English Language Arts

 

At PVSD we take pride in our commitment to the use of evidence-based practices and the ongoing pursuit of excellence and inclusivity in education. When new research becomes available, we remain flexible and open to adapting our instructional methods; we read, discuss, and look at our students' data to continually refine our teaching methods and curriculum so as to better serve the evolving needs of our students. The current discussion on the "science of reading" has provided us with that opportunity. 

While many California school districts use a ‘balanced literacy’ approach, a change involving a compromise between whole-language, which focuses on whole words and making meaning, and structured literacy, which focuses on foundational skills such as phonics, is underway. The reality is that both phonics instruction and meaning-focused instruction are important for developing strong reading skills.

During the 2023-2024 school year PVSD continued to learn, research, collaborate, and develop a cohesive methodology for teaching reading that not only aligns with research-based practices and the California State Literacy Framework but also caters to the unique needs of each and every student at all grade levels. We engaged in a ELA instructional materials pilot and in May, 2024 we made a recommendation to the Board of Trustees to adopt a new core English Language Arts program for the 2024-2025 school year.

Core Materials

PVSD adopted Wonders for grades K-2, MyView for grades 3-5, and MyPerspectives for grades 6-8. Year 1 of implementation of the new materials will begin in August, 2024.

Supplemental Materials

Below is a list of some of the curriculum and resources that supplement the core program and may be used throughout student's ELA experience at Ormondale. 

• Heggerty
• Handwriting Without Tears
• Lexia Core
• IXL