Reading and Writing for College and Careers

Course Description:
The College and Career Preparation Reading/Writing Skills course is designed to prepare
students for successful completion of the CAHSEE Language Arts exam as part of their
graduation requirement and learn skills for college and career planning. Credits
accumulate in this course are counted as elective credits to be used toward high school
graduation. Credits will be awarded by demonstrating mastery of standards within each
of the five sets of standards.

Course Standards/Objectives:
Reading 1.1 identifies and uses the literal and figurative meanings of words and
understands word derivations.
Reading 2.1 analyze the structure and format of the functional workplace
documents, including the graphics and headers, and explain how authors use the
features to achieve their purposes.
Reading 2.4 Synthesize the content from several sources or works by a single
author dealing with a single issue: paraphrase the ideas and connect them to other
sources and related topics to demonstrate comprehension.
Reading 2.5 Extend ideas presented in primary or secondary sources through
original analysis, evaluation, and elaboration.
Reading 3.5 Compare works that express a universal theme and provide evidence
to support the ideas expressed in each work.
LRA 8.3.7 Analyze a work of literature, showing how it reflects the heritage,
traditions, attitudes, and beliefs of its author. (Biographical approach)
Writing 1.1 Establish a controlling impression or coherent thesis that conveys a
clear and distinctive perspective on the subject and maintain a consistent tone and
focus throughout the piece of writing.
Writing 1.2 Use precise language, action verbs, sensory details, appropriate
modifiers, and the active rather than the passive voice.
Writing 1.4 Develop the main ideas within the body of the composition through
supporting evidence (e.g., scenarios, commonly held beliefs, hypothesis,
definitions)
Writing 1.9 Revise writing to improve the logic and coherence of the organization
and controlling perspective, the precision of the word choice, and the tone by
taking into consideration the audience, purpose , and formality of the context.
*WOELC 1.1 Identify and correctly use clauses (e.g., main and subordinate),
Phrases (e.g., gerund, infinitive, and participial), and mechanics of punctuation
(e.g. semicolons, colons, ellipses, hyphens).
*WOELC 1.2 Understand sentence construction (e.g. Parallel structure,
subordination, proper placement of modifiers) and proper English usage (e.g.
consistency of verb tenses).
*WOELC 1.3 Demonstrate an understanding or proper English usage and control
of grammar, paragraph and sentence structure, diction, and syntax.
*Written Oral English Language Conventions

Outcomes:
Students will
Complete reading and writing activities focused on college and career preparation
o Read a variety of texts focused on college and career preparation
o Research information about colleges and careers
o Draft written responses
o Edit and revise writing
o Practice CAHSEE exam skills
o Produce a professional portfolio containing a cover letter, resume, and
reflective writing on personal strengths and goals

Class Expectations:
Students will be expected to
Use technology appropriately every day
Participate 100% every day
Select topics for reading and writing that match interests
Complete all assignments
Improve on CAHSEE Practice Test
Behave in a professional manner when interacting with classmates, instructors,
guests, and in public while on field trips

*Teacher reserves the right to make changes to the assignments at any time throughout
the course.

Teacher Agreement:
I understand it is my role to be sure students have adequate instruction to cover all
standards required for this course and agree to offer modifications, one-on-one
instruction, or small group instruction and help as needed.
Angela Macias Ed.D.

Signature: _______________________________________________________________

Student Agreement:
I understand what is expected of me in this class and that I must complete all assignments
to an acceptable degree in order to receive credit for my work.

Print Name: _____________________________________________________________

Signature: _______________________________________________________________