Where can I read the official document?

South Dakota English Language Arts Standards Adopted April 14, 2025

K–12 Standards

Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects

Literacy in History/Social StudiesRH

1
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.6-8.RH.1
2
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.6-8.RH.2
3
Identify key steps in a text’s description of a process related to history/social studies (e.g., how a bill becomes law, how interest rates are raised or lowered, etc.)6-8.RH.3
4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.6-8.RH.4
5
Describe the structure of a text (e.g., sequence, comparison/contrast, cause/effect, etc.).6-8.RH.5
6
Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author’s point of view or purpose (e.g., loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts, etc.).6-8.RH.6
7
Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps etc.) with other information in print and digital texts.6-8.RH.7
8
Distinguish among fact, opinion, bias, and reasoned judgment in a text.6-8.RH.8
9
Analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same topic.6-8.RH.9
10
By the end of grade 8, read and comprehend history/social studies texts in the grades 6-8 text complexity band independently, and proficiently.6-8 RH.10

Literacy in Science and Technical SubjectsRST

1
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.6-8.RST.1
2
Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.6-8.RST.2
3
Read and precisely follow a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.6-8.RST.3
4
Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 6–8 texts and topics.6-8.RST.4
5
Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to an understanding of the topic.6-8.RST.5
6
Analyze the author’s purpose in providing an explanation, describing a procedure, or discussing an experiment in a text.6-8.RST.6
7
Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table etc.).6-8.RST.7
8
Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, bias, and speculation in a text.6-8.RST.8
9
Compare and contrast the information gained from experiments, simulations, video, or multimedia sources with that gained from reading a text on the same topic.6-8.RST.9
10
By the end of grade 8, read and comprehend science/technical texts in the grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.6-8.RST.10

Writing in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical SubjectsWHST

1
Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.6-8.WHST.1
1. a
  Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.6-8.WHST.1.a
2. b
  Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.6-8.WHST.1.b
3. c
  Use words transitional, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.6-8.WHST.1.c
4. d
  Establish and maintain a formal style.6-8.WHST.1.d
5. e
  Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.6-8.WHST.1.e
2
Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.6-8.WHST.2
1. a
  Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.6-8.WHST.2.a
2. b
  Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.6-8.WHST.2.b
3. c
  Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.6-8.WHST.2.c
4. d
  Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.6-8.WHST.2.d
5. e
  Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone.6-8.WHST.2.e
6. f
  Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.6-8.WHST.2.f
3
Not applicable as a separate requirement. Note: Students’ narrative skills continue to grow in these grades. The Standards require that students be able to incorporate narrative elements effectively into arguments and informative/explanatory texts. In history/social studies, students must be able to incorporate narrative accounts into their analyses of individuals or events of historical import. In science and technical subjects, students must be able to write precise enough descriptions of the step-by-step procedures they use in their investigations or technical work that others can replicate them and (possibly) reach the same results. 6-8.WHST.3
4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.6-8.WHST.4
5
Develop and strengthen writing as needed.6-8.WHST.5
1. a
  Employ the writing process by planning, drafting, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.6-8.WHST.5.a
2. b
  Use guidance and support from peers, adults, and digital editing tools/platforms.6-8.WHST.5.b
6
Use technology, including digital tools/platforms, to format, produce and publish writing6-8.WHST.6
1. a
  Link to and cite sources.6-8.WHST.6.a
2. b
  Interact and collaborate with others.6-8.WHST.6.b
3. c
  Demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to produce writing with stamina in a single sitting.6-8.WHST.6.c
7
Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.6-8.WHST.7
8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources.6-8.WHST.8
1. a
  Use search terms effectively.6-8.WHST.8.a
2. b
  Assess the credibility and accuracy of each source.6-8.WHST.8.b
3. c
  Quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.6-8.WHST.8.c
9
Draw relevant evidence from informational texts and/or literary fiction or nonfiction texts to support written analysis, reflection, and research.6-8.WHST.9

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?: Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8
Where can I read the official document?: South Dakota English Language Arts Standards Adopted April 14, 2025

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