Dear Eastwood Parent(s), Guardian(s), and Student,

  The Eastwood English Department welcomes you and your child to the 2009-2010 school year.

Warning!! THE ENGLISH CURRICULUM HAS CHANGED!

The State of Texas has revised the English Language Arts TEKS* and the implementation begins with the 2009- 2010 school year.  With this new ELAR TEKS, both teachers and student will be required to meet new challenges and a curriculum that is at a higher level than the past ELA TEKS.  If you would like to view the full document, please go to the Texas Education Agency website.

  There are many changes in the ELAR TEKS, but below is a list of changes that are of particular importance.

1. English 3 and English 4 students will be required to use specialized dictionaries, histories of language books, quotations, and other related references.  Since these resources are not available at Eastwood in hard copy form, your child will be required to access these resources online.

2. All English students will be required to develop drafts in timed situations. Your child will develop the skills to perform successful writing in a timed setting.  The times given for these drafts will vary.

3. All English students will be required to produce multimedia presentations.  Your child will be required to use technology to produce these presentations.  If your child does not have access to technology at home, they can use the computers in the Research Center in Room 204 or the Eastwood library.

4. All English students will be required to use Technology as documented in the CCRS (College and Career Readiness Standards).  The requirements are

a.   Use technology to gather information

b. Use technology to organize, manage, and analyze information

c.   Use technology to communicate and display findings in a clear and coherent manner

d. Use technology appropriately

5. All English students will be required to follow Academic Behaviors as documented in the CCRS (College and Career Readiness Standards).  These behaviors are

a.   Self-monitor learning needs and seek assistance when needed

b. Use study habits necessary to manage academic pursuits and requirements

c.   Strive for accuracy and precision

d. Persevere to complete and master tasks

6. All English students will be required to follow Academic Integrity as documented in the CCRS (College and Career Readiness Standards).  These are

a.   Attribute ideas and information to source materials and people

b. Evaluate sources for quality of content, validity, credibility, and relevance

c.   Include the ideas of others and the complexities of the debate, issue or problem

d. Understand and adhere to ethical codes of conduct

If you have any questions about any of the information listed above, please call Endi Vargas at 434-4076.

Sincerely,

Eastwood English Department

* Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part II; Chapter 110. Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading ; 110.10 (a), (b)