Overview:

The English Language Arts and Reading Departments in Seaford Schools are dedicated to mastery of all aspects of literacy: reading, writing, listening, speaking, as well as an appreciation of effective inter-personal communication skills. Mastery of these skills comprises the framework for the language arts program in Seaford. Using the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards as a guide, we teach students to read, achieve fluency, comprehend and appreciate literature in all genres and non-fiction texts. We teach various forms of writing: narrative, descriptive, memoir, expository, argument, and research. We emphasize the value of close textual analysis using text-based evidence and higher-order thinking skills to master and interpret the written word. The goal of the reading and English Language Arts departments is to provide literacy skills development across the grades; mindful of the specific needs of each student. Accordingly, we offer courses, grade-level curricula, and academic intervention support services for those in need of remediation. The ultimate learning goal of our language arts program is to prepare students for college and careers.

Elementary:

The Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP) is our reading and writing instructional program in grades K-5 (see our units of study chart below). The TCRWP supports our students in becoming enthusiastic, avid and skilled readers, writers, and inquirers. Through the implementation of rigorous units of study in reading and writing, teachers work shoulder-to-shoulder with students individually, in small groups, and in whole-class settings. Our teachers collaborate closely with fellow teachers, school leaders, and the Teachers College staff developers. The TCRWP curriculum is well known for having established state-of-the-art tools and methods for teaching reading and writing in an effective, appropriately sophisticated, and engaging manner.

In addition to the TC curriculum, the Fundations Program is implemented in kindergarten through grade two. The Fundations curriculum addresses phonemic awareness, phonics, word study, reading fluency, vocabulary, comprehension strategies, handwriting, and spelling. 

Students enrolled in a reading intervention program who meet specific criteria, use Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) as the primary intervention program. In certain circumstances, the Wilson Reading System is used with students who meet specific criteria—along with a recommendation from the Office of Pupil Personnel Services, in consultation with the school administrator.

Middle School:

With exception of the Teachers College writing curriculum in grades 6 & 7, our English language arts curriculum at the middle school focuses on reading, writing, listening, and speaking through teacher-designed units of study following the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards in English Language Arts.  Over their years in middle school, students are exposed to many different genres in literature, English language grammar, and learn about the different purposes and requirements for writing and effective communication.  The ultimate learning goal of the middle school language arts program is to prepare students for the English coursework and expectations at the high school level. When necessary, reading support is provided through ELA Labs and/or Learning Labs on each grade level.

High School:

With the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards as a guide, the English teachers provide students with instruction in effective written and oral communication, lifetime vocabulary building and good reading habits, appreciation for the arts, and the development of research competencies for success beyond high school. Additionally, the department’s curriculum design encourages students’ awareness of great literature and notable authors through activities that promote higher-level thinking and the development of literacy and research skills that apply to all curriculum areas. Since language is essential to all disciplines, the English language arts staff believes that a strong foundation in the English language arts will enable students to construct their own understanding in other subject areas as well as their future fields of endeavor. Specific courses and other valuable information pertaining to the high school English Department can be found on the district website  and in the Seaford High School Course Handbook.