Brief Explanation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are a set of high-quality academic guidelines in mathematics and English language arts (ELA). They outline what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade level. The goal? To ensure students are armed with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in college, career, and life. Think of them as a nationwide effort to align learning goals, making sure students from everywhere get a consistently rigorous education.

9th-10th Grade Speaking & Listening Standards

In 9th and 10th grades, the Speaking & Listening Standards evolve to focus on critical communication skills. Here’s what they emphasize:

• Engagement in Collaborative Discussions: Students should engage in discussions, respond to diverse perspectives, and develop their own points of view. They’re expected to come prepared, having reflected on assigned material, and to use evidence from their readings to back up their opinions.

• Integration of Multiple Sources of Information: Whether it’s analyzing a documentary, dissecting a news article, or critiquing a live presentation, students should effectively evaluate content from various formats, integrating this information coherently in discussions or presentations.

• Evaluating a Speaker’s Arguments and Use of Evidence: Students are to listen critically and assess a speaker’s arguments, reasoning, and evidence, cultivating an discerning ear for both substance and style.

• Presenting Knowledge and Ideas Effectively: Beyond listening, students are tasked with presenting their ideas clearly and persuasively. This includes the adept use of digital media to enhance their presentations and an awareness of how to adjust their speech for different contexts and tasks.

The heart of these standards is not just becoming better speakers or listeners but becoming thoughtful communicators who can navigate complex information and diverse perspectives. This critical period lays the groundwork for effective, articulate interaction in an increasingly interconnected world.

What Does a 9th-10th Grader at Proficiency Look Like in Speaking & Listening?

Imagine stepping into a vibrant classroom discussion, where students are eagerly dissecting “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Amidst the sea of eager faces, there’s that one 9th or 10th grader who clearly demonstrates they’re hitting the mark with the Common Core State Standards for Speaking and Listening.

1. 🗣️ Articulating Ideas Clearly

This student isn’t just throwing words into the air; they’re crafting their thoughts with precision, making sure they’re understood. When they explain why Atticus Finch’s role as a father is pivotal, they do so in a clear, structured manner that makes classmates nod in agreement.

2. 🔍 Engaging in Active Listening

They aren’t just waiting for their turn to speak; they’re genuinely absorbing what others are saying. When a classmate offers an interpretation of the mockingbird symbol, this student can paraphrase their peer’s ideas accurately, showing they value and understand the contributions of others.

3. 🤝 Collaborating Effectively

In group projects, this student shines without overshadowing. They’re the glue that helps the team stick together, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. When tasked with analyzing how history influenced “To Kill a Mockingbird,” they help divide the work equitably, integrating diverse ideas into a cohesive presentation.

4. 🧠 Presenting Arguments and Evidence

When it’s their turn to present, they do so with a blend of passion and evidence. If arguing about the importance of the setting in the novel, they don’t just assert it; they back it up with examples from the text, making their case compelling and well-supported.

5. 🎤 Managing Speaking Situations

This student adapts their speech based on the context and audience. Whether it’s a formal debate on the themes of morality and injustice in “To Kill a Mockingbird” or a more informal group discussion, they adjust their tone, language, and emphasis accordingly, showing a keen awareness of the situation.

6. 🤖 Incorporating Multimedia

When the assignment calls for a multimedia element, this student can integrate audio-visual materials that enhance their presentation. If exploring the cultural context of the novel, they might include images from the Great Depression, snippets from the film adaptation, or relevant historical documents, enriching their presentation with a well-chosen mix of media.

A 9th or 10th grader proficient in the Speaking & Listening Standards is not just a talker but a communicator, a listener, and a collaborator, ready to engage effectively in the rich tapestry of ideas that high school life presents.

9th-10th Grade Speaking & Listening Standards Resources: Assessments, Rubrics and Lesson Plans

Navigating the Speaking & Listening Standards for 9th and 10th grade can feel like plotting a course through a dense forest. Here’s your compass and map to guide you skillfully through:

In 9th and 10th grade, vital standards include:

• Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas (SL.9-10.4),
• Integration of Multimedia and Visual Displays (SL.9-10.5),
• Adapting Speech to a Variety of Contexts and Tasks (SL.9-10.6).

Let’s explore how you can craft effective assessments, anchor your expectations with rubrics, and foster growth with engaging lesson plans.

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas (SL.9-10.4)

Objective: Students present information, findings, and supportive evidence clearly, concisely, and logically, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

Example Assessment: Students are tasked with delivering a 5-minute presentation on a research topic of their choice related to the current unit of study. The presentation should incorporate clear arguments supported by evidence.

Assessment Rubric:

Lesson Plan:

1. Introduction (15 minutes): Discuss the importance of clear communication and presentation skills. Introduce the assignment, stressing the significance of organization, argument development, and engaging presentation style.
2. Research and Preparation (2-3 days, homework): Students select their topics, conduct research, and begin crafting their presentations. Provide guidelines for evidence gathering and slides creation, if applicable.
3. In-Class Presentation Skills Workshop (45 minutes): Cover the basics of effective public speaking, including posture, eye contact, voice modulation, and handling nervousness. Practice with mini-exercises.
4. Peer Review Sessions (45 minutes): In small groups, students practice their presentations and provide constructive feedback to each other, focusing on the rubric criteria.
5. Final Presentations (2-3 days, in-class): Students deliver their presentations to the class. Evaluate using the provided rubric. Encourage students to self-assess as well.
6. Reflection (15 minutes): After all presentations, lead a reflection session. Discuss what went well, what could be improved, and the importance of continual practice in public speaking.

Integration of Multimedia and Visual Displays (SL.9-10.5)

Objective: Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.

Example Assessment: Create a multimedia presentation using tools like PowerPoint, Prezi, or a video editor to illustrate a key concept from the unit. The presentation should include a mix of text, images, and either audio or video elements that enrich the content.

Assessment Rubric:

Lesson Plan:

1. Introduction (15 minutes): Discuss the impact of multimedia on audience engagement and comprehension. Introduce the project, emphasizing the importance of aligning multimedia elements with content goals.
2. Exploration and Selection (45 minutes): Facilitate exploration of different digital tools and multimedia elements. Students select their tools and sketch out their ideas.
3. Design and Creation (3-4 days, in-class and homework): Students work on their multimedia presentations, incorporating textual, graphical, audio, visual, and/or interactive elements. Provide checkpoints for feedback.
4. Presentation Skills Refresher (30 minutes): Offer a quick refresher on presentation techniques, focusing on how to interact with multimedia effectively during a presentation.
5. Presentation and Review (2-3 days, in-class): Students present their multimedia projects to the class. Use the rubric for evaluation and encourage peer and self-assessment.
6. Reflection and Feedback (20 minutes): Facilitate a class discussion on the learning experience, the integration of multimedia, and the importance of visual aids in presentations.

By incorporating these standards-focused assessments, rubrics, and lesson plans into your curriculum, you not only align with the 9th and 10th Grade Speaking & Listening Standards but also engage your students in meaningful, skill-building activities that prepare them for the complexities of communication in the modern world.