Inquiry-based English Language Arts for high school
For years, our original program has equipped high school students with the rigorous literacy skills they need to thrive. This curriculum helps students navigate complex texts and articulate their ideas with confidence. It’s a proven approach that provides educators with the tools to deliver a powerful learning experience.
A high school ELA curriculum like no other
Our curriculum is built on a simple, yet powerful, core principle: true understanding begins with inquiry. Rather than simply memorizing facts, students are guided to ask meaningful questions and discover answers for themselves. This design, refined over a decade, gives students the tools to think critically, make deep connections, and become independent learners for life.
At the core, each Inquiry By Design original course of study is made up of six units featuring detailed, yet flexible, lesson plans aimed at building critical, standards-aligned literacy skills. Each unit is structured around challenging, grade-appropriate texts and spiraling cycles of work marked by reading, writing, and collaborative small-group and whole-class discussion.
Key Features:
The foundational design of Inquiry By Design’s High School courses ensures robust student engagement and skill mastery through:
Elevated Text Sets: Compelling, grade-appropriate texts that serve as the springboard for rich conversation and meaningful writing across argument, informational, and narrative genres.
Authentic Writing & Research: Substantial, scaffolded research-based writing projects that challenge students to master the methods, style, and structure of engaging contemporary writers.
Student Agency: Independent reading initiatives that focus on selecting books, setting goals, and tracking progress, cultivating genuine ownership over learning.
Responsive Instruction: Flexible, inquiry-based instructional resources for writing that allow teachers to fluidly address students’ demonstrated needs within the classroom.
A time-tested framework and comprehensive support are the foundation for a thriving high school ELA program. Experience the clear roadmap and authentic texts that empower your students to become independent thinkers.