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Balancing Informational and Literary Texts
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Knowledge in the Disciplines
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Text-based Answers
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Writing from Sources
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Staircase of Complexity
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Academic Vocabulary
◦ At least 50% of what students read is from
informational/non-fiction text
◦ Emphasis on literacy experiences and learning from what
you read
◦ Classroom experiences deeply connected to texts involving
evidentiary arguments
◦ Writing focused on use of evidence to inform or argue
◦ Emphasis on close reading with supports and scaffolding
◦ Building student’s ability to read increasingly complex text
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Focus
◦ Depth over breadth
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Coherence
◦ Thinking across grade levels
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Procedural Skill Fluency
◦ Increased speed and accuracy
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Deep Conceptual Understanding
◦ Focusing on HOW we arrive at answers through concepts
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Application
◦ Using math in a variety of settings and situations
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Dual Intensity
◦ Maintaining a balance of practice and understanding