Benchmarks/Indicators

Performance Indicators: State

As documented through state assessment -

At Level 1, the student is able to

1. 8.1.spi.1. formulate appropriate questions during the reading of text.
2. 8.1.spi.2 choose the correct meaning/usage of multi-meaning words by replacing the word in context with an appropriate synonym or antonym.
3. 8.1.spi.3. locate information using available text features (e.g., maps, charts, graphics, indexes, glossaries, tables of contents, and appendices).
4. 8.1.spi.4. identify on a graphic organizer the points at which various plot elements occur.
5. 8.1.spi.5. identify an appropriate title to reinforce the main idea of a passage or paragraph.
6. 8.1.spi. 6. determine cause-effect relationships in context.
7. 8.1.spi. 7. determine inferences from selected passages.
8. 8.1.spi. 8. recognize a reasonable prediction of future events of a passage.
9. 8.1.spi. 9. select information using keywords and headings.

At Level 2, the student is able to

1. 8.1.spi.10. recognize and use grade appropriate and/or content specific vocabulary.
2. 8.1.spi.11. determine an author's purpose for writing or a student's purpose for reading.
3. 8.1.spi.12. identify an implied theme from a selection or related selections.
4. 8.1.spi.13. use text features (e.g., sidebars, footnotes, and endnotes) to determine meaning.
5. 8.1.spi.14. distinguish among different genres (e.g., poetry, drama, letters, ads, historical fiction, biographies, autobiographies, and essays) and their distinguishing characteristics.
6. 8.1.spi.15. identify examples within context of similes, metaphors, alliteration, onomatopoeia, personification, and hyperbole.
7. 8.1.spi.16. choose a logical word or phrase to complete an analogy, using scrambled words and homophones in addition to previously learned analogies.
8. 8.1.spi.17. recognize and identify the techniques of propaganda (i.e., bandwagon, loaded words, and testimonials).
9. 8.1.spi.18. recognize author's point of view (e.g., first person or third person, limited/ omniscient).
10. 8.1.spi.19. determine how a story changes if the point of view is changed.
11. 8.1.spi.20. recognize commonly used foreign phrases (e.g., bonjour, hasta la vista, bon voyage, mi casa es su casa, e pluribus unum, c'est la vie).
12. 8.1.spi.21. identify examples of sound devices within context (e.g. rhyme, alliteration, assonance, slant rhyme, repetition, internal rhyme).
13. 8.1.spi.22. recognize and identify words within context that reveal particular time periods and cultures.

At Level 3, the student is able to

1. 8.1.spi.23. determine the influence of culture and ethnicity on the themes and issues of literary texts.
2. 8.1.spi.24. identify how the author reveals character (e.g., physical characteristics, dialog, what others say about him, what he does).
3. 8.1.spi.25. recognize literary elements that shape meaning within context (e.g., symbolism, foreshadowing, flashback, irony, mood and tone).
4. 8.1.spi.26. identify instances of bias and stereotyping in print and non-print contexts.
5. 8.1.spi.27. recognize the effect of stressed and unstressed syllables to aid in identifying the meaning of multiple meaning words.

Performance Indicators: Teacher

As documented through teacher observation -

At Level 1, the student is able to

1. 8.1.tpi.1. decode unknown grade level words utilizing previously learned strategies to verify the word's meaning within the context of the selection.
2. 8.1.tpi.2. recognize various literary genres (e.g., short stories, novels, plays, legends, poetry, biographies, non-fiction).
3. 8.1.tpi.3. express reactions and personal opinions to a selection or relate the selection to a personal experience.
4. 8.1.tpi.4. organize prior knowledge using a variety of strategies while reading (e.g., pausing, reading ahead, rereading, identifying miscues, and consulting other sources).
5. 8.1.tpi.5. preview the text to establish a purpose for reading, to activate prior knowledge, and to facilitate the reading process.
6. 8.1.tpi.6. participate in creative responses to text (e.g., debates, dramatization, speeches).

At Level 2, the student is able to

1. 8.1.tpi.7. develop an awareness of literature that reflects a diverse society.
2. 8.1.tpi.8. read fluently basic grade appropriate selections.
3. 8.1.tpi.9. create and deliver an organized oral presentation using multiple sources of information from any content area utilizing visual aids for contextual support
4. 8.1.tpi.10. summarize, paraphrase, and evaluate selected passages.
5. 8.1.tpi.11. develop and enhance vocabulary by reading from a wide variety of texts and literary genres.
6. 8.1.tpi.12. make inferences and recognize unstated assumptions.
7. 8.1.tpi.13. make connections among the various literary genres, themes, and print and non-print texts with personal, historical, and cultural experiences.
8. 8.1.tpi.14 demonstrate how time periods and cultures affect plots/characters in literature.
9. 8.1.tpi.15. recognize recurring themes in literature.
10. 8.1.tpi.16. distinguish between primary and secondary sources.
11. 8.1.tpi.17. identify instances of flashback and foreshadowing.

At Level 3, the student is able to

1. 8.1.tpi.18. define and apply internal (subjective) and external (objective) criteria in making critical evaluation of given statements.
2. 8.1.tpi.19. create an example of allusion.
3. 8.1.tpi.20. differentiate between internal and external conflict in a given passage.
4. 8.1.tpi.21. determine the significance/meaning of a symbol in a print or non-print selection.
5. 8.1.tpi.22. analyze literary elements.
6. 8.1.tpi.23. evaluate reading selections and media sources to determine their applications to and effect on daily life.
7. 8.1.tpi.24. explore and distinguish between primary and secondary source documents.