Family Learning Hub
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At Orting School District, we believe learning is strongest when schools and families work together. Our Family Learning Hub resources are designed to help families better understand what students are learning, why it matters, and how they can support learning at home.
Each guide provides an overview of the essential skills and concepts students develop throughout the school year, along with practical ways to encourage learning beyond the classroom. While every student grows at their own pace, these resources offer a snapshot of the knowledge, habits, and confidence we strive to build in every learner.
Our guides are rooted in three simple questions we want every student to answer each day:
- What am I learning
- How I am going to learn it
- What should I do next
By helping students understand their own learning, we empower them to become confident, independent thinkers who are prepared for success in school and beyond.
Contact Us
Executive Director for Teaching and Learning
Aaron Lee
(360) 893-6500 x4025
Email: LeeA@orting.wednet.edu
Aaron Lee
(360) 893-6500 x4025
Email: LeeA@orting.wednet.edu
Explore by Subject
Mathematics
- K-2 Mathematics Family Guide
- 3-5 Mathematics Family Guide
- 6-8 Mathematics Family Guide
- 9-10 Mathematics Family Guide
K-2 Mathematics Family Guide
We believe every child can become a confident mathematical thinker. Math is about much more than getting the right answer. We want students to understand ideas, solve problems, explain their thinking, and continue learning when something is challenging.
Our Kindergarten to 2nd Grade Mathematics Core Competencies
These are the four most important mathematical understandings your child develops during Kindergarten through 2nd grade. They guide what teachers teach, what students learn, and how families can support learning at home.
- Develop Deep Number Sense
- Understand Operations and Relationships Between Numbers
- Measure, Compare, and Solve Everyday Problems
- Understand Shapes and Spatial Thinking
- Learning Grows Every Year
- How You Can Support Learning at Home
Develop Deep Number Sense
Develop deep number sense by understanding how numbers represent quantities and by using place value to describe, compare, and compose numbers.
Why This Matters
Your child is learning to:
-
count confidently
-
understand what numbers mean
-
compare numbers
-
build larger numbers using tens and ones
-
explain how numbers work together
Ways You Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
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counting toys, snacks, or steps
-
reading numbers on signs
-
grouping objects into tens
-
comparing which group has more
-
explaining how they counted
By the End of 2nd Grade
Your child can:
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understand hundreds, tens, and ones
-
read, write, and compare numbers to 1,000
-
use place value to solve problems
-
explain their mathematical thinking
Understand Operations and Relationships Between Numbers
Develop a strong understanding of operations and relationships between numbers to solve problems, explain reasoning, and represent mathematical thinking in flexible ways.
Why This Matters
Understanding how numbers work together helps children solve problems, explain their thinking, and recognize patterns.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
-
add and subtrack
-
solve story problems
-
notice patterns
-
choose different strategies
-
explain why a strategy works
Ways You Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
-
solving everyday problems
-
finding more than one answer
-
noticing patterns checking whether an answer makes sense
-
explaining their thinking
By the End of 2nd Grade
Your child can:
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solve addition and subtraction problems efficiently
-
solve problems using place value strategies
-
build equal groups
-
explain why their strategies work
Measure, Compare, and Solve Everyday Problems
Use tools and strategies to measure, compare, and solve problems, involving length, time, and money in everyday situations.
Why This Matters
Measurement helps children make sense of the world around them and solve everyday problems.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
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measure objects
-
tell time
-
count money
-
compare lengths
-
solve real world problems
Ways You Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
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measuring while cooking
-
telling time
-
helping count coins
-
comparing lengths
-
estimating how long something will take
By the End of 2nd Grade
Your child can:
-
measure using rulers and other tools
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tell time to the nearest five minutes
-
solve problems using money
-
explain how they found their answers
Understand Shapes and Spatial Thinking
Understand and use the attributes of shapes to describe, compare, build, and divide them to solve problems and understand spatial relationships.
Why This Matters
Understanding shapes helps children describe the world, solve problems, and recognize how objects fit together.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
-
identify shapes
-
describe shapes
-
build shapes
-
compare shapes
-
divide shapes into equal parts
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
-
finding shapes around the house
-
building with blocks
-
talking about sides and corners
-
drawing shapes
-
noticing shapes in everyday life
By the End of 2nd Grade
Your child can:
-
recognize and describe shapes
-
compare shapes using their attributes
-
divide shapes into equal parts
-
explain their thinking about shapes
Learning Grows Every Year
As children become confident mathematicians, you may hear them say:
- "Let me show you how I figured it out."
- "I tried another strategy."
- "Can you check my thinking?"
- "That didn't work. I'm going to try again."
- "I know what I'm learning."
- "I know what I need to work on."
These are signs that your child is becoming an independent learner.
How You Can Support Learning at Home
You don't need to be a math expert. The best support comes through everyday conversations and experiences.
Try asking:
- How did you figure that out?
- Can you show me another way?
- Why does that make sense?
- What are you learning today?
- What are you getting better at?
You can also:
- cook together
- play games
- count objects
- compare sizes
- measure ingredients
- talk about time and money
- celebrate effort and perseverance
Growing Independent Learners
In every classroom, students learn to answer three important questions:
- What am I learning? - I understand today's learning goal.
- How am I going to get there? - I use examples and feedback to recognize my growth.
- What should I do next? - I know how to continue improving.
These habits help children become confident learners in mathematics and throughout life.
Our Promise
Together, families and OSD help children become learners who can:
- solve problems confidently
- explain their thinking
- persevere when learning is challenging
- recognize their own growth
- use mathematics to make sense of the world
Every day, your child is learning to:
-
make sense of problems
-
explain their thinking
-
use pictures, objects, and numbers to show ideas
-
learn from mistakes
-
work with others
-
recognize their own growth
Our goal is to help every child become a confident learner who knows:
-
What I am learning
-
How I am going to learn it
-
What I can do next
3-5 Mathematics Family Guide
We believe every child can become a confident mathematical thinker. In 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, students build on the strong foundation developed in primary grades. They begin solving more complex problems, explaining their reasoning, recognizing patterns, and applying mathematics in meaningful ways.
Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Mathematics Core Competencies
These five core competencies represent the most important mathematical understandings students develop during 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. They guide classroom instruction and help students prepare for middle school mathematics.
- Use Place Value to Understand and Work with Large Numbers
- Understand Fractions and Decimals
- Measure, Interpret Data, and Solve Real World Problems
- Describe, Analyze, and Classify Shapes
- Learning Grows Every Year
- How You Can Support Learning at Home
Use Place Value to Understand and Work with Large Numbers
Use place-value understanding to read, write, compare, and perform operations on multi-digit whole numbers.
Why This Matters
Place value helps students understand large numbers and develop efficient strategies for solving increasingly complex problems.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- read and write large numbers
- compare numbers
- multiply and divide multi-digit numbers
- estimate reasonable answers
What You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- reading larger numbers aloud
- estimating costs while shopping
- discussing decimal values
- explaining mental math strategies
- checking answers for reasonableness
By the End of Grade 5, Your Child Can:
-
read and compare whole numbers and decimals
-
multiply and divide large numbers efficiently
-
add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals
-
explain how place value helps solve problems
Real Life Connections
Students use these skills when they:
-
read distances on maps
-
compare prices
-
understand sports statistics
-
calculate travel times
-
estimate costs
Understand Fractions and Decimals
Understand and work with fractions as numbers to compare, combine, and apply them to solve everyday problems.
Why This Matters
Factions and decimals help students describe quantities that fall between whole numbers and solve many everyday problems.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
-
compare fractions
-
add and subtract fractions
-
multiply and divide fractions
-
connect fractions and decimals
-
solve real-world problems
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
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measuring ingredients
-
comparing portions
-
talking about money
-
using fractions while cooking
-
estimating parts of a whole
By the End of Grade 5, Your Child Can:
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compare and order fractions
-
add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions
-
connect fractions and decimals
-
solve real-world problems involving fractions
Real Life Connections
Students use these skills when they:
-
cook
-
divide food
-
measure ingredients
-
calculate discounts
-
understand money
Measure, Interpret Data, and Solve Real World Problems
Measure, convert, and interpret length, volume, mass, time, and data using appropriate tools and strategies.
Why This Matters
Measurement and data help students describe the world, solve problems, and communicate information accurately.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
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measure accurately
-
convert measurement units
-
interpret graphs
-
calculate area, perimeter, and volume
-
solve real-world problems
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
-
reading graphs
-
measuring during cooking
-
estimating distances
-
calculating elapsed time
-
comparing measurements
By the End of 5th Grade
Your child can:
-
convert measurements
-
calculate area, perimeter, and volume
-
interpret graphs and charts
-
solve measurement problems confidently
Real Life Connections
Students use these skills when they:
-
cook
-
build projects
-
read maps
-
organize data
-
understand weather reports
Describe, Analyze, and Classify Shapes
Describe, analyze, and classify shapes and their attributes, and use geometry to represent and solve problems.
Why This Matters
Geometry helps students understand space, design, measurement, and the world around them.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
-
classify shapes
-
identify angles
-
recognize symmetry
-
graph points
-
solve geometric problems
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
-
noticing shapes in buildings
-
drawing designs
-
talking about symmetry
-
reading maps
-
identifying angles
By the End of 5th Grade
Your child can:
-
classify two-dimensional shapes
-
graph points on a coordinate plane
-
describe shape relationships
-
explaining geometric reasoning
Real Life Connections
Students use these skills when they:
-
create artwork
-
build models
-
read maps
-
design projects
-
understand architecture
Learning Grows Every Year
In 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, students move from learning basic skills to applying mathematics in more complex and meaningful ways.
- 3rd Grade: Students strengthen multiplication, division, place value, fractions, and measurements while building confidence in solving problems.
- 4th Grade: Students extend their understanding to larger numbers, equivalent fractions, angles, area, and multi-step problem solving.
- 5th Grade: Students connect mathematical ideas by working with decimals, fractions, volume, coordinate grids, and more advanced problem-solving.
Every student grows at their own pace. What matters most is continuous growth and developing confidence as a mathematical thinker.
What You Might Hear Your Child Say
As your child grows as a mathematician, you may hear them say:
- "I can solve this in more than one way."
- "Let me explain my thinking."
- "I noticed a pattern."
- "My answers make sense because..."
- "I used what I already knew to solve a harder problem."
- "I know what I'm working on next."
These are signs that your child is becoming an independent learner who understands their own thinking.
How You Can Support Learning at Home
You don't need to be a math expert to help your child succeed.
Try asking:
- How did you figure that out?
- Can you solve it another way?
- Why does your answer make sense?
- What pattern do you notice?
- What are you learning right now?
You can also support learning by:
- cooking together
- playing card and board games
- shopping together
- measuring during home projects
- reading graphs in newspapers or online
- encouraging perseverance when work becomes challenging
Growing Independent Learners
Throughout 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, students continue learning to answer three important questions:
- What am I learning?- I understand today's learning goal.
- How am I going to get there?- I use examples, feedback, and reflection to recognize my growth.
How You Can Support Learning at Home
You don't need to be a math expert to help your child succeed.
Try asking:
- How did you figure this out?
- Can you solve it another way?
- Why does your answer make sense?
- What pattern do you notice?
- What are you learning right now?
You can also support learning by:
- cooking together
- playing cards and board games
- shopping together
- measuring during home projects
- reading graphs in newspapers or online
- encouraging perseverance when work becomes challenging
Growing Independent Learners
Throughout 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, students continue learning to answer three important questions:
- What am I learning? - I understand today's learning goal.
- How am I going to get there? - I use examples, feedback, and reflection to recognize my growth.
- What should I do next? - I know how to improve and continue learning.
These habits help students become confident learners in mathematics and throughout life.
Our Promise
Together, families and OSD help students become learners who can:
- think mathematically
- solve meaningful problems
- explain and justify problems
- explain and justify their reasoning
- learn from mistakes
- recognize their own growth
- apply mathematics to everyday life
Every day, your child is learning to:
- Solve problems using different strategies
- Explain mathematical thinking
- Make connections between mathematical ideas
- Apply math to everyday situations
- Learn from mistakes
- Work with others to deepen understanding
Our goal is to help every student become a confident learner who knows:
- What I am learning
- How I am going to learn it
- What I can do next
6-8 Mathematics Family Guide
We believe every student can become a confident mathematical thinker. During middle school, students move beyond learning mathematical procedures to understanding why mathematics works. They solve increasingly complex problems, explain their reasoning, make connections across mathematical ideas, and apply mathematics to real-world situations.
Our Middle School Mathematics Core Competences
These five core competencies represent the most important mathematical understandings student develop during their middle school years. They guide classroom instruction and prepare students for success in high school and mathematics and beyond.
- Use Ratios, Rates, and Proportional Relationships to Solve Problems
- Understand the Number System
- Use Expressions, Equations, Functions, and Linear Relationships
- Use Geometry and Spatial Reasoning to Solve Problems
- Use Statistics and Probability to Make Sense of Information
- Learning Grows Every Year
- How You Can Support Learning at Home
Use Ratios, Rates, and Proportional Relationships to Solve Problems
Use ratios, unit rates, percentages, and proportional relationships to analyze situations, solve problems, and make meaningful comparisons.
Why This Matters
Your child is learning to:
-
compare quantities using ratios and rates
-
solve percent problems
-
use proportional reasoning
-
interpret scale drawings
-
explain proportional relationships
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
-
comparing prices while shopping
-
calculating discounts and tips
-
adjusting recipes
-
discussing speed or fuel efficiency
-
explaining why two situations are proportional
By the End of 8th Grade
Your child can:
-
solve problems using ratios, rates, and proportions
-
calculate percentages fluently
-
interpret scale drawings
-
solve real-world proportional reasoning problems
-
explain mathematical relationships clearly
Real Life Connections
Students use these skills when they:
-
compare prices
-
cook and adjust recipes
-
calculate discounts
-
interpret maps
-
analyze sports statistics
Understand the Number System
Understand and apply rational numbers, irrational numbers, exponents, and square roots to represent quantities and solve problems.
Why This Matters
Understanding different kinds of numbers helps students solve increasingly complex problems and prepares them for algebra and higher mathematics.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
-
work with positive and negative numbers
-
understand rational and irrational numbers
-
use exponents and square roots
-
estimate solutions
-
recognize patterns in numbers
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
-
discussing temperatures above and below zero
-
estimating distances
-
explaining exponents
-
recognizing patterns
-
checking whether answers are reasonable
By the End of 8th Grade
Your child can:
-
work confidently with positive and negative numbers
-
understand irrational numbers
-
use exponents and square roots
-
estimate accurately
-
explaining numerical reasoning
Real Life Connections
Students use these skills when they:
-
interpret weather data
-
understand scientific measurements
-
analyze financial situations
-
estimate distances
-
solve engineering and technology problems
Use Expressions, Equations, Functions, and Linear Relationships
Represent relationships using expressions, equations, functions, and graphs to model and solve problems.
Why This Matters
Algebra helps students describe patterns, predict outcomes, and solve real-world problems using mathematical models.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
-
write and solve equations
-
represent situations with graphs
-
analyze functions
-
identify patterns
-
make predictions using mathematical models
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
-
graphing data
-
writing equations
-
making predictions
-
comparing patterns
-
explaining relationships between variables
By the End of 8th Grade
Your child can:
-
solve equations and inequalities
-
interpret graphs and functions
-
model real-world situations
-
explaining mathematical relationships
-
justify algebraic reasoning
Real Life Connections
Students use these skills when they:
-
analyze trends
-
create budgets
-
predicts costs
-
interpret graphs
-
understand data in science and business
Use Geometry and Spatial Reasoning to Solve Problems
Apply geometric reasoning, measurement, transformations, and the coordinate plane to describe, analyze, and solve problems.
Why This Matters
Geometry helps students understand space, design, measurement, and how mathematics describe the physical world.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
-
analyze shapes
-
calculate area, surface area, and volume
-
use the coordinate plane
-
understand transformations
-
solve geometric problems
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
-
measuring spaces
-
discussing maps
-
drawing designs
-
identifying symmetry
-
explaining geometric relationships
By the End of 8th Grade
Your child can:
-
solve geometric problems
-
use coordinate graphs
-
calculate area, volume, and surface area
-
understand transformations
-
justify geometric reasoning
Real Life Connections
Students use these skills when they:
-
design buildings
-
create artwork
-
read maps
-
build projects
-
understand architecture
Use Statistics and Probability to Make Sense of Information
Collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate data using statistics and probability to make informed decisions.
Why This Matters
Statistics help students interpret information, evaluate claims, and make informed decisions about their life using evidence.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
-
collect and organize data
-
interpret graphs
-
understand probability
-
compare data sets
-
draw conclusions from evidence
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
-
questioning statistics in the news
-
reading graphs
-
predicting outcomes
-
discussing probability
-
comparing survey results
By the End of 8th Grade
Your child can:
-
interpret data displays
-
calculate simple probabilities
-
compare data sets
-
make evidence-based conclusions
-
communicate findings clearly
Real Life Connections
Students use these skills when they:
-
interpret news reports
-
understand surveys
-
analyze sports statistics
-
evaluate scientific information
-
make informed decisions
Learning Grows Every Year
During middle school, students move from building mathematical understanding to applying mathematics in increasingly complex ways.
-
6th Grade: Students strengthen proportional reasoning, operations with rational numbers, expressions, geometry, and statistics.
-
7th Grade: Students deepen algebraic reasoning, probability, proportional relationships, and geometric understanding.
-
8th Grade: Students prepare for high school mathematics by studying linear relationships, functions, systems, geometry, and data analysis.
Every students grows at their own pace at their own pace. What matters most is developing confidence, perseverance, and the ability to think mathematically.
What You Might Hear Your Child Say
As your child becomes a stronger mathematical thinker, you may hear them say:
-
"I can justify my answer."
-
"This relationship is proportional because..."
-
"The graph shows..."
-
"Let me explain my reasoning."
-
"I found my pattern."
-
"I know another strategy that works."
-
"I understand what I need to improve."
These are the signs that your child is becoming an independent learner who can think critically about mathematics.
How You Can Support Learning at Home
You don't need to be a math expert to support your child.
Try asking:
-
How do you know your answer is correct?
-
Can you explain your thinking?
-
Is there another way to solve it?
-
Where do you see this math in everyday life?
-
What are you learning right now?
You can also support learning by:
-
involving your child in budgeting and shopping
-
discussing sports statistics
-
cooking together
-
planning travel using maps and distances
-
encouraging travel using maps and distances
-
encouraging persistence when work becomes challenging
Growing Independent Learners
Throughout middle school, students continue learning three important questions:
-
What am I learning? - I understand today's learning goal.
-
How am I going to get there? - I use examples, feedback, and reflection to recognize my growth.
-
What should I do next? - I know how to improve continue learning.
These habits prepare middle school students to become confident learners in mathematics, high school, college, careers, and life.
Our Promise
Together, families and OSD help students become learners who can:
-
think mathematically
-
solve meaningful problems
-
explain and justify their reasoning
-
communicate mathematical ideas clearly
-
persevere through challenges
-
recognize their own growth
-
apply mathematics to make sense of the world
Every day, your child is learning to:
- solve challenging problems using different strategies
- explain and justify mathematical thinking
- make connections between mathematical ideas
- recognize patterns and relationships
- learn from mistakes and feedback
- work from others to deepen understanding
Our goal is to help every student become a confident learner who knows:
- What I am learning
- How I am doing
- What I can do next
9-10 Mathematics Family Guide
We believe every student can become a confident mathematical thinker. During Integrated I and Integrated II, students learn that mathematics is much more solving equations. They learn to represent real-world situations, reason through complex problems, justify their thinking, and communicate mathematical ideas clearly. Students explore algebra, geometry, functions, statistics, and mathematical modeling as connecting ideas rather than separate subjects. This helps them see how mathematics is used to understand and solve real-world problems.
Our High School Mathematics Core Competencies
These three core competencies represent the most important mathematical habits students develop during Integrated I and Integrated II. They guide classroom instruction and prepare students for advanced mathematics, college, careers, and everyday problem solving.
- Represent Relationships Mathematically
- Reason Through Problems
- Justify and Communicate Mathematical Thinking
- Learning Grows Across Integrated I and Integrated II
- How You Can Support Learning at Home
Represent Relationships Mathematically
Identify quantities in real-world or mathematical contexts and represent them using appropriate models such as equations, inequalities, graphs, and tables.
Why This Matters
Mathematics helps us understand relationships and make sense of the world around us. Students learn that equations, graphs, tables, and functions are tools for describing, predicting, and solving real-world problems.
What This Looks Like
Your student is learning to:
-
represent situations using equations and graphs
-
identify important quantities in a problem
-
choose the best mathematical model
-
interpret solutions within real-world contexts
-
explain what mathematical models represent
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your student:
-
creating graphs to organize information
-
discussing trends in data
-
discussing in data
-
estimating costs or comparing plans
-
interpreting graphs in the news or online
-
explaining how equations model real situations
Before Graduation
Your student can:
-
represent real-world situations using equations, inequalities, graphs, and tables
-
choose appropriate mathematical models
-
interpret solutions within context
-
connect multiple representations of the same situation
-
explain how mathematics help describe the world
Real Life Connections
Students use these skills when they:
-
compare cell phone plans
-
analyze financial information
-
model business profits and expenses
-
interpret scientific data
-
predict future trends
Reason Through Problems
Analyze mathematical models to make sense of problems, determine and use appropriate tools and strategies, apply logical steps to reach a solution, and interpret meaning in context. Persevere in solving real-world and abstract problems with precision and clarity.
Why This Matters
Complex problems rarely have on obvious solution. Students learn to think critically, choose efficient strategies, evaluate their work, and persevere when learning becomes challenging.
What This Looks Like
Your student is learning to:
-
analyze unfamiliar problems
-
choose efficient strategies
-
solve systems of equations
-
work with quadratic and exponential functions
-
evaluate whether solutions make sense
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your student:
-
explaining why they selected a strategy
-
trying more than one approach
-
checking solutions carefully
-
asking thoughtful questions
-
persevering through difficult work
Before Graduation
Your student can:
-
solve increasingly complex mathematical problems
-
select efficient strategies
-
analyze functions and mathematical models
-
determine whether solutions are reasonable
-
persevere through challenging tasks
Real Life Connections
Students use these skills when they:
-
compare loan or savings options
-
solve engineering and design problems
-
analyze scientific investigations
-
make informed financial decisions
-
evaluate information critically
Justify and Communicate Mathematical Thinking
Justify mathematical reasoning using clear explanations, visuals, and logical arguments, and engage in meaningful discourse to critique and refine thinking.
Why This Matters
Being able to explain mathematical thinking is just as important as finding the correct answer. Students learn to communicate clearly, justify their reasoning, and learn from the ideas of others.
What This Looks Like
Your student is learning to:
-
explain each step of a solution
-
justify conclusions using evidence
-
use graphs, diagrams, and mathematical language
-
evaluate the reasoning of others
-
revise thinking after receiving feedback
Ways You Notice This at Home
You might notice your student:
-
saying "Here's why this works..."
-
explaining mathematical reasoning instead of only giving an answer
-
using diagrams or graphs to communicate ideas
-
discussing different ways to solve a problem
-
respectfully questioning and refining ideas
By the End of 10th Grade
Your student can:
-
communicate mathematical ideas clearly
-
justify solutions using logical reasoning
-
critique mathematical arguments respectfulyl
-
revise thinking using feedback
-
confidently explain how and why solutions work
Real Life Connections
Students use these skills when they:
-
present ideas
-
defend decisions with evidence
-
interpret technical information
-
collaborate on projects
-
solve workplace problems
Learning Grows Across Integrated I and Integrated II
Mathematical understanding develops over time.
- Integrated I (Grade 9): Students build strong foundations by representing relationships, solving systems of equations, modeling situations, and explaining mathematical reasoning. They begin connecting algebra and geometry while learning to justify their thinking.
- Integrated II (Grade 10): Students deepen their understanding by working with quadratic and exponential functions, similarity, trigonometry, and increasingly sophisticated mathematical models. They apply mathematical reasoning to more complex situations and communicate their thinking with great precision.
Every student grows at their own pace. Our goal is to help students become confident mathematical thinkers who understand not only how mathematics works, but why it works.
What You Might Hear Your Student Say
As students become more confident mathematical thinkers, you might hear them say:
- "I can represent this situation in more than one way."
- "Here's why my solution works."
- "This graph tells a story."
- "I choose this strategy because..."
- "I used my feedback to improve my thinking."
- "I can justify my reasoning with evidence."
These are signs that your students is becoming an independent learner who understands both mathematics and their own thinking.
How You Can Support Learning at Home
You don't need to be a mathematician to support your student.
Try asking:
-
What problem are you trying to solve?
-
Why did you choose that strategy?
-
How do you know your answer makes sense?
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Can you explain your thinking?
-
Where might you use this mathematics outside of school?
You can also support learning by:
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discussing graphs and data in the news
-
involving your student in budgeting and financial planning
-
talking about mathematics used in careers
-
encouraging perseverance through challenging work
-
celebrating growth and effort as well as correct answers
Growing Independent Learners
Throughout Integrated I and Integrated II, students continue learning to answer three important questions:
-
What am I learning? - I understand today's learning goal and why it matters.
-
How am I going to get there? - I use examples, feedback, and reflection to recognize my growth.
-
What should I do next? - I know how to improve, apply feedback, and continue learning. These habits prepare students to become confident learners who are ready for advanced mathematics, college, careers, and lifelong learning.
Our Promise
Together, families, and OSD help students become learners who can:
-
represent real-world situations mathematically
-
reason through complex problems
-
justify solutions with confidence
-
communicate mathematical thinking clearly
-
persevere through challenges
-
learn from feedback
-
apply mathematics to understand and improve the world
Every day, your student is learning to:
- represent situations mathematically
- solve unfamiliar problems using different strategies
- explain and justify mathematical thinking
- make connections between mathematical ideas
- learn from feedback and mistakes
- communicate with precision and confidence
Our goal is to help every student become an independent learner who knows:
- What am I learning
- How I am doing
- What I can do next
English Language Arts (ELA)
K-2 ELA Family Guide
We believe every child can become a confident reader, writer, thinker, and communicator. English Language Art is about much more than learning to read and write. We want students to understand ideas, think critically, communicate clearly, and continue learning when something is challenging.
Our Kindergarten through 2nd Grade English Language Arts Core Competencies
Core competencies describe the most important knowledge and skills students develop over time. They guide what teachers teach, what students learn, how report cards communicate progress, and how families can support learning at home.
- Develop Foundational Reading Skills
- Read to Learn and Build Understanding
- Read Literature to Understand Stories and People
- Use Writing to Share Ideas
- Use Language to Communicate Clearly
- Learning Grows Over Time
- How You Can Support Learning at Home
Develop Foundational Reading Skills
Apply foundational reading skills by using phonological awareness, phonics, word recognition, and fluency to read with increasing accuracy and understanding.
Why This Matters
Strong foundational reading skills allow children to become independent readers who can focus on understanding and enjoying what they read.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- recognize letters and sounds
- blend and segment sounds in words
- decode unfamiliar words
- read smoothly and accurately
- monitor when reading makes sense
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- reading signs and labels
- sounding out unfamiliar words
- rereading when something doesn't make sense
- reading favorite books repeatedly
- choosing to read independently
By the End of 2nd Grade
Your child can:
- read grade-level text accurately and fluently
- decode unfamiliar words independently
- read with expression
- self-correct when reading
- understand what they read
Real-Life Connections
These skills help children:
- enjoy books independently
- follow directions
- read recipes and menus
- understand games
- learn about new topics
Read to Learn and Build Understanding
Develop the ability to read closely, understand informational texts, and construct meaning by identifying key ideas, analyzing information, and using evidence from the text.
Why This Matters
Reading informational text helps children learn about the world while developing curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to learn independently.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- ask and answer questions
- identify important information
- determine the main idea
- use text features
- explain thinking with evidence
Ways You Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- reading nonfiction books
- sharing interesting facts
- asking questions
- noticing maps, charts, and diagrams
- explaining what they learned
By the End of 2nd Grade
- identifying the main idea
- explaining key details
- use evidence from the text
- use text features to gather information
- build knowledge through reading
Real-Life Connections
These skills help children:
- research interesting topics
- learn science and social studies
- follow directions
- solve everyday problems
- satisfy their curiosity
Read Literature to Understand Stories and People
Read and understand literature by thinking about characters, events, ideas, and themes while using evidence from the text to explain thinking.
Why This Matters
Reading literature helps children develop imagination, empathy, and the ability to think deeply about people, problems, and experiences.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- retell stories
- describe characters
- identify lessons and themes
- make predictions
- explain thinking using evidence
Ways You Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- talking about favorite characters
- predicting what will happen next
- connecting stories to their own lives
- explaining why characters acted the way they did
- rereading favorite books
By the End of 2nd Grade
Your child can:
- describe characters and events
- explain lesson or message
- compare stories
- support ideas with evidence
- think deeply literature
Real-Life Connections
These skills help children:
- understand others' perspectives
- solve social problems
- build empathy
- enjoy reading
- appreciate different cultures and experiences
Use Writing to Share Ideas
Use writing to communicate ideas clearly, inform others, express opinions, and tell stories for a variety of purposes and audiences.
Why This Matters
Writing helps children organize their thinking, communicate ideas, and express themselves with confidence.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- write opinions
- explain information
- tell stories
- organize ideas
- revise and improve writing
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child is learning to:
- writing notes
- making lists
- drawing and labeling pictures
- telling stories through writing
- revising their work
By the End of 2nd Grade
Your child can:
- write complete pieces for different purposes
- organize ideas clearly
- add details to support ideas
- revise writing
- publish writing they are proud of
Real-Life Connections
These skills help children:
- communicate with others
- solve problems
- explain their thinking
- share experiences
- express creativity
Use Language to Communicate Clearly
Use grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and language conventions to communicate ideas clearly and effectively while understanding the language of others.
Why This Matters
Strong language skills help children communicate clearly, understand others, and continue growing as readers and writers.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- build vocabulary
- speak in complete sentences
- use grammar correctly
- spell increasingly complex words
- use punctuation correctly
Ways You Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- using new vocabulary
- asking about unfamiliar words
- correctly thier own writing
- telling detailed stories
- choosing precise words
By the End of 2nd Grade:
Your child can:
- communicate clearly in speaking and writing
- apply grade-level grammar and conventions
- use new vocabulary
- determine words meanings
- revise and edit writing
Real-Life Connections
These skills help children:
- communicate confidently
- understand conversations
- explain ideas clearly
- build relationships
- continue learning
Learning Grows Over Time
Learning to read and write is a journey
- Kindergarten builds the foundation for reading, writing, speaking, and listening
- First Grade builds confidence, fluency, and understanding
- Second Grade connects ideas, explains thinking with evidence, and prepares students for more complex reading and writing
- Every child learns at a different pace. Growth is more important than speed
What You Might Hear Your Child Say
As children become confident readers and writers, you may hear them say:
- "Let me show you where I found that."
- "I can prove it using the book."
- "I'm getting better at reading."
- "I know what I'm learning."
- "I know what I need to work on."
These are signs that your child is becoming an independent learner.
How You Can Support Learning at Home
You don't need to be a reading expert. The best support comes through everyday conversations and experiences.
Try asking:
- How did you figure that out?
- Can you show me where you found that?
- What are you learning today?
- What are you getting better at?
- What surprised you about what you read?
You can also:
- read together every day
- talk about books and stories
- visit the library
- encourage writing at home
- notice interesting words
- celebrate effort and perseverance
Growing Independent Learners
In every classroom, students learn to answer three important questions:
- What am I learning? - I understand today's learning goal.
- How am I going to get there? - I use examples, practice, and feedback to recognize my growth.
- What should I do next? - I know how to continue improving.
These habits help children become confident learners in English Language Arts and throughout life.
Our Promise
Together, families and OSD help children become learners who can:
- read with confidence and understanding
- communicate clearly through speaking and writing
- think deeply about stories and information
- persevere when learning is challenging
- recognize their own growth
- use literacy to make sense of the world
Every day, your child is learning to:
- read with purpose and understanding
- think deeply about stories and information
- explain their thinking using evidence
- communicate ideas through speaking and writing
- recognize their own growth
Our goal is to help every child become a confident learner who knows:
- What I am learning
- How I am going to learn it
- What I can do next
3-5 ELA Family Guide
We believe every child can become a confident reader, writer, and communicator. English Language Arts is about much more than reading and writing. Students learn to understand increasingly complex texts, think critically, communicate effectively, and continue learning when work becomes challenging.
Our Grades 3 through 5 English Language Arts Core Competencies
Core competencies describe the most important knowledge and skills students develop over time. They guide what teachers teach, what students learn, how report cards communicate progress, and how families can support learning at home.
- Develop Foundational Reading Skills
- Read Informational Text to Build Knowledge
- Read Literature to Think Deeply About Stories
- Use Writing to Communicate Ideas
- Use Language to Communicate Clearly
- Learning Grows Over Time
- How You Can Support Learning at Home
Develop Foundational Reading Skills
Apply advanced word recognition and fluency skills to read increasingly complex texts with accuracy, automaticity, and expression to build strong comprehension.
Why This Matters
As students become fluent readers, they spend less energy figuring out words and more energy understanding, thinking about, and learning from what they read.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- read smoothly, accurately, and with expression
- decode unfamiliar multisyllabic words
- recognize prefixes, suffixes, and word parts
- self-correct when reading doesn't make sense
- read increasingly complex texts independently
Ways You Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- reading chapter books with confidence
- figuring out unfamiliar words independently
- reading aloud with expression
- rereading when meaning breaks down
- choosing to read for enjoyment
By the End of 5th Grade
Your child can:
- read grade-level texts fluently
- decode unfamiliar academic vocabulary
- use word parts to understand new words
- self-monitor comprehension while reading
- read independently across subjects
Real-Life Connections
These skills help children:
- learn in every subject
- understand directions and information
- enjoy reading independently
- research new topics
- prepare for middle school
Read Informational Text to Build Knowledge
Develop the ability to read closely, understand and interpret a variety of texts, and construct meaning by identifying key ideas, analyzing language, and recognizing how structure shapes understanding.
Why This Matters
Students learn how to gather information, evaluate ideas, and use evidence to understand the world around them.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- identify main ideas and supporting details
- answer questions using evidence
- understand academic vocabulary
- use text features effectively
- recognize how authors organize information
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- reading nonfiction books
- explaining what they learned
- asking thoughtful questions
- using evidence during conversations
- comparing information from different sources
By the End of 5th Grade
Your child can:
- identify multiple main ideas
- summarize informational texts
- quote evidence accurately
- understand increasingly complex vocabulary
- compare ideas across multiple texts
Real-Life Connections
These skills help children:
- conduct research
- understand science and social studies
- solve everyday problems
- evaluate information
- become informed citizens
Read Literature to Think Deeply About Stories
Analyze literary texts by interpreting characters, events, and themes through evidence-based reasoning and attention to language and perspective.
Why This Matters
Literature helps students understand themselves, others, and the world while developing empathy and critical thinking.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- analyze characters and their actions
- identify themes and lessons
- explain ideas using evidence
- understand point of view
- interpret figurative language
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- discussing favorite books
- making predictions
- explaining character choices
- comparing books and movies
- supporting opinions with evidence
By the End of 5th Grade
Your child can:
- analyze characters and themes
- compare characters and settings
- explain how point of view influences a story
- interpret figurative language
- support thinking with textual evidence
Real-Life Connections
These skills help children:
- understand different perspectives
- build empathy
- appreciate diverse cultures
- think critically
- develop a lifelong love of reading
Use Writing to Communicate Ideas
Develop the ability to communicate clearly and effectively through different types of writing—opinion, informative/explanatory, and narrative.
Why This Matters
Writing helps students organize their thinking, communicate clearly, and share ideas that inform, persuade, and inspire others.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- write opinions supported with reasons and evidence
- explain ideas clearly
- write engaging narratives
- organize writing for different audiences
- revise and improve writing
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- writing stories or journals
- planning before writing
- revising their work
- explaining their ideas in writing
- asking for feedback
By the End of 5th Grade
Your child can:
- write organized opinion pieces
- explain information clearly
- develop engaging narratives
- support ideas with evidence
- revise writing independently
Real-Life Connections
These skills help children:
- communicate effectively
- express creativity
- advocate for ideas
- explain their thinking
- prepare for future learning
Use Language to Communicate Clearly
Use and understand the rules of language to communicate clearly, write with purpose, and make sense of new words in context.
Why This Matters
Understanding how language works helps students become stronger readers, writers, speakers, and listeners.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- use grammar correctly
- apply capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
- expand academic vocabulary
- choose words carefully
- understand unfamiliar words using multiple strategies
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- using new vocabulary
- asking about unfamiliar words
- editing their writing
- choosing stronger words
- explaining the meaning of new words
By the End of 5th Grade
Your child can:
- communicate confidently
- understand complex texts
- participate in discussions
- explain ideas clearly
- continue learning independently
Learning Grows Over Time
Learning to read and write is a journey.
- Third grade strengthens reading fluency while shifting from learning to read to reading to learn
- Fourth grade expands analysis, evidence-based thinking, and communication across all subjects
- Fifth grade prepares students to independently analyze complex texts, write thoughtfully, and transition successfully to middle school
- Every child learns at a different pace. Growth is more important than speed
What You Might Hear Your Child Say
- "I can support my thinking with evidence."
- "The author's choices helped me understand the message."
- "I revised my writing to make it clearer."
- "I used context clues to figure out that word."
- "I know what I'm learning."
- "I know what I need to work on."
These are signs that your child is becoming an independent learner.
How You Can Support Learning at Home
You don't need to be an English teacher. The best support comes through everyday conversations and experiences.
Try asking:
- What evidence supports your thinking?
- What is the most important idea?
- What strategy helped you understand?
- What are you learning today?
- What are you getting better at?
You can also:
- read together and discuss books
- encourage independent reading
- write for real purposes
- visit the library
- explore nonfiction topics together
- celebrate effort and perseverance
Growing Independent Learners
In every classroom, students learn to answer three important questions:
- What am I learning? - I understand today's learning goal
- How am I going to get there? - I use examples, practice, and feedback to recognize my growth
- What should I do next? - I know how to continue improving
These habits help students become confident learners in English Language Arts and throughout life.
Our Promise
Together, families and OSD help children become learners who can:
- read with confidence and understanding
- think critically about stories and information
- communicate clearly through speaking and writing
- persevere when learning is challenging
- recognize their own growth
- use literacy to make sense of the world
Every day, your child is learning to:
- read increasingly complex texts with understanding
- think deeply about stories and informational texts
- explain ideas using evidence
- communicate clearly through speaking and writing
- learn from feedback
- recognize their own growth
Our goal is to help every child become a confident learner who knows:
- What I am learning
- How I am going to learn it
- What I can do next
6-8 ELA Family Guide
We believe every student can become a confident reader, writer, thinker, and communicator. English Language Arts in middle school is about much more than reading books and writing essays. Students learn to analyze ideas, communicate with evidence, evaluate information, and understand multiple perspectives while preparing for high school, college, careers, and life.
Our Middle School English Language Arts Core Competencies
Core competencies describe the most important knowledge and skills students develop during middle school. They guide what teachers teach, what students learn, how report cards communicate progress, and how families can support learning at home.
- Interpret Meaning from Informational Text
- Read Literature to Analyze Ideas and Perspectives
- Use Writing to Communicate Ideas and Evidence
- Use Language to Communicate Clearly and Effectively
- Learning Grows Over Time
- How You Support Learning at Home
Interpret Meaning from Informational Text
Students learn to analyze, evaluate evidence, and understand increasingly complex ideas across all subjects.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- analyze central ideas
- support thinking with textual evidence
- interpret vocabulary in context
- recognize how authors organize information
- evaluate how structure shapes meaning
Ways You Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- discussing current events
- questioning sources of information
- explaining ideas with evidence
- reading nonfiction independently
- comparing different perspectives
By the End of 8th Grade
Your child can:
- analyze complex informational texts
- select strong evidence to support ideas
- explain how language influences meaning
- evaluate text structure
- communicate ideas clearly using evidence
Real-Life Connections
These skills help students:
- evaluate online information
- research topics independently
- understand science and social studies
- make informed decisions
- prepare for high school coursework
Read Literature to Analyze Ideas and Perspectives
Reading and understanding stories by thinking deeply about what they say, how they say it, and why it matters by using evidence from the text to explain ideas and show clearer thinking.
Why This Matters
Literature helps students understand human experiences, analyze different perspectives, and think critically about the world around them.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- analyze themes and central ideas
- examine characters and their development
- interpret language and the author's craft
- explain thinking using evidence
- evaluate multiple perspectives
Ways You Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- discussing themes from books or films
- connecting literature to current events
- explaining opinions with evidence
- noticing symbolism or figurative language
- asking deeper questions about stories
By the End of 8th Grade
Your child can:
- analyze themes and the author's message
- explain character development
- interpret figurative language
- support analysis with evidence
- think critically about literature
Real-Life Connections
These skills help students:
- understand different perspectives
- develop empathy
- think critically
- appreciate diverse cultures
- become lifelong readers
Use Writing to Communicate Ideas and Evidence
Use writing to share ideas clearly, support thinking with evidence, and connect with the reader—whether for explaining, convincing, or telling a story.
Why This Matters
Writing helps students organize their thinking, communicate effectively, and influence others through clear, purposeful communication.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- write arguments supported with evidence
- explain complex ideas clearly
- develop engaging narratives
- organize ideas logically
- revise writing using feedback
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- researching before writing
- revising multiple drafts
- supporting opinions with evidence
- writing for different audiences
- asking for feedback
By the End of 8th Grade
Your child can:
- develop evidence-based arguments
- write organized informational texts
- create engaging narratives
- communicate effectively for different audiences
- revise writing independently
Real-Life Connections
These skills help students:
- advocate for ideas
- communicate professionally
- solve problems
- prepare for high school writing
- express themselves confidently
Use Language to Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Use language clearly, correctly, and effectively to communicate ideas in writing and speaking.
Why This Matters
Understanding language helps students communicate with precision while becoming stronger readers, writers, speakers, and listeners.
What This Looks Like
Your child is learning to:
- use grammar and conventions accurately
- strengthen vocabulary
- choose precise language
- adjust communication for different audiences
- edit and improve writing independently
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your child:
- using stronger vocabulary
- editing writing independently
- asking about unfamiliar words
- adjusting communication for different situations
- explaining ideas more precisely
By the End of 8th Grade
Your child can:
- communicate clearly in speaking and writing
- apply grammar and conventions accurately
- use academic vocabulary effectively
- determine the meaning of unfamiliar words
- adapt language for different purposes
Real-Life Connections
These skills help students:
- communicate confidently
- participate in discussions
- understand challenging texts
- collaborate effectively
- prepare for high school and beyond
Learning Grows Over Time
Learning to read, write, and communicate is a journey.
- Sixth Grade strengthens students' ability to interpret texts, analyze evidence, and communicate ideas independently
- Seventh Grade expands analytical thinking by connecting multiple ideas, evaluating evidence, and considering different perspectives
- Eighth Grade prepares students for high school by expecting sophisticated analysis, thoughtful writing, and independent communication
Every student learns at a different pace. Growth is more important than speed.
What You Might Hear Your Child Say
As students become confident readers, writers, and communicators, you may hear them say:
- "The evidence supports my thinking because..."
- "The author's choices helped create this message."
- "I revised my writing to strengthen my argument."
- "I changed my thinking after reading more evidence."
- "I know what I'm learning."
- "I know what I need to work on."
These are signs that your child is becoming an independent learner.
How You Support Learning at Home
You don't need to be an English teacher. The best support comes through meaningful conversations and authentic reading and writing experiences.
Try asking:
- What evidence supports your thinking?
- What was the author's purpose?
- How did your thinking change?
- What are you learning today?
- What are you getting better at?
You can also:
- discuss books, articles, or current events
- encourage independent reading
- ask your child to explain their thinking
- support writing for authentic purposes
- celebrate effort, revision, and perseverance
Growing Independent Learners
In every classroom, students learn to answer three important questions:
- What am I learning? - I understand today's learning goal
- How am I going to get there? - I use examples, feedback, practice, and reflection to recognize my growth
- What should I do next? - I know how to continue improving
These habits help students become confident learners in English Language Arts and throughout life.
Our Promise
Together, families and OSD help students become learners who can:
- read thoughtfully and critically
- communicate clearly through speaking and writing
- support ideas with evidence
- persevere when learning is challenging
- recognize their own growth
- use literacy to make sense of the world
Every day, your child is learning to:
- read increasingly complex texts thoughtfully
- analyze ideas using evidence
- communicate clearly through speaking and writing
- think critically and solve problems
- learn from feedback
- recognize their own growth
Our goal is to help every student become an independent learner who knows:
- What I am learning
- How I am going to learn it
- What I should do next
9-10 ELA Family Guide
We believe every student can become a confident reader, writer, thinker, and communicator. English Language Arts in high school prepares students to analyze complex ideas, communicate effectively, evaluate multiple perspectives, and use literacy to succeed in college, careers, and life.
Our High School English Language Arts Core Competencies
Core Competencies describe the most important knowledge and skills students develop throughout high school. They guide classroom learning, assessment, report cards, and conversations between school and home.
- Analyze and Interpret Informational Texts
- Analyze and Interpret Literature
- Communicate Through Purposeful Writing
- Use Language with Clarity, Accuracy, and Purpose
- Learning Grows Over Time
- How You Can Support Learning at Home
Analyze and Interpret Informational Texts
Analyzing and interpreting informational texts by identifying key ideas, using evidence, understanding word choice, and examining structure to construct and communicate meaning.
Why This Matters
Your student is learning to:
- analyze central ideas and arguments
- support conclusions with strong textual evidence
- evaluate an author's purpose and perspective
- analyze how language and structure influence meaning
- distinguish between fact, opinion, and persuasion
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your student:
- discussing current events thoughtfully
- questioning sources of information
- comparing multiple viewpoints
- explaining opinions with evidence
- recognizing persuasive techniques in media
By the End of 10th Grade
Your student can:
- analyze complex informational texts independently
- evaluate evidence and reasoning
- identify bias and rhetorical techniques
- explain how authors develop ideas
- communicate evidence-based conclusions
Real-Life Connections
These skills prepare students to:
- evaluate news and digital media
- conduct research
- make informed decisions
- participate in civic life
- succeed in college and careers
Analyze and Interpret Literature
Analyze and interpret literature with evidence-based reasoning to deepen understanding of how authors convey meaning through structure, character, and language.
Why This Matters
Literature helps students understand human experiences, appreciate diverse perspectives, and develop empathy while strengthening analytical thinking.
What This Looks Like
Your student is learning to:
- analyze themes and the author's message
- evaluate character development
- interpret symbolism and figurative language
- examine cultural perspectives
- support analysis with evidence
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your student:
- analyze themes and the author's message
- evaluate character development
- interpret symbolism and figurative language
- examine cultural perspectives
- support analysis with evidence
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your student:
- discussing themes from literature and film
- connecting stories to historical or current events
- considering multiple perspectives
- analyzing symbolism
- supporting interpretations with evidence
By the End of 10th Grade
Your student can:
- analyze complex literary works
- interpret deeper meanings within texts
- evaluate an author's craft
- communicate literacy analysis clearly
- appreciate diverse voices and perspectives
Real-Life Connections
These skills help students:
- understand different cultures
- develop empathy
- think critically
- appreciate literature throughout life
- communicate thoughtfully
Communicate Through Purposeful Writing
Communicate ideas effectively through structured, purpose-driven writing that is clear, coherent, and adaptable to the audience, task, and purpose.
Why This Matters
Writing helps students organize thinking, communicate ideas effectively, solve problems, and influence others.
What This Looks Like
Your student is learning to:
- develop logical arguments supported by evidence
- explain complex ideas clearly
- write for different audiences and purposes
- revise writing using feedback
- strengthen writing through planning and editing
Ways You Notice This at Home
You might notice your student:
- revising multiple drafts
- researching before writing
- organizing ideas logically
- asking for feedback
- writing with greater confidence
By the End of 10th Grade
Your student can:
- write evidence-based arguments
- explain complex ideas clearly
- organize writing for different audiences
- revise independently
- communicate professionally
Real-Life Connections
These skills prepare students for:
- college writing
- workplace communication
- presentations
- professional correspondences
- informed advocacy
Use Language with Clarity, Accuracy, and Purpose
Communication with clarity, accuracy, and purpose by applying grammar, vocabulary, and language conventions to comprehend, express, and refine ideas.
Why This Matters
Strong language skills help students communicate confidently, understand challenging texts, and adapt their communication to different audiences and situations.
What This Looks Like
Your student is learning to:
- communicate with precision
- strengthen academic vocabulary
- refine grammar conventions
- interpret figurative language
- choose language intentionally
Ways You Can Notice This at Home
You might notice your student:
- using more precise vocabulary
- editing writing independently
- recognizing persuasive language
- discussing word choice
- communicating more confidently
By the End of 10th Grade
Your student can:
- communicate clearly in speaking and writing
- adapt communication for different audiences
- interpret sophisticated language
- strengthen ideas through revision
- express thinking with confidence
Real-Life Connections
These skills help students:
- communicate professionally
- collaborate effectively
- understand complex information
- prepare for postsecondary opportunities
- continue learning throughout life
Learning Grows Over Time
Learning continues to deepen throughout high school.
- Ninth Grade strengthens students' ability to analyze complex texts, communicate with evidence, and become increasingly independent learners.
- Tenth Grade expands analytical thinking by evaluating multiple perspectives, refining communication, and preparing for advanced coursework in Grades 11 and 12.
Growth comes through challenge, reflection, and persistence, and not simply by completing assignments.
What You Might Hear Your Student Say
As students become confident readers, writers, and thinkers, you may hear them say:
- "The evidence supports my claim because..."
- "The author's perspective influenced the argument."
- "I revised my writing after receiving feedback."
- "My interpretation changed as I analyzed more evidence."
- "I understand my learning target."
- "I know what I need to improve my text."
These are the signs that your student is becoming an independent learner.
How You Can Support Learning at Home
You don't need to be an English teacher. Some of the best learning happens through everyday conversations.
Try asking:
- What evidence supports your thinking?
- What perspective is the author presenting?
- Did anything change your thinking?
- What are you learning right now?
- What are you improving?
You can also:
- discuss books, podcasts, articles, or documentaries
- encourage thoughtful conversations about current events
- ask your student to explain their reasoning
- celebrate revision and perseverance
- support independent reading and writing
Growing Independent Learners
Throughout high school, students learn to answer three essential questions:
- What am I learning? - I understand the learning goals and why they matter.
- How am I progressing? - I use feedback, evidence, and reflection to improve my learning.
- What should I do next? - I know how to continue growing and become more independent.
These habits help students become confident learners who are prepared for graduation and beyond.
Our Promise
Together, families and OSD help students become graduates who can:
- analyze complex ideas thoughtfully
- communicate effectively with evidence
- think critically about information and perspectives
- persevere through challenging learning
- recognize and direct their growth
- use literacy to contribute positively to their communities
Every day, your student is learning to:
- analyze increasingly complex texts
- evaluate evidence and multiple perspectives
- communicate ideas clearly through writing and discussion
- think critically about the world
- revise thinking through feedback and reflection
- become an independent learner
Our goal is to help every student become someone who knows:
- What I am learning
- How I am learning it
- What I should do next