Shared  principles and practice, English Language Arts, K – 12.

Ø  Our aim is student independence in reading, writing, speaking and listening, not merely test preparation.

Ø  Our teaching is student-centered and varied, ranging from teacher-led all class instruction to shared and cooperative work in small groups to individualized and independent work.

Ø  We have shared objectives at all grade levels and develop lessons and assessments through teacher collaboration to ensure that all students have access to best practice; however, teachers have freedom in the choice of material and methodology to meet the needs of their individual students.

Ø  The bulk of the reading our students do is authentic published literature – written for readers rather than merely for classroom use.

Ø  Students read from a variety of genres, cultures, and time periods at every level, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama, from classics to contemporary literature at every grade level.

Ø  Student choice, shared reading and independent reading are key components of our reading curriculum.

Ø  Students expand their vocabulary both through direct instruction and through extensive reading.

Ø  We teach the writing process at all grade levels, with the writer’s workshop as our model.

Ø  Students learn to revise and edit their own writing by examining the traits of effective writing.

Ø  The conventions of writing and the structure of language – spelling, grammar, usage and mechanics – are taught at all grade levels as they apply to reading and writing.

Ø  Successful oral communication is taught on all grade levels to help students develop their ability to speak and listen effectively.