![[source: College Board]](https://www.learninglist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/SpringBoard_Logo-300x121.jpg){kind=logo}
Learning List has reviewed middle school and high school resources for the College Board’s SpringBoard English Language Arts: California Edition. The comprehensive program is designed for students in grades 6-12 and is available in print and digital formats. Courses have a consistent structure and focus on developing English language arts skills through active learning. At each grade level, instruction emphasizes the development of the knowledge and skills needed for rigorous coursework, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Content is organized thematically and includes fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and non-print media related to the theme (e.g., change). SpringBoard uses the “Understanding by Design” instructional model. Each unit begins with an overview that frames new content with essential questions. Units are broken into sets of activities made up of several daily lessons that address related concepts. Each lesson establishes learning targets in student-friendly language. Lessons include “Suggested Learning Strategies” (e.g., summarizing, close reading, marking the text) that meet different learning needs and facilitate student ownership of learning and a “Making Connections” feature that connects content to students’ lives.
Lessons focus on developing close reading skills. Students learn to analyze texts using graphic organizers and strategies applied before, during, and after reading. They learn to interpret what they read and to support their interpretations with evidence from the text. Instruction emphasizes the effective use of language and the development of writing skills. Each unit includes step-by-step guidance in the writing process. Writing activities include prompts for expository and narrative pieces as well as opportunities for students to develop arguments and incorporate research.
About the College Board*
The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity.
Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT and the Advanced Placement Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools.
The information in this section is provided by or adapted from the College Board.
Subscribe to Learning List for access to the spec sheet, full editorial review and detailed alignment report for this material.