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English/Language Arts

English/Language Arts

Overview

“When the school introduces and trains each child of society into membership within…a little community, saturating him with the instruments of effective self-direction, we shall have the deepest and best guarantee of a larger society which is worthy, lovely, and harmonious.”

John Dewey, The School and Society

 

 

Literacy is a tool of personal empowerment and a means for creating a better world. The power of literacy lies not just in the ability to listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent, but also in the capacity to apply these skills to effectively connect, interpret and discern the intricacies of the world in which we live.

Today’s students are preparing to enter a world in which colleges and the workplace are demanding more than ever before. To ensure all students are ready for success after high school, the Wilton Public Schools focuses on developing the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills students will need to be successful.

Curriculum Resources and Guides

  • Karen Brenneke
    K-8 Curriculum Coordinator - Humanities
    Email: brennekek@wiltonps.org
    Phone: 203-762-3381 ext.8325

    Michelle Cota
    9-12 Instructional Leader - English
    Email: cotam@wiltonps.org
    Phone: 203-762-0381 ext.6097

    James Sheridan
    9-12 Instructional Leader - English
    Email: sheridanj@wiltonps.org
    Phone: 203-762-0381 ext.6117

  • Literacy Program Goals

    As students advance through the grades and make individual progress toward mastery of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language use, they are able to exhibit with increasing breadth and depth these capacities of the literate individual:

    They demonstrate independence.
    They build strong content knowledge.
    They respond to the varying demands of audience, task, purpose, and discipline.
    They comprehend.
    They critique.
    They use technology and digital media strategically and capably.
    They come to understand other perspectives and cultures.

  • Literacy Program Core Principals

    Comprehensive, Balanced, Flexible for ALL

    It is essential to employ a comprehensive, integrated approach to literacy instruction in all classrooms for all children.

    Teachers are Learners and Mentors

    The teacher’s understanding of literacy, and his/her ability to make insightful instructional decisions, are the most influential factors in student literacy achievement. Teachers must be listeners, speakers, readers and writers themselves and mentor students to do the same.

    Engagement and Choice

    Student engagement, ownership and empowerment are the keys to developing a life-long passion for reading and writing.

    Community of Learners

    High quality instruction is critical for students’ success in literacy. Teachers must consistently use evidence-based teaching strategies for literacy learning, and learners must frequently practice literacy skills through daily opportunities to listen, speak, read and write in a safe and nurturing environment.

    Individualized and Assessment Driven

    Individualized, intensive instructional support and enhanced opportunities to read and write must be provided to students who are struggling to develop literacy skills.Instructional practices in literacy must be informed by on-going assessment of student performance. Formative and summative literacy assessments should be clear, relevant, and designed for student success.

    Productive School/Home Partnership

    Teachers and families need frequent opportunities for dialogue and inquiry around student performance and instructional needs.

  • Coming soon