Foundations of Language and Literature; Advanced Language and Literature

Name: Foundations of Language and Literature; Advanced Language and Literature
Brand: Bedford, Freeman, & Worth High School Publishers

by Bedford, Freeman, & Worth High School Publishers

ElaGrades 9–10

About This Curriculum

<cite index="4-2,4-6">A complete program for 9th Grade Pre-AP® that establishes foundational skills while challenging bright young minds, using a genre and mode-based approach that investigates nonfiction and literature and asks students to write in genres to empower them to read like a writer</cite>.

What makes it unique: <cite index="21-8">Part of a unified program of Pre-AP® and AP® English textbooks from grades 9 through 12, guiding students from introduction to mastery with consistent tone and treatment of key AP® topics</cite>.

Foundations of Language and Literature: Genre-Based Pre-AP Program

A genre and mode-based ELA curriculum for grades 9-10 designed as a Pre-AP program that emphasizes reading like a writer. The curriculum organizes content by genre with thematically linked selections and integrates nonfiction and literature study with writing instruction across various genres.

Best for

High school teachers seeking a structured Pre-AP curriculum for grades 9-10 that emphasizes genre study and writing development, particularly in schools preparing students for Advanced Placement coursework

Evaluation Criteria

4 strengths · 1 concern · 2 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Text ComplexityStrength

The curriculum uses texts ranging from approachable to challenging, meeting grade-level expectations for text complexity. EdReports confirmed alignment to grade-level text demands.

Texas Resource Review noted 'texts range from approachable to challenging'; EdReports rated Gateway 1 (Text Quality & Complexity) as 'Meets Expectations'

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum appears to provide structured instruction through its three-section format within chapters. The foundational chapters systematically build essential skills through explicit teaching.

Materials structured in three sections: Understanding and Applying, Analyzing Language/Style/Structure, and Topics for Composing; foundational chapters 1-4 build essential skills systematically

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

The curriculum provides strong opportunities for vocabulary and academic language development. However, guidance for differentiated vocabulary instruction could be stronger.

Texas Resource Review noted 'strong opportunities for vocabulary building and academic language development, though guidance on differentiated vocabulary instruction for diverse learners could be stronger'

Writing InstructionStrength

The curriculum emphasizes writing instruction across genres with a 'reading like a writer' approach. Chapter 4 specifically teaches source integration and synthesis skills.

Described as asking 'students to write in genres to empower them to read like a writer'; Chapter 4 teaches source integration and synthesis; includes 'Topics for Composing' sections

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsConcern

The curriculum appears to use primarily excerpts and selections rather than whole books. EdReports notes 'thematically linked selections' and the genre-based organization suggests an anthology approach.

Texas Resource Review mentions 'thematically linked selections' and the curriculum is organized by genre rather than complete works

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum shows mixed evidence for systematic knowledge building. While it includes nonfiction study and thematic connections, EdReports rated it as only 'Partially Meets Expectations' for building knowledge through texts.

EdReports Gateway 2 rating of 'Partially Meets Expectations' for Building Knowledge; curriculum includes nonfiction and literature integration

Systematic PhonicsNeutral

This criterion is not applicable as the curriculum targets grades 9-10, well beyond the primary grades where systematic phonics instruction is essential.

Curriculum designed for grades 9-10, beyond the age range requiring phonics instruction

Teacher TrainingInsufficient Evidence

The available reviews do not provide information about teacher training or professional development materials included with the curriculum.

No information about teacher guides, professional development, or teacher training materials in the available reviews

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

Evidence for retrieval practice and spaced review is insufficient in the available reviews.

No specific information about retrieval practice, quizzes, or spaced review in the available reviews

Sources: edreports.org, cathyduffyreviews.com, texasresourcereview.org