Throughout the year, the students will develop professional and critical thinking skills as they learn the required language arts standards. The class applies Design-Based Learning’s methodology to deliver an integrated language arts curriculum called Community Building. By solving real life challenges set in the context of an imaginary community, the students’ writing, reading, vocabulary, discussions, and research have relevance. Students will develop Common Core Standards for listening, speaking, reading and writing as they design their solution to a problem. Students will write essays that analyze literature, and conduct research to support their ideas. The writing process will include evaluation and revision of work. Students will develop editing skills as they move from rough drafts to final drafts. Speaking skills will emphasize the ability to deliver a coherent and persuasive presentation. Students will learn vocabulary in context, and will receive instruction on essential grammatical concepts.