Literacy

The Utah Common Core in Language Arts is designed to build Literacy knowledge systematically through grades K-6. Literature is selected around topics or themes that develop the literacy knowledge base of students. Students in the early grades are introduced to specific topics and then develope a deeper understanding of those topics in the later grades.

The framework is comprised of elements which are research based, and include best teaching practices.

In the lower grades the literacy framework includes reading aloud, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading as well as interactive and independent writing. Students are engaged throughout the day in a variety of meaningful literacy activities to become proficient readers and writers. Lower grade teachers are using a systematic phonics program to provide students with explicit instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.

In the upper grades the literacy framework emphasizes reading and writing in the content areas. When necessary, upper grade teachers provide students with a systematic phonics program in addition to grade level literacy instruction.

Teachers use a variety of assessments to monitor student progress and to guide instructional modifications needed.

Teachers at Jackson have an ongoing commitment to increase their own learning and understanding of literacy instruction to better meet the needs of their students.