The 1999 version of the North Carolina English Language Arts Standard Course of Study (SCS) marks a significant change to English Language Arts education in North Carolina. While previous versions of the SCS have included general communication skills standards for all students, the 1999 revision specifies grade-by-grade standards for students in grades K-12. Additionally, the 1999 SCS emphasizes the need for students to understand diverse print and non-print texts and to use language effectively for different purposes, to different audiences, and in different contexts.

While all of these changes present challenges to high school English Language Arts teachers across the state, the SCS has been well-received. Educators feel that it more directly addresses the needs of all students whether they are preparing for additional studies or for entering the workforce after graduation. As our society becomes increasingly media-oriented and culturally diverse, the inclusion of different types of texts and products meets student interests as well. In general, teachers feel that the new state standards are moving us in the right direction (hence the title for this handbook).

As a complement to the SCS, In the Right Direction is intended to help teachers take the next steps. Teachers approaching the implementation of the state standards, perhaps in conjunction with their local standards, will face many decisions about how to teach students most effectively. While not comprehensive or prescriptive,this document should help teachers make thoughtful decisions by suggesting and encouraging sound pedagogy, instructional practices,and models.

In the Right Direction will be published as a series of documents as each section is developed. The first three installments are described below:

Volume I: Planning and Unit Samples

This section addresses yearly planning guides and unit development. Teacher-designed units and planning guides are included as models for the integration of goals and the addressing of student needs. A list of works commonly taught in North Carolina high school English Language Arts classes is included as an appendix.

Volume II: Sample Activity Plans

This document includes sample plans for activities in each course. Written by North Carolina teachers, these activities have been developed to highlight both the integration of objectives within the classroom and the use of sound instructional practices.

Volume III: Approaches to Teaching Grammar and Language Usage

This document contains an overview of research on effective instruction of grammar and language usage, a stepby- step outline of teaching grammar and language usage within the context of student writing, and a selection of activity plans targeting some of the most common concerns in teaching grammar and language usage. Written by North Carolina teachers, these strategies and activities have been developed to highlight both the integration of objectives within the classroom and the use of sound instructional practices.

Many thanks go to the teachers who have served on the development committee for the first three volumes of In the Right Direction:

Tonya Aiken, Davidson County	Michelle Lourcey, Statesville-Iredell Schools
Yvonne Anderson, Wake County	Jimmy Marion, Surry County
Ann Bagley, Wake County	Nan Massengill, Johnston County
Peter Bobbe, Yancey County	Joe Rispole, Durham Public Schools
Jude Deitz, Pender County	Michelle Roberts, Greene County
Shayne Goodrum, Durham County	Vickie Smith, Wake County
Anne Harkins, Wayne County	Jennifer Smyth, Tyrrell County
Don Lourcey, Statesville-Iredell Schools

NCDPI Contact: Kim Bowen, NCDPI, kbowen@dpi.state.nc.us, 919.807.3832

<< Back | Table of Contents | Next >>

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS RESOURCES