The implementation of our district Reading & Literacy program in grades K-12 is an ongoing process with an end in mind; our students meet the goal of Ohio’s strategic plan which aims to ensure every child is challenged, prepared, and empowered to become a resilient, lifelong learner who contributes to society. It is aligned with OHIO’S PLAN TO RAISE LITERACY ACHIEVEMENT.

Ohio has adopted the Science of Reading as a paradigm for teaching reading in our elementary schools.

The Science of Reading refers to a comprehensive, research-based approach to teaching reading. It combines findings from various disciplines, such as cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and education, to understand how children learn to read and how best to teach them. Here’s a breakdown of what this means in simple terms:

• Understanding Sounds and Letters: The foundation of reading is understanding that letters represent sounds. For example, the letter "b" makes a "buh" sound. Children learn to connect these sounds with letters and eventually combine them to form words.

• Phonics: This involves teaching children how to decode words by sounding them out. For instance, the word "cat" can be broken down into the sounds "c," "a," and "t." By blending these sounds together, children learn to read the word.

• Vocabulary: Knowing the meaning of words is crucial. As children read more, they encounter new words and learn what they mean, which helps them understand what they are reading.

• Fluency: This means being able to read smoothly and quickly. When children can read fluently, they spend less time decoding each word and more time understanding the text.

• Comprehension: Ultimately, the goal of reading is to understand and make sense of what’s being read. Comprehension strategies help children to think about and engage with the text, such as summarizing stories, predicting what will happen next, and asking questions about the content.

• Evidence-Based Practices: The Science of Reading is grounded in research, meaning that the teaching methods used are proven to be effective. These methods are continually tested and refined to ensure they work well for most children.

By focusing on these components, the Science of Reading aims to give all children the tools they need to become successful readers. Teachers use these principles to create lessons that help kids learn to read in a structured and effective way.

See the Science of Reading Info by clicking here

Ohio's definition of early literacy includes a continuum of literacy development that spans birth through grade three. This continuum begins with the development of receptive language and expressive language. By the end of third grade, literacy development culminates in the attainment of fluency and comprehension of text, as well as the ability to use writing to communicate and compose narrative or expository text. We are working to assure that all our students leave third grade proficient or above in reading as defined in Ohio’s standards and assessments.

The standards insist that instruction in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language be a shared responsibility within the school. The K-5 standards include expectations for reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language applicable to a range of subjects, including, but not limited to, English language arts (ELA). The grades 6-12 standards are divided into two sections, one for ELA and the other for history/social studies, science, and technical subjects. This division reflects the unique, time-honored place of ELA teachers in developing students’ literacy skills while at the same time recognizing that teachers in other areas must have roles in this development as well.

Ohio’s Learning Standards

Ohio has developed high-quality learning standards aligned across grades that define what learners should know and be able to do. These include:

• Early Learning and Development Standards (birth to kindergarten entry);

• Ohio’s Learning Standards (kindergarten-grade 12, including standards for literacy in history and social studies, science and

technical subjects for grades 6-12).

• Ohio English Language Proficiency Standards.

• Ohio’s Learning Standards Extended for learners with significant cognitive disabilities; and

• Ohio’s K-12 Social and Emotional Learning Standards.

Ohio’s System of Assessments

Ohio has developed a standards-aligned system of assessments that measures language and literacy development and outcomes using the following:

• Early Learning Assessment for preschool-age children.

• Kindergarten Readiness Assessment for learners entering kindergarten.

• K-3 reading diagnostic assessments used to screen students in kindergarten-grade 3 for reading difficulties.

• Ohio’s State Tests in English Language Arts for grades 3-8; and

• High school end-of-course exams in English language arts.

Subsequently, after grade 3 students will progress in reading consistent with Ohio’s standards and assessments culminating in High School where students will demonstrate the ability to read, write and think effectively with the goal of becoming positive contributors to society. Students will acquire an extensive vocabulary through reading, discussion, listening, and word study. Students will be college and career ready in literacy by the end of high school. In grades 6-12 the Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects and Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects are implemented.

If Ohio's standards are implemented with integrity students will:

·   Demonstrate Independence

·   Have strong content knowledge

·   Respond to the varying demands of audience, task, purpose, and discipline

·   Comprehend as well as critique

·   Value evidence

·   Use technology and digital media strategically and capably

·   Understand other perspectives and cultures

Students in grade K-12 will meet the standards for their grade level in each of the following Strands: Reading for Literature / Reading for Information / Reading Foundations / Writing / Speaking and Listening / Language

Below is our JALSD Literacy Plan