Elementary ELA Framework

The HCS Elementary ELA Framework is a comprehensive guide that integrates key literacy processes, practices and skills.  This guide has been inspired by researched Powerful Literacy Practices that integrate reading and writing within authentic learning experiences.  The processes and skills include text comprehension, speaking and listening, phonological awareness, phonics, word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, language acquisition, and the conventions of grammar and writing. 

The organization of the instruction within the framework provides teachers the flexibility to make meaningful instructional decisions.  The framework ensures focused instruction is provided each day and within a grade level text set to best meet the needs of all students. 

The framework provides suggested pacing for the core path of instruction.  The grade level instruction also contains varied blended learning opportunities.  Specific small group suggestions are provided within the framework, however, any lesson can be adapted for small group instruction, as needed.  

NOTE:  If more than 40 percent of students in a classroom need specific instruction, the instruction should be provided in a whole group setting.  Teaching the same level skill over and over in small groups is not best practice.

While teachers are meeting with small groups, lessons are differentiated for a wide variety of needs.   Lesson planning is expected for small groups.  Small groups are flexible, differentiated and data driven.  Students who are not meeting with the teacher are practicing skills previously taught, working individually, in pairs, or in small groups.  Using teacher created videos to teach asynchronously, providing work sample exemplars, station schedules, the use of rubrics, and varied product expectations are all encouraged practices.  The assignments should practice reading and writing daily through relevant and real life experiences.

Students should be active participants in their learning and growth.  This means knowing their fluency levels, Lexile levels, progress monitoring goals, etc...  Students should practice each day in the improvement of their skills and be working towards continuous improvement.  Large amounts of student time is spent on active reading and writing through all phases of the framework.  Student time in text is measurable and composition of written products is the daily norm.  Progress monitoring should occur often and teachers should conference with students as part of the progress monitoring process.   Continuous corrective feedback and opportunities for re-working and re-doing assignments is common practice.

Student collaboration and high yield engagement is encouraged throughout the ELA framework.  Visible Learning is the key to high student success!  Instructional Routines for all domains of literacy instruction should be followed daily in order to maximize student time on task.

Resource:  NC DPI Comprehensive Plan for Reading Achievement 2024-2025