PS-12 English Lanuage Arts

Milton Public Schools

Welcome, Families -

Milton has and continues to engage in the analysis and improvement of literacy rates and resources for all students and teachers. In preschool, a thematic approach is taken through the use of the Creative Curriculum, which is at the heart of our instruction. In grades K-5, National Geographic’s Reach for Reading is used as the core curricular resource. After a rigorous and intensive curricular review and assessment in 2016, this curriculum was chosen for its inclusion of all components of literacy instruction, engaging and high-interest texts, as well as its alignment to state standards with resources for teachers to have at their disposal. We acknowledge that no curriculum resource is perfect and have worked in dynamic teams of teachers and administrators to identify areas that need augmentation, and those that need to be taught with fidelity. With an eye to strengthen the phonemic awareness components of the earliest grades, Heggerty is being taught in preschool and Kindergarten to do just that. Using results from the DIBELS screener, teachers have access to high quality targeted lessons for students placed in instructional groups in grades K-5. In the spirit of continuous improvement and reflection, teachers and leaders in the district will spend time reviewing and analyzing our current curriculum against performance data to identify areas in need of further augmentation.

In grades 6-8, Amplify ELA is the tier 1 curriculum used in English Language Arts. After a thorough and collaborative review and selection process, Amplify was selected based on its standards-aligned materials and pedagogy consistent with quality adolescent literacy instruction. Using iReady Reading diagnostic, teachers have access to student achievement in subdomains of literacy as well as next steps for students to strengthen to grow in said areas.

In the Milton Public Schools, we have strong values surrounding the idea of literacy instruction. Central among these values is the idea that consistent, quality instruction with high expectations is the most equitable thing we can do for all students. Along with high-expectations, we provide strong levels of support to students who need it in order to scaffold success in growth and achievement. This year, a K-8 Literacy Leadership Team will function to analyze literacy curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices and to drive change as needed. It starts with three subgroup focal points for the end of the academic year: 1. K-5 Curriculum Review and Identification of Pressure Points 2. K-5 Assessments and Report Card Standards Review, and 3. Vertical Articulation/Alignment -- District Culture of Literacy.

For further information about the programs, timelines, or instructional approaches, please access the links below. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Cat DesRoche (cdesroche@miltonps.org), PS-8 Literacy Director or H Hardie (hhardie@miltonps.org), Grades 9-12 English Department Head with questions.