Reading: When entering high school, students should be able to determine the meaning of word connotations and know the definitions of analogies, metaphors, and similes. They should also know the elements and types of story plots and poems. Upon reading a work of fiction, students should be able to identify a theme. They should also recognize the significance of an author’s point of view.
Writing: Students must be able to edit for word choice and consistent point of view (recognize a switch from first person to second person). By high school admission, students should know how to use software such as Microsoft Word to know how to format a document.
Research: Students entering high schools should be able to read two or more sources, summarize them, and synthesize information in a single essay. They should know how to recognize and construct a bibliography. Students should be able to recognize (and create) a thesis statement. Students must know how to conduct many of the tasks involved in using a library.
Grammar: It’s a good idea to review capitalization rules, common spelling rules, sentence structure, and commonly-confused words before entering high school.
