The major purpose of this standards-aligned semester course is to explore ideas, issues and themes from American fiction, nonfiction and informational materials and to focus on writing coherent and complex texts that convey well-defined perspectives and tightly reasoned arguments. Embedded assessments as well as other culminating task within each unit will provide students with the opportunity to showcase their learning and their progress toward meeting the learning targets. The mission of the Springboard program is consistent with the goals and expectations of the Los Angeles Unified School District: to inspire, connect, and prepare all students for life-long learning and post-secondary success. The use of the Springboard program and text supplies a “carefully articulated, engaging and rigorous English Language Arts curriculum of instruction” that provides students with the knowledge needed for competition in the 21st century.