A. English Language Arts (ELA) Standard One: Students read, comprehend, and respond to a range of materials using a variety of strategies for different purposes.
1-Using knowledge of word meaning and extending basic and technical vocabulary, employing a variety of strategies2-Analyzing the effects of complex literary devices and complex elements on a selection3-Reading, responding to, and critiquing written, spoken, and visual texts4-Interpreting texts to generate connections to real-life situations5-Applying reading strategies to achieve a variety of objectives Standard Two: Students write competently for a variety of purposes and audiences.
1-Writing a composition of complexity that clearly implies a central idea with supporting details in a logical, sequential order2-Focusing on information, concepts, and ideas that show an awareness of an intended audience and/or purpose3-Applying the steps of the writing process, emphasizing revising and editing in final drafts4-Using narration, description, exposition, and persuasion to develop various modes of writing5-Recognizing and applying literary devices and various stylistic elements6-Responding to text and life experiences as a basis for writing Standard Three: Students communicate using conventional grammar, usage, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and handwriting.
2-Using the grammatical and mechanical conventions of standard English3-Spelling accurately using strategies and resources Standard Four: Students demonstrate competence in speaking and listening as tools for learning and communicating.
2-Giving and following directions/procedures3-Demonstrating a command of the features of speaking when giving prepared and extemporaneous presentations4-Speaking and listening for a variety of audiences and purposes5-Listening and responding to a wide variety of media6-Participating in a variety of roles in group discussions Standard Five: Students locate, select, and make use of information from a variety of texts, media, references, and technological sources.
1-Recognizing and using organizational features of printed text, other media, and electronic information2-Locating and evaluating information sources3-Accessing information and conducting research using outlining, note taking, summarizing, interviewing, and surveying to produce documented texts and graphics4-Using available technology to produce, revise, and publish a variety of works5-Citing references using various formats6-Interpreting charts/graphs, tables/schedules, diagrams /maps, and organizational charts/flow-charts Standard Six: Students read, analyze, and respond to literature as a record of life experiences.
1-Identifying, analyzing, and responding to United States and world literature that represents the experiences and traditions of diverse ethnic groups2-Analyzing distinctive elements of ancient, American, British, and world literature3-Identifying, analyzing, and responding to a variety of classic and contemporary literature from many genres4-Analyzing various genres as records of life experiences Standard Seven: Students apply reasoning skills to their reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and visually representing.
1-Using comprehension strategies in all contexts2-Problem solving by analyzing, prioritizing, categorizing, and evaluating; incorporating life experiences; and using available information3-Analyzing the effects of an author's life, culture, and philosophical assumptions and an author's purpose and point of view4-Distinguishing fact from opinion, skimming and scanning for facts, determining cause and effect, generating inquiry, and making connections with real-life situationsC. Science (SI) Science As Inquiry: Students do science by engaging in partial and full inquiries that are within their developmental capabilities.
Benchmark A: The Abilities Necessary to do Scientific Inquiry
1-Identifying questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations2-Designing and conducting scientific investigations3-Using technology to improve investigations and communications4-Formulating and revising scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence5-Recognizing and analyzing alternative explanations and models6-Communicating and defending a scientific argument7-Utilizing science safety procedures during scientific investigations Benchmark B: Understanding Scientific Inquiry
1-Understanding that scientists usually base their investigations on existing questions or causal/functional questions2-Understanding that scientists conduct investigations for a variety of reasons, such as exploration of new areas, discovery of new aspects of the natural world, confirmation of prior investigations, prediction of current theories, and comparison of models and theories3-Understanding that scientists rely on technology to enhance the gathering and manipulation of data4-Understanding that scientists must adhere to criteria such as: A proposed explanation must have a logical structure, abide by the rules of evidence, be open to questions and modifications, be based on formulas, and technology to organize information, recognize patterns which may develop, and use those patterns to make predictions5-Understanding that results of scientific inquiry, new knowledge, and methods emerge from different types of investigations and public communication among scientists (PS) Physical Science: Students develop an understanding of the characteristics and interrelationships of matter and energy in the physical world.
Benchmark A: Measurement and Symbolic Representation
1-Manipulating and analyzing quantitative data using the SI system2-Understanding the language of chemistry (formulas, equations, symbols) and its relationship to molecules, atoms, ions, and subatomic particles Benchmark B: Atomic Structure
1-Describing the structure of the atom and identifying and characterizing the particles that compose it (including the structure and properties of isotopes)2-Describing the nature and importance of radioactive isotopes and nuclear reactions (fission, fusion, radioactive decay)3-Understanding that an atom's electron configuration, particularly that of the outermost electrons, determines the chemical properties of that atom Benchmark C: The Structure and Properties of Matter
1-Distinguishing among elements, compounds, and/or mixtures2-Discovering the patterns of physical and chemical properties found on the periodic table of the elements3-Understanding that physical properties of substances reflect the nature of interactions among its particles4-Separating mixtures based upon the physical properties of their components5-Understand that chemical bonds are formed between atoms when the outermost electrons are transferred or shared to produce ionic and covalent compounds6-Recognizing that carbon atoms can bond to one another in chains, rings, and branching networks to form a variety of structures7-Using the kinetic theory to describe the behavior of atoms and molecules during phase changes and to describe the behavior of matter in its different phases Benchmark D: Chemical Reactions
1-Observing and describing changes in matter and citing evidence of chemical change2-Comparing, contrasting, and measuring the pH of acids and bases using a variety of indicators3-Writing balanced equations to represent a variety of chemical reactions (acid/base, oxidation/reduction, etc.)4-Analyzing the factors that affect the rate and equilibrium of a chemical reaction5-Applying the law of conservation of matter to chemical reactions6-Comparing and contrasting the energy changes that accompany changes in matter7-Identifying important chemical reactions that occur in living systems, the home, industry, and the environment Benchmark E: Forces and Motion
1-Recognizing the characteristics and relative strengths of the forces of nature (gravitational, electrical, magnetic, nuclear)2-Understanding the relationship of displacement, time, rate of motion, and rate of change of motion; representing rate and changes of motion mathematically and graphically3-Understanding effects of forces on changes in motion as explained by Newtonian mechanics4-Illustrating how frame of reference affects one's ability to judge motion Benchmark F: Energy
1-Describing and representing relationships among energy, work, power and efficiency2-Applying the universal law of conservation of matter, energy, and momentum, and recognizing their implications Benchmark G: Interactions of Energy and Matter
1-Giving examples of the transport of energy through wave action2-Analyzing the relationship and interaction of magnetic and electrical fields and the forces they produce3-Characterizing and differentiating electromagnetic and mechanical waves and their effects on objects as well as humans4-Explaining the possible hazards of exposure to various forms and amounts of energy (LS) Life Science: Students become aware of the characteristics and life cycles of organisms and understand their relationships to each other and to their environment.
Benchmark A: The Cell
1-Observing cells, identifying organelles, relating structure to function, and differentiating among cell types2-Demonstrating a knowledge of cellular transport3-Investigating cell differentiation and describing stages of embryo logical development in representative organisms Benchmark B: The Molecular Basis of Heredity
1-Explaining the relationship among chromosomes, DNA, genes, RNA, and proteins2-Comparing and contrasting mitosis and meiosis3-Describing the transmission of traits from parent to offspring and the influence of environmental factors on gene expression4-Exploring advances in biotechnology and identifying possible positive and negative effects Benchmark C: Biological Evolution
1-Exploring experimental evidence that supports the theory of the origin of life2-Recognizing the evidence for evolution3-Discussing the patterns, mechanisms, and rate of evolution5-Distinguishing among the kingdoms6-Comparing and contrasting life cycles of organisms7-Comparing viruses to cells Benchmark D: Interdependence of Organisms
1-Illustrating the biogeochemical cycles and explaining their importance2-Describing trophic levels and energy flows3-Investigating population dynamics4-Exploring how humans have impacted ecosystems and the need for societies to plan for the future Benchmark E: Matter, Energy, and Organization of Living Systems
1-Comparing and contrasting photosynthesis and cellular respiration, emphasizing their relationships2-Recognizing the importance of the ATP cycle in energy usage within the cell3-Differentiating among levels of biological organization Benchmark F: Systems and the Behavior of Organisms
1-Identifying the structure and functions of organ systems2-Identifying mechanisms involved in homeostasis3-Recognizing that behavior is the response of an organism to internal changes and/or external stimuli4-Recognizing that behavior patterns have adaptive value Benchmark G: Personal and Community Health
1-Relating fitness and health to longevity2-Contrasting how organisms cause disease3-Explaining the role of the immune system in fighting disease4-Exploring current research on the major diseases with regard to cause, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and cure5-Researching technology used in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases/disorders (ESS) Earth and Space Science Benchmark A: Energy in the Earth System
1-Investigating the methods of energy transfer and identifying the sun as the major source of energy for most of the Earth's systems2-Modeling the seasonal changes in the relative position and appearance of the sun and inferring the consequences with respect to the Earth's temperature3-Explaining fission and fusion in relation to the Earth's internal and external heat sources4-Explaining how decay of radioactive isotopes and the gravitational energy from the Earth's original formation generate the Earth's internal heat5-Demonstrating how the Sun's radiant energy causes convection currents within the atmosphere and the oceans6-Describing the energy transfer from the Sun to the Earth and its atmosphere as it relates to the development of weather and climate patterns7-Modeling the transfer of the Earth's internal heat by way of convection currents in the mantle which powers the movement of the lithospheric plates Benchmark B: Geochemical Cycles
1-Illustrating how stable chemical atoms or elements are recycled through the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, and organisms2-Demonstrating Earth's internal and external energy sources as forces in moving chemical atoms or elements Benchmark C: The Origin and Evolution of the Earth System
1-Explaining the formation of the solar system from a nebular cloud of dust and gas2-Estimating the age of the Earth by using dating techniques3-Communicating the geologic development of Louisiana4-Examining fossil evidence as it relates to the evolution of life and the resulting changes in the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere5-Explaining that natural processes and changes in the Earth system may take place in a matter of seconds or develop over billions of years Benchmark D: The Origin and Evolution of the Universe
1-Identifying scientific evidence that supports the latest theory of the age and origin of the universe2-Describing the organization of the known universe3-Comparing and contrasting the sun with other stars4-Identifying the elements found in the sun and other stars by investigating the spectra5-Describing the role of hydrogen in the formation of all the natural elements6-Demonstrating the laws of motion for orbiting bodies7-Describe the impact of technology on the study of Earth, the solar system, and the universe (SE) Science and the Environment: In learning environmental science, students develop an appreciation of the natural environment, learn the value of environmental quality, and acquire a sense of stewardship through involvement in community action. As consumers and citizens, they are able to recognize how personal, professional, and political actions affect the natural world.
Benchmark A: Ecological Systems and Interactions
1-Demonstrating an understanding of the functions of Earth's major ecological systems2-Investigating the flow of energy in ecological systems3-Describing how habitat, carrying capacity, and limiting factors influence plant and animal populations (including humans)4-Understanding that change is a fundamental characteristic of every ecosystem and that ecosystems have varying capacities for change and recovery5-Describing the dynamic interactions between divisions of the biosphere6-Describing and explaining the Earth's biochemical and geochemical cycles and their relationship to ecosystem stability7-Comparing and contrasting the dynamic interaction with the biosphere8-Analyzing evidence that plant and animal species have evolved physical, biochemical, and/or behavioral adaptations to their environments9-Demonstrating an understanding of influencing factors of biodiversity10-Explaining that all species represent a vital link in a complex web of interaction11-Understanding how pollutants can affect living systems Benchmark B: Resources and Resource Management
1-Comparing and contrasting the various types of renewable and nonrenewable resources and explaining the relationships between these resources and populations2-Explaining how natural resources affect humans and how humans affect natural resources3-Recognizing that people of the world consume disproportionate amounts of the Earth's resources, a factor of both population size and inequitable geographic or economic distribution of resources4-Demonstrating an understanding that resource management issues and environmental problems may arise when resource use is motivated by short- term goals instead of long-term consequences5-Comparing the benefits and the costs of various resource management methods6-Analyzing how management of resources requires that they be viewed from a global, as well as a local, perspective7-Recognizing that sustainable development is a process of change in which resource use, investment direction, technological development, and institutional change meet society's future as well as present needs Benchmark C: Environmental Awareness and Protection
1-Evaluating the dynamic interaction of land, water, and air and its relationship to living things in maintaining a healthy environment2-Evaluating the relationships between quality of life and environmental quality3-Investigating and communicating how environmental policy is formed by the interaction of social, economic, technological and political considerations4-Demonstrating that environmental decisions include analyses that incorporate ecological, health, social, and economic factors5-Analyzing how public support effects the creation and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations Benchmark D: Personal Choices and Responsible Actions
1-Demonstrating an understanding of the effects of personal choices and actions on the natural environment2-Describing how a healthy environment depends upon responsible human actions4-Demonstrating that the most important factor in prevention and control of pollution is education and the resulting change in values, attitudes, and behavior patterns5-Explaining that responsible environmental decision making involves scientific and sociological research, consideration of value systems, investigation and evaluation of alternative, and long-term global perspectives6-Demonstrating a knowledge that environmental issues should be an international concern7-Recognizing that philosophies, objectives, and practices of various types of resource management are sometimes incompatible, often necessitating compromises and tradeoffs8-Recognizing that the development of accountability toward the environment is essential for the continued health of the planet9-Developing an awareness of personal responsibility as stewards of the local and global environmentD. Social Studies (G) Geography: Physical and Cultural Systems: Students develop a spatial understanding of the Earth's surface and the processes that shape it, the connections between people and places, and the relationship between man and his environment. Benchmark A: The World in Spatial Terms
1-Using geographic representations, tools, and technologies to explain, analyze and solve geographic problems2-Organizing geographic information and answering complex questions by formulating mental maps of places and regions Benchmark B: Places and Regions
1-Determining how social, cultural, and economic processes shape the features of places2-Analyzing the ways in which physical and human characteristics of places and regions have affected historic events3-Analyzing the different ways in which physical and human regions are structured and interconnected4-Explaining and evaluating the importance of places and regions to cultural identity Benchmark C: Physical and Human Systems
1-Analyzing the ways in which Earth's dynamic and interactive physical process affect different regions of the world2-Determining the economic, political, and social factors that contribute to human migration and settlement and evaluating their impact on physical and human systems3-Analyzing trends in world population numbers, patterns, and predicting their consequences4-Analyzing the characteristics, distribution, and interrelationships of the world's cultures5-Describing and evaluating spatial distribution of economic systems and how they affect regions6-Analyzing how cooperation, conflict, and self-interests impact social, political, and economic entities on Earth Benchmark D: Environment and Society
1-Evaluating the ways in which technology has expanded the human capability to modify the physical environment2-Examining the challenges placed on human systems by the physical environment and formulating strategies to deal with these challenges3-Analyzing the relationship between natural resources and the exploration, colonization, and settlement of different regions of the world4-Evaluating policies and programs related to the use of natural resources5-Developing plans to solve local and regional geographic problems related to contemporary issues(C) Civics: Citizenship and Government: Students develop an understanding of the structure and purposes of government, the foundations of the American democratic system, and the role of the United States in the world while learning about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Benchmark A: Structure and Purposes of Government
1-Analyzing the necessity and purposes of policies and government2-Comparing and evaluating the essential characteristics of various systems of government and identifying historical and contemporary examples of each3-Explaining and evaluating issues related to the distribution of powers and responsibilities within the federal system4-Explaining the organization and functions of local, state, and national governments and evaluating their relationships5-Evaluating the role and importance of law in the American political system6-Examining the major responsibilities of the national government for domestic and foreign policy7-Explain how government is financed through taxation Benchmark B: Foundations of the American Political System
1-Analyzing ideas and origins of the American constitutional government and evaluating how these have helped to shape American society2-Explaining constitutional and democratic beliefs in American society and applying them to the analyses of issues of conflicting beliefs and principles3-Analyzing the nature of American political and social conflicts4-Evaluating issues related to the differences between American ideals and the realities of American social and political life5-Evaluating the roles of political parties, campaigns, and elections in American politics6-Analyzing the historical and contemporary roles of associations and groups in local, state, and national politics Benchmark C: International Relationships
1-Analyzing how the world is organized politically and evaluating how the interaction of political entities, such an nation-states and international organizations, affects the United States2-Analyzing the major foreign policy positions of the United States and evaluating their consequences3-Evaluating the impact of American ideas and actions on the world and analyzing the effects of significant international developments of the United States Benchmark D: Roles of the Citizen
1-Evaluating and defending positions on issues regarding the personal, political, and economic rights of citizens2-Evaluating and defending positions regarding the personal and civic responsibilities of citizens in American constitutional democracy3-Explaining and evaluating the various forms of political participation that citizens can use to monitor and shape the formation and implementation of public policy4-Analyzing and evaluating the importance of political leadership, public service, and a knowledgeable citizenry to American constitutional democracy(E) Economics: Interdependence and Decision Making: Students develop an understanding of fundamental economic concepts as they apply to the interdependence and decision making of individuals, households, businesses, and governments in the United States and the world. Benchmark A: Fundamental Economic Concepts
1-Analyzing the impact of the scarcity of productive resources and examining the choices and opportunity costs that result2-Analyzing the roles that production, distribution, and consumption play in economic decisions3-Applying the skills and knowledge necessary in making decisions about career options4-Comparing and evaluating basic economic systems5-Explaining the basic features of market structures and exchanges6-Analyzing the roles of economic institutions, such as corporations and labor unions, that compose economic systems7-Analyzing the roles of money and banking in an economic system8-Applying economic concepts to understand and evaluate historical and contemporary issues Benchmark B: Individuals, Households, Businesses, and Governments
1-Identifying factors that cause changes in supply and demand2-Analyzing how supply and demand, price, incentives, and profit influence production and distribution in a competitive market system3-Analyzing the impact of governmental taxation, spending, and regulation on different groups in a market economy4-Analyzing the causes and consequences of worldwide economic interdependence5-Evaluating the effects of domestic policies on international trade6-Analyzing Louisiana 's role in the world economy Benchmark C: The Economy as a Whole
1-Explaining the meanings of economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product, per capita GDP, real GDP, CPI, and unemployment rate2-Explaining how interest rates, investments, and inflation/deflation impact the economy3-Analyzing unemployment and income distribution in a market economy4-Explaining the basic concepts of United States fiscal policy and monetary policy and describing their effects on the economy(H) History: Time, Continuity, and Change: Students develop a sense of historical time and historical perspective as they study the history of their community, state, nation, and world. Benchmark A: Historical Thinking Skills
1-Applying key concepts, such as chronology and conflict, to explain and analyze patterns of historical change and continuity2-Explaining and analyzing events, ideas, and issues within a historical context3-Interpreting and evaluating the historical evidence presented in primary and secondary sources4-Utilizing knowledge of facts and concepts drawn from history and methods of historical inquiry to analyze historical and contemporary issues.5-Conducting research in efforts to analyze historical questions and issues6-Analyzing cause/effect relationships Benchmark B: United States History
1-Analyzing the significant changes that resulted from interactions among the peoples of Europe, Africa, and the Americas2-Summarizing the process by which the United States was colonized and later became an independent nation3-Analyzing the development of the American constitutional system4-Tracing territorial expansion and reform movements in the United States5-Analyzing the origins, major events, and effects of the Civil War and Reconstruction6-Analyzing the development of industrialization and examining its impact on American society7-Describing the immigration and internal migration patterns that have occurred in the history of the United States and examining the cultural and social changes that have resulted8-Evaluating the significance of the Progressive Movement9-Analyzing the rise of the labor and agrarian movements10-Explaining the changing role of the United States in world affairs through World War I11-Analyzing the significant changes that evolved in the United States between World War I and the Great Depression12-Analyzing the causes, developments, and effects of the Great Depression and the New Deal13-Analyzing the origins, events, and results of World War II14-Examining and summarizing key developments in foreign and domestic policies during the Cold War era15-Analyzing the economic, political, social, and cultural transformation of the United States since World War II16-Explaining the major changes that have resulted as the United States has moved from an industrial to an information society17-Analyzing developments and issues in contemporary American society18-Discussing and demonstrating an understanding of recent developments in foreign and domestic policies Benchmark C: World History
1-Analyzing the development of early human communities and civilizations2-Making generalizations about the cultural legacies of both the ancient river and the classical civilizations3-Analyzing the origins, central ideas, and worldwide impact of major religious and philosophical traditions4-Summarizing the developments and contributions of civilizations that flourished in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas5-Analyzing the consequences of the economic and cultural interchange that increasingly developed among the peoples of Europe, Asia, and Africa6-Analyzing the impact of transoceanic linking of all major regions of the world7-Analyzing the political, cultural, and economic developments and trends that resulted in the transformation of major world regions8-Explaining how the emergence of territorial empires in Europe, Asia, and Africa unified large areas politically, economically, and culturally9-Tracing the expansion of European power and economic influence in the world and examining the impact of this expansion on societies in Asia and the Americans10-Analyzing the impact that political revolutions and new ideologies had on societies around the world11-Evaluating the economic, political, and social consequences of the agricultural and industrial revolutions on world societies12-Analyzing the patterns of worldwide change that emerged during the era of Western military and economic domination13-Analyzing the causes and international consequences of World War I, World War II, and other 20th century conflicts14-Analyzing the international power shifts and the breakup of colonial empires that occurred in the years following World War II15-Explaining the worldwide significance of major political, economic, social, cultural, and technological developments and trends