Welcome to the ELA/Literacy Department's
Website For CPS Caregivers!
Use the dropdown menu on the left side of this website to locate information by topic
"Literacy is inseparable from opportunity, and opportunity is inseparable from freedom. The freedom promised by literacy is both freedom from — from ignorance, oppression, poverty — and freedom to do new things, to make choices, to learn."
— Koichiro Matsuura
Dear CPS Caregivers,
The ELA/Literacy department continues to systematically strengthen literacy practices and student outcomes with the districtwide alignment of curriculum, instructional practices, resources and professional learning opportunities.
Our goal is to ensure all students, especially those furthest from justice, are empowered with the knowledge, skills and resources to meet high expectations and achieve their full potential.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to our department, your child's principal and teachers, or your school's literacy coach with any questions, suggestions or concerns.
In Partnership,
Emily Bryan
Director, JK-12 ELA/Literacy Department
Find Information by Grade:
Use the dropdown menu on the left side of this website to locate information by topic
How Has Literacy Instruction Changed?
The MA Literacy Guide highlights 4 key shifts from outdated to evidence-based literacy practices:
Shift #1: Provide explicit, systematic instruction in foundational skills to every child.
Common misconceptions: Only some students need phonics; Some words can’t be decoded and must be memorized.
Shift #2: Build comprehension by engaging all students in complex, topically connected text sets.
Common misconception: Students should work on comprehension in texts at their “instructional level.”
Shift #3: Use small-group reading time to target foundational skills or comprehension of complex text.
Common misconception: Reading with leveled text is the best use of small group time.
Shift #4: Provide time on all aspects of literacy (reading, writing, speaking & listening), every day.
Common misconception: In grades K-3, phonics needs to be the focus and should be the vast majority of instruction.
Guiding Research & Recommendations:
ELA/Literacy curricula & instruction in CPSD aligns with:
CPS ELALiteracy Priorities Infographic.pdfThe above, research-based priority practices are critical to ensuring equitable instruction and outcomes. They align to current curriculum and the MA State Standards for ELA, which encompass 4 strands: Reading, Writing, Speaking/Listening, and Language.
