Education is the building block of every student's future. To ensure all students have every opportunity to succeed, Indiana adopted world-class academic standards in English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies and an assessment system to measure student progress. These standards clearly outline what students should know and be able to do in each subject, at each grade level. Teachers are dedicated to helping all students meet these expectations. Moreover, these standards are the cornerstone of the state's new "P-16 Plan for Improving Student Achievement." Indiana's P-16 Plan provides a comprehensive blueprint for what we must do to support students every step of the way--from their earliest years through post-high school education. To be competitive in today's economy and earn enough to support a family, all students need to keep learning after high school--at a two- or four-year college, in an apprenticeship program, or in the military. This booklet clearly spells out what students should know and be able to do in Grade 9 English/language arts. Examples are given to help students understand what is required to meet the standards. Students should review this guide with their teachers and share it with their parents and family.