ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

EMPOWERING STRONG READERS AND WRITERS

Vancouver Public Schools believes that strong literacy skills—reading, writing, speaking and listening—are essential in developing responsible, self-motivated learners. We support students’ curiosity and critical thinking skills by providing diverse and relevant interactive opportunities and cross-curricular connections. We nurture creativity, compassion and empathy through thoughtful, collaborative learning. So that students’ interest and enjoyment in reading and learning can grow, we tailor instruction to their individual needs and provide students with opportunities to discover complex, engaging texts that include increasingly rich vocabulary. VPS graduates will have effective communication skills that will enable them to be successful global citizens in the 21st century.

Contact

Rose Nelson
6-12 English language arts curriculum specialist
360-313-1020
Email

Courtney McEwan
K-5 English language arts curriculum specialist
360-313-1020
Email

OVERVIEW

Our goal for English language arts education in VPS is to support literacy across all subject areas and prepare students to be lifelong learners.

All students must be able to comprehend texts of steadily increasing complexity as they progress through school. By the time they complete 12th grade, students must be able to read and comprehend independently and proficiently the kinds of complex texts commonly found in college and careers.

Each year in their writing, students should demonstrate increasing sophistication in all aspects of language use, from vocabulary and syntax to the development and organization of ideas, and they should address increasingly demanding content and sources.

MORE ABOUT LANGUAGE ARTS

Kindergarten through second grade

Lesson previews

  • Students will learn the alphabet, break down spoken and written words into syllables and letters and identify the sounds each letter makes.

  • Students will build important reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

  • They will think, talk and write about what they read in stories, articles and other sources of information.

  • In their writing, students will work on putting together clear sentences on a range of topics, how to develop a topic and how to strengthen their skills by editing and revising.

Third through fifth grades

Lesson previews

  • Students will continue to build important reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

  • They will read widely and deeply from a range of high-quality, increasingly challenging literature, articles and other sources of information while continuing to grow their vocabulary.

  • They will think, talk and write about what they have read in a variety of articles, books and other sources of information.

  • Students will write regularly and continue to develop their ability to gather, organize, interpret and present information.

Middle school

Lesson previews

  • Students will develop literacy through reading, writing, speaking and listening experiences.

  • They will learn critical reading skills and increase academic and content area vocabulary through these experiences.

  • They will give evidence of their learning through their writing and through collaborative participation in conversations.

High school

Lesson previews

  • Students will continue to expand their literacy through reading, writing, speaking and listening experiences.

  • They will develop critical-thinking skills and the ability to read texts closely and attentively so that they understand and enjoy complex works of literature.

  • Students will learn to use reasoning and evidence collection skills that are essential for success in college, careers and life.

All publishers retain ownership of their copyrighted materials. Curriculum materials cannot be distributed or reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. These materials are being shared with VPS families and the VPS community for informational purposes only.