English Curriculum
Believing that clear thinking and effective communication are central components of a good education, the 6-12 English Language Arts department has built a curriculum around those two key intellectual processes. Using the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks as a guide, coupled with an emphasis on the power of language, we have designed the curriculum at Mt. Everett to develop a variety of reading, writing, and oral skills that will prepare our students for the challenges of college and the professional world.
Students will read, analyze, and write about books that range from the classics to contemporary high-interest novels. Because the ability to write clearly and effectively is a foundational skill upon which academic success depends, students will master the essay in its various forms: expository, persuasive, and analytical. In addition, all students will learn to write a sound research paper and evaluate internet sources for their credibility. Creative writing assignments, including the writing of poetry, are also valuable components of Mt. Everett's writing program as they encourage imaginative thinking and foster creativity.
The English Department is staffed by highly qualified and dedicated individuals who share a common goal: to prepare our students for life. While high standards are a prerequisite, "teaching to the test" is a limited approach. Our professionals have discovered that with firm, knowledgeable and caring support students will perform to elevated expectations. With this in mind, Mt. Everett English staff creatively provides students with a skill set that enables them to confidently do well on the MCAS, the SAT's, college entrance exams, GRE's, and beyond. Attesting to this philosophy, many returning graduates share the same story of preparedness when they return to speak with students on Alumni Day.
Early literacy is key for student achievement. All students in the SBRSD elementary schools are expected to be readers and writers. The Language Arts curriculum is rigorous. Classroom teachers, Title I teachers, and Special Education teachers work together to modify curriculum to ensure that all children can be successful in reading and writing. All students in kindergarten through sixth grade receive instruction in reading, writing, handwriting, spelling and vocabulary. Standardized and formative assessments are given at each grade level. The data is used to inform instruction so that students can better access the curriculum.
One program does not fit all, and therefore, we use a variety of programs to suit a variety of learning styles. The programs used are Rigby Literacy, Project Read, Handwriting Without Tears, Scott Foresman Spelling, and The Writing Process by Lucy Calkins. We have an extensive library where students are able to select both fiction and non-fiction text at their level of learning. Kindergartners and first graders have book bags that go home each evening with books to read to their families. In writing, students learn to draft, revise, edit, and publish in various genres such as: poetry, personal narrative, non-fiction, memoir, and persuasive essay. An annual poetry anthology is published each year, and every student submits an entry. Specific skills spiral through the grades from year to year, building mastery as they go forward. Title I teachers give struggling students extra time and support, or they work in classrooms as reading coaches with the teachers and the students.
Reading and writing skills are emphasized in the early grades. Those reading and writing skills are then utilized in all other curricular areas including math, science, and social studies. Our current emphasis is to encourage more writing across all curricular areas in all grades. Professional Learning Communities of teachers in vertical grade levels are released monthly to look at student work in order to share and improve instruction. The emphasis is the student work and the purpose is to increase student achievement in reading and writing.
