This set of videos is organized into two topics: Six Syllables Types and Morphology. The videos are edited from a six-hour professional development and may be used as a sequenced set of lessons or individually.

Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.006(c-1) requires that students who do not meet the passing standard on the Grade 6 State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) reading test must be administered a reading assessment at the beginning of grade 7. The Texas Middle School Fluency Assessment (TMSFA) was developed with Texas students to be a valid and reliable instrument for determining students’ areas of instructional need.

The TMSFA is based on valid and reliable scientific research, thoroughly measures each domain of development, and is user-friendly. The following three domains of development are assessed using the TMSFA.   

1. Text Comprehension (Reading)  
2. Word Analysis  
3. Fluency  

LAR utilizes many techniques to help students learn the content. This is done by breaking the concepts down into smaller/targeted concepts, utilizing color coding, charts, mnemonics, graphics, audio clips, easy-to-grasp written and/or auditory explanations that students can internalize with ease; font size for emphasis; practice quizzes for students to self-check for understanding; level quizzes that progress from surface knowledge  --> to connecting several concepts --> to applying the content to practical examples. 

These learning techniques are especially beneficial for students who are English Language Learners (ELL), Limited English Proficient (LEP), English As Second Language (ESL), Special Education (SPED), and/or Sect. 504 students.

Visit the Language Arts Resources site to access student lessons, quizzes, and more! 

This resource outlines the components of research-based programs for beginning reading instruction and is for all educators who want to learn more about how to support beginning reading instruction in students of all ages. Links to videos, handouts, and sample lesson plans are included.

This resource outlines the components of vocabulary development. Links to videos, handouts, and sample lesson plans are included.

This resource outlines the components of research-based programs for reading comprehension instruction and is for all educators who want to learn more about how to support reading comprehension for students of all ages. Links to videos, handouts, and sample lesson plans are included.

You will be able to compare and contrast similar themes from different genres and different time periods.

You will become acquainted with the origins and meanings of foreign words and phrases frequently used in English texts.

You will learn how to use dictionaries, glossaries, and thesauri in order to determine meanings of words and phrases, including their denotations, connotations, and etymologies.

You will learn to analyze the meter, rhyme scheme, line length, punctuation, and word position in poetry.

You will understand and analyze how archetypes and motifs in drama affect the plot of plays.

You will be able to evaluate the role of syntax in literary non-fiction such as speeches, essays, and other forms.

You will be able to evaluate a text for the clarity and appeal of its graphics.

You will be able to synthesize information that you find in charts and graphs.

You will read carefully in order to identify diction, tone, and irony, and evaluate their impact on the meaning of a text.

You will read carefully in order to identify allusion, imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, and evaluate their impact on the meaning of a text.

This resource is a demonstration lesson presented at the 2014 Write for Texas Summer Institute. It provides a snapshot of a four to five week unit that engages students in the reading and writing workshop model.

You will be able to distinguish between the denotative (dictionary) meaning of a word and its connotative (emotions or associations that are implied rather than literal) meaning.

You will be able to evaluate the role of diction and tone in literary nonfiction such as speeches, essays, and other forms.