Rutherford County Schools' English Language Arts (ELA) program is designed to equip students with the literacy skills needed for success in school, college, career, and life. The North Carolina ELA Standards provide a clear framework for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Instruction is comprehensive and balanced, with a focus on reading, writing, speaking and listening, language, and foundational skills. Together, these strands ensure that students not only gain knowledge but also learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply their skills in meaningful ways.

Through intentional, differentiated instruction across all five strands, our ELA program fosters confident, independent learners who are prepared to meet the challenges of increasingly complex texts and tasks. By building strong foundations in literacy and communication, students develop the skills, habits, and confidence necessary to succeed in academic settings and beyond.

ELA Standards for Grades K-5

READING STRANDS

The K–12 Standards for Reading define what students should understand and be able to do by the end of each grade. To be prepared for college and career, students must read a wide range of high-quality, increasingly complex literary and informational texts. The standards emphasize the importance of developing strong comprehension skills, as students are expected to read closely, think critically, and make connections between texts and their own knowledge and experiences. Over time, students build the ability to read independently for sustained periods and to draw deeper meaning from increasingly challenging material.

Literature & Informational Text Focus Areas

- Key Ideas and Evidence
- Craft and Structure
- Integration of Ideas and Analysis
- Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity

READING FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS

English Language Arts instruction emphasizes the development of essential foundational skills that support long-term reading and writing success. These skills include understanding concepts of print, mastering the alphabet and its sounds, and developing proficiency in handwriting, both manuscript and cursive. A systematic approach to handwriting instruction ensures students are able to communicate their ideas clearly and apply their skills in meaningful writing activities. Instruction is carefully differentiated to meet individual student needs, focusing on the skills each learner is ready to develop in order to foster growth and confidence.

Foundational Skills Focus Areas

- Print Concepts
- Handwriting
- Phonological Awareness
- Phonics and Word Recognition
- Fluency

SPEAKING AND LISTENING STRAND

Speaking and listening skills are essential for effective communication and collaboration. The North Carolina ELA Standards emphasize the importance of engaging in rich discussions, asking and answering questions, and building on the ideas of others. Students learn to present information clearly, adapt their speech for different audiences and purposes, and actively listen to gain understanding. Instruction provides opportunities for both formal presentations and informal conversations, helping students develop the confidence and skills needed to communicate effectively in academic, social, and future workplace settings.

Speaking & Listening Focus Areas

- Collaboration and Communication
- Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

WRITING STRAND

To be prepared for college and career, students must develop the ability to express and support opinions, explain their understanding of a topic, and convey both real and imagined experiences. Writing is emphasized as a means of clear and coherent communication. The North Carolina ELA Writing Standards highlight the importance of writing regularly to build knowledge and demonstrate understanding. The full writing process—from planning to revising and editing—is embedded in the standards, which outline what students should know and be able to do by the end of each grade.

Writing Focus Areas

- Text Types, Purposes, and Publishing
- Research

LANGUAGE STRAND

Language skills are essential to success in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. While taught as a separate strand, they are integrated into all areas of English Language Arts. The North Carolina ELA Language Standards emphasize not only recognizing correct grammar and conventions but also applying them effectively in communication. Instruction is differentiated to support student needs, with opportunities for review and re-teaching as needed. Students are expected to build proficiency throughout each grade band, with mastery of the listed language skills by the end of the highest grade in the band.

Language Focus Areas

- Conventions of Standard English
- Knowledge of Language
- Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

NCSCOS Quick Reference Guides

Kindergarten

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

5th Grade

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Parent Guides

RCS Curriculum Partners

Benchmark Advance

Rutherford County Schools utilizes Benchmark Advance as the foundation for English Language Arts instruction in grades K–5. This research-based program is designed to develop the essential literacy skills students need for academic success.

Benchmark Advance integrates reading, writing, speaking, and listening through a carefully structured approach that balances literature and informational texts. Key components of the program include explicit instruction in phonics and foundational skills, opportunities for close reading of complex texts, a strong emphasis on academic vocabulary, and structured practice in writing across a variety of genres. In addition, Benchmark Advance promotes student engagement through collaborative discussions and comprehension strategies that encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of text.

Benchmark Advance Overview

RCSNC Elementary Common Websites & Applications

Additional Resources Used for Classroom Instruction

Rutherford County Schools provides students with access to a variety of approved online tools and educational websites that support learning anytime and anywhere. These resources offer interactive activities and materials aligned to the curriculum. Some tools require student accounts, which may involve limited sharing of basic information such as name, date of birth, or email. Parental consent is required for students to create and use these accounts, ensuring compliance with state and federal privacy regulations.

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