Language A and MYP

1. Language A and MYP

2. Language A and MYP Language A is defined as the student’s best language. It is typically but not necessarily the language of instruction in the school, and is clearly fundamental to the curriculum as it crosses the boundaries of the traditional disciplines. • Language is the basic tool of communication in the sense of enabling a student to understand and be understood, and to establish their own identity. Language is also the avenue by which one gains access to literature and thereby to the cultural treasury of civilization. • Language A courses therefore include the study of: • the instrumental function of a language where listening, viewing, speaking, reading and writing skills are emphasized • literature, which encompasses a variety of periods and genres.

3. How is the MYP Curriculum different? • Concept focused learning • Common units with common assessments • Summative Assessments determine grade • We evaluate students based on what they learned, what they have achieved, not what they didn’t do, nor how nice they are or how hard they tried.

4. Unit Planning for Subject Areas: what do I include? Areas of Interaction: Approaches to Learning, Community and Service, Human Ingenuity, Environments, Health and Social Education Each unit is taught through an area of interaction. One area of interaction is the focus along with Approaches to Learning which will be used in all units Student Learning Expectations: Each Area of Interaction has specific Student Learning Expectations There are specific questions outlined in each of the different subject guides to assist you. A real life concept Unit Question not specific to the subject related to the summative assessment Common Formative and Summative Assessments

5. How do I do grading in MYP? • MKP Grades: • Based on a summative assessment after students have acquired the MYP concepts and skills (already aligned with NYS learning standards and curriculum) through formative assessments • Based on 2 criteria at a time, with the exception of Technology • Based on what students know, not what they do not know

6. How does MYP change the way we plan our lessons? • All subjects must develop a curriculum which includes 4-6 week uniform units composed of formative assessments that culminate in a summative assessment and are aligned with state requirements.. • Teachers should be involved in the reflecting and revising of units during their planning time. • Teachers must work together and not as independent workers.

7. Language A’ Prescribed Minimums

8. Criterion A: Content Maximum: 10How well can the student: • understand and analyze language, content, structure, meaning and significance of both familiar and previously unseen oral, written and visual texts? • compare and contrast works, and connect themes across and within genres? • analyze the effects of the author’s choices on an audience? • express an informed and independent response to literary and non-literary texts? • compose pieces that apply appropriate literary and/or non-literary features to serve the context and intention? • apply language A terminology in context?

9. Criterion B: Organization Maximum: 10How well can the student: create work that employs organizational structures and language-specific conventions throughout a variety of text types? • organize ideas and arguments in a sustained, coherent and logical manner? • employ appropriate critical apparatus?

10. Criterion C: Style and Language Mechanics • Maximum: 10 How well can the student: use appropriate and varied register, vocabulary and idiom? • use correct grammar and syntax? • use appropriate and varied sentence structure? • use correct spelling/writing? • use language to narrate, describe, analyse, explain, argue, persuade, inform, entertain and express feelings? • use language accurately?