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ELA Curriculum and Resource Information K-12 – ELA Curriculum and Resource Information – Uinta County School District #1

Welcome to the Mt. Sinai School District's English Language Arts (ELA) Department!

Our ELA curriculum is meticulously aligned with the New York State ELA Learning Standards to ensure that all students receive a comprehensive and effective literacy education. We prioritize a rigorous, standards-based approach that focuses on developing students' reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, preparing them for success in school and beyond.

Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, close reading, and evidence-based writing, ensuring that each student is challenged at every grade level. Through a combination of innovative instructional strategies, diverse resources, and continuous professional development for our educators, the Mt. Sinai School District ensures excellence in ELA instruction for every student. By maintaining high academic expectations and fostering a supportive learning environment, we help students build the foundational literacy skills they need to thrive academically and in life.

 

Melissa Drewisis, Director of Humanities
(631) 870-2892

ELA in NYS

The New York State ELA Standards focus on the following key strands:

  • Reading Literature
  • Reading Informational Text
  • Foundational Skills (K-5 only)
  • Writing
  • Language
  • Speaking and Listening

New York State Assessments:

Students in grades 3 through 8 participate in the New York State ELA assessment each spring. These assessments help identify students needing additional support in meeting the state standards. The NYS English Regents Exam is typically taken in grade 11, and students must achieve a minimum score of 65 to earn a Regents diploma.

 

 

  • Program Focus:

    Mount Sinai's elementary ELA program fosters foundational literacy skills, helping students develop strong reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities. Through systematic and explicit instruction, students develop phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension to become confident and proficient readers.

    Curriculum & Instruction:

    • Phonics and word study using the Fundations program (K-2)

    • Phonemic awareness development using the Heggerty program (Grades K-1)

    • Word study using Words Their Way (Grades 3-4)

    • Reader’s Workshop model with small-group instruction

    • Writer’s Workshop model with an emphasis on structured composition

    • Structured Literacy Approach integrating shared, guided, and independent reading

    Assessment & Progress Monitoring:

    • Benchmark Assessment System (Grades K-5)

    • AIMSWeb benchmark assessments in Reading (administered three times a year for Grades K-8)

    • Running records and progress monitoring throughout the year

    • Academic Intervention Services (AIS) for students needing additonal support

  • Program Focus:

    The middle grades ELA curriculum builds on foundational literacy skills and transitions students into more complex reading and writing tasks. Instruction is aligned with the NYS ELA Standards and emphasizes critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills.

    Curriculum & Instruction:

    • Literature and non-fiction text analysis
    • Narrative, Persuasive, and Informative Writing
    • Research skills
    • Integration of technology in reading and writing assignments

     

    Assessment & Progress Monitoring:

    • AIMSweb benchmark assessments in Reading (administered three times a year for Grades K-8)
    • Ongoing writing portfolio assessments

     

    Enrichment & Special Programs:

    • Honors ELA courses beginning in Grade 8
    • National Junior Honor Society writing projects

  • Program Focus:

    Our high school ELA program is designed to prepare students for college and career readiness by refining their abilities in reading comprehension, literary analysis, writing, and research. The curriculum includes a range of Regents, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses that challenge students to think critically and express themselves effectively.

     

    Curriculum & Instruction:

    • In-depth study of literature, including American and World Literature
    • Development of analytical and argumentative writing skills
    • Research-based projects and college-level writing experiences
    • Public speaking and effective communication skills

     

    Assessment & Progress Monitoring:

    • New York State English Regents Exam in Grade 11
    • AP Seminar, AP English Language, and AP English Literature exams (for students enrolled in AP courses)

     

    Enrichment & Special Programs:

    • Honors-level English courses
    • Advanced Placement (AP) courses: AP Seminar, AP English Language, and AP English Literature
    • Creative writing, journalism, and public speaking electives
    • Summer reading requirements for students in Honors and AP courses

    Graduation Requirements:

    • Students must earn four credits in English coursework
    • A passing score (65 ) on the NYS English Regents Exam is required for graduation

     

    Please refer to the Mt. Sinai Course Offering Guide for a detailed description of specific high school ELA courses, including prerequisites and course content.

AIS Reading Support

Mount Sinai follows a Response to Intervention (RTI) model to provide targeted instructional support for students requiring additional reading and writing help.

Intervention Services Include:

  • Academic Intervention Services (AIS) for identified students
  • Small group and individualized reading instruction