English Language Arts

View California Common Core ELA Standards 
 

English Languge Arts:

The English Language Arts standards include listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Listening and reading are “decoding”, and speaking and writing are “encoding.” The purposeful interaction of these skills creates literacy -- being able to understand and communicate both orally and in writing. The foundational skills in the standards contain sub-skills that are required for literacy and should be taught concurrently with the listening, speaking, reading, and writing standards in each grade.

The Science of Reading is the foundation of literacy instruction in Rincon Valley. As a district, we must ensure that the way we teach learners how to read is informed by a wealth of science, research and evidence. As such, we have adopted the Science of Reading Principles, which are as follows:

1. Reading is not natural; it can and must be taught.
2. Background knowledge is as critical to comprehension as decoding skills.
3. Foundational skills instruction must be systematic and explicit, beginning with sounds.
4. Instruction must be engaging, through multiple modes and senses.
5. Science-based reading instruction reduces the need for intervention, and allows children to move forward as capable, confident learners.
6. Science-based reading instruction is a matter of equity.

Science-based reading instruction is urgent, and the most crucial work of the elementary teacher.

Benchmark Advance is our core K-6 ELA/ELD curriculum and is the primary mode of instruction.

Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Curriculum provides targeted instruction in phonemic awareness and letter/sound recognition. 

Zoo Phonics is the primary curriculum for TK, providing instruction in letter/sound recognition. 

SIPPS is used in grades K-2 for systematic phonics instruction and in grades 3-6 for phonics intervention. 

Lexia licenses are provided for all kindergarten through second grade learners to optimize reading practice and allow for individual/small group instruction with the classroom teacher. It is also available for learners in grades 3-6 as a targeted intervention tool. 

Handwriting Without Tears provides explicit handwriting instruction for learners in grades TK-1.