The Resource Designs should: Remain consistent across grades 6-10 Provide options for delineating reading and writing as separate courses (6th grade only) Articulate clear alignment to Missouri Learning Standards Include essential questions as a unit or topical construct and/or leverage inquiry as the foundation for student thinking and learning Integrate reading, writing, research, and formal/informal speaking & listening skills in each unit or module Include explicit instructional guidelines and supports (e.g., suggested activities, pacing, student consumables, etc.) Include integrated novel study Include both formative/summative assessments inclusive of questions at a range of DOK levels Make clear connections to real world learning and/or future-ready skill development Visually reflect diverse populations and cultures Include scaffolding and intervention strategies/resources appropriate for diverse learners Include resources that support learning at home (i.e., access to interactive, digital tools) The Instructional design should: Align with best practices in reading instruction, including direct skill instruction, support for the process of reading as well as the science, opportunities to build students’ background knowledge, and research-based strategies for language/vocabulary study Align with best practices in writing instruction, including both a prescriptive and rhetorical approach to student writing, writing as a process, writing for authentic purposes/audiences, and the role of the writing community Include explicit opportunities for students to apply higher-order thinking skills, including reflection Provide support for the development of varied viewpoints and productive discourse skills Invite students to engage with texts and writing tasks through the lens of both readers AND writers Texts included in the collection should: Reflect a range of complexity, genres, and text types/media (print, digital, multimodal) Represent a broad range of experiences, perspectives, and voices Highlight issues, topics, and themes relevant to modern adolescents Lead to a deeper understanding of the human experience through a global lens Include both classic and contemporary works Include both shared and independent reading opportunities Writing study should include: Mentor texts as the basis/model for writing instruction Both a process and product-oriented approach Digital tools to support writing composition Genre-based writing study (including, at a minimum, narrative, explanatory, and argumentative forms) A variety of writing purposes (i.e., writing for change, writing to learn, writing to reflect) Emphasis on content, form, style, and register as appropriate to topic, purpose, and audience Explicit instruction around grammar/usage skills as well as opportunities to apply that learning within a meaningful context Technology: Integrates with Schoology (Learning Management System) Includes digital assignments and assessments with robust functionality (multiple attempts, ability to differentiate, feedback options, etc.) Design is Intuitive, with clear navigation for students, teachers, and parents
