

Previous Rule.10 was renumbered.21 per certification published August 31, 2021; effective October 15, 2021.

Author: Dr. Eric G. Mackey

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 16-3-16, 16-23-14.