In Texas, the grammar requirements are outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for English Language Arts and are assessed through the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). Below, I provide a summary of the grammar expectations for each grade level from kindergarten to high school graduation, including the lowest and highest levels of grammar knowledge at each stage.

Kindergarten to 5th Grade: Grammar Knowledge Requirements

Kindergarten

  • Lowest Level:

    • Recognize and produce rhyming words.
    • Identify letters and their corresponding sounds.

  • Highest Level:

    • Use basic sentence structure (subject-verb-object).
    • Capitalize the first word in a sentence and recognize basic punctuation marks (e.g., periods, question marks).

1st Grade

  • Lowest Level:

    • Identify and use nouns (common vs. proper).
    • Recognize and create simple sentences.

  • Highest Level:

    • Use verbs in the present tense correctly.
    • Write complete sentences with correct capitalization and punctuation.

2nd Grade

  • Lowest Level:

    • Form regular plural nouns by adding -s or -es.
    • Use simple adjectives to describe nouns.

  • Highest Level:

    • Write narrative texts with clear beginnings, middles, and ends.
    • Use conjunctions (e.g., and, but) to connect simple sentences.

3rd Grade

  • Lowest Level:

    • Recognize verbs and subject-verb agreement in sentences.
    • Identify main ideas and supporting details in texts.

  • Highest Level:

    • Use past tense verbs correctly in writing.
    • Write multi-paragraph essays with coherent structure.

4th Grade

  • Lowest Level:

    • Identify different parts of speech (nouns, verbs).
    • Use commas in simple lists.

  • Highest Level:

    • Create complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although).
    • Write informative texts that are logically organized with relevant details.

5th Grade

  • Lowest Level:
    • Correctly use subject pronouns (I, you, he, she) and object pronouns (me, him, her).
  • Highest Level:
    • Write argumentative essays that clearly state a position supported by reasons and evidence.
    • Employ varied sentence structures for stylistic effect.

Grades 6 to 8: Grammar Knowledge Requirements

6th Grade

  • Lowest Level:
    • Understand simple sentence structure (subject and predicate).
  • Highest Level:
    • Use complex sentences effectively with dependent clauses.
    • Analyze grammar choices made by authors in texts.

7th Grade

  • Lowest Level:
    • Recognize and use commas correctly in compound sentences.
  • Highest Level:
    • Employ active voice vs. passive voice purposefully in writing.
    • Use relative pronouns (who, which) to combine sentences.

8th Grade

  • Lowest Level:
    • Understand parts of speech including adjectives and adverbs.
  • Highest Level:
    • Construct cohesive arguments using sophisticated grammatical structures.
    • Employ advanced punctuation (e.g., semicolons, colons) to clarify ideas in writing.

High School Grades (9 to Graduation): Grammar Knowledge Requirements

Grade 9

  • Lowest Level:

    • Demonstrate an understanding of standard English conventions (capitalization, punctuation).

  • Highest Level:

    • Analyze the grammatical choices authors make to create meaning in complex texts.

Grade 10

  • Lowest Level:
    • Utilize correct verb tenses consistently throughout writing.
  • Highest Level:
    • Write analytical essays with clear thesis statements supported by grammatical precision.

Grade 11

  • Lowest Level:

    • Identify errors in subject-verb agreement in writing.

  • Highest Level:

    • Use varied sentence structures effectively to enhance style and clarity in arguments.

Grade 12

  • Lowest Level:

    • Produce clear writing that adheres to standard grammar conventions.

  • Highest Level:

    • Demonstrate mastery of complex grammatical constructions for academic essays suitable for college-level expectations.

Summary

The TEKS provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the progression of grammar knowledge across grade levels. The STAAR assessments evaluate student performance based on these standards. Each grade level builds upon the previous one, allowing students to develop increasingly sophisticated language skills that culminate in their readiness for post-secondary education or career paths. If you have further questions or need additional details on specific grade levels or subjects, feel free to ask!