Smithtown students will experience a balance of literature and informational pieces designed to create opportunities for learners to engage with a variety of topics and texts, and have discussions about texts that support language development and knowledge building. The following are examples of literary and informational text types that could be used in classroom instruction: stories, drama, poetry, fiction, myths, graphic novels, nonfiction, biographies, autobiographies, and articles about science, art, history, and social studies. Information is typically displayed in charts, graphs, or maps, in both print and digital sources.
As students to develop their writing skills, they will use a variety of strategies to plan, revise, and strengthen their writing as they work independently and collaboratively to produce essays, poems, short stories, narratives, and other written projects. In all writing tasks, students will learn to use and to adjust language to best communicate ideas, content, and message to readers. All students should be clear on the distinction between conversational and academic language and their purposes and use. As part of their writing development, students will continue to learn about how technology and digital tools for writing can increase learning and communication.
Please see the Lifelong Practices for Readers and Writers for examples of important lifelong writing habits that should begin in the early years and continue through life.
In order to accomplish these goals, teachers in Smithtown use the AP College Board SpringBoard English Language Arts Curriculum across the district. Each grade level has common embedded assessments in each of the four quarters.
Accountable Independent Reading (AIR)
Students will be required to read independently. Throughout the year students will select an independent reading book. Reading will take place at both home and school. Students should read a minimum of 140 minutes per week (an average of 20 minutes per day).
NYS Next Generation ELA Standards
ELA Department Grading Policy
Category 1: Assessments 70%
Category 2: Independent Practice/Collaborative Activities 25%
Category 3: Homework 5%