English Language Arts

The goal of the English Language Arts curriculum in Freehold Township Schools is to provide students with opportunities to interact with high-quality literary and informational text, compose texts of various genres, and gain an understanding of the purpose of the conventions of the English language. 

Freehold Township uses a standards-based balanced literacy approach. To build a foundation for college and career readiness, students must read widely to deeply comprehend an array of genres. Through the use of literary and informational text, students learn about different cultures, different time periods, and gain knowledge of various text structures and elements. Students also learn how to apply the skills and strategies used in English Language Arts to other content areas. Students also acquire the skills of reading independently and critically. 

The literacy block consists of interactive read alouds, shared reading and writing experiences, word study, grammar instruction, reading and writing mini lessons, independent work, conferring, and small group instruction.  

In grades K-8 we utilize the Teachers College Units of Study in Reading and Writing as reading and writing resources to deliver curriculum and instruction. The units of study help teachers provide students with  targeted instruction, opportunities for practice, and measurable goals to allow them to meet the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and achieve success. 

In K-2, foundational reading instruction is delivered through the Teachers College Units of Study in Phonics. The lessons within the phonics units introduce high-leverage phonics concepts and strategies in a way that keeps pace with students' reading and writing and helps them understand when, how, and why they can use phonics to read and write. The lessons follow a research-based systematic approach in which concepts and skills are delivered through an engaging approach, encouraging students to transfer what they learn to their own reading and writing. 

Assessment in English Language Arts are both informal and formal. Informal assessments happen as teachers confer with students or meet with them in small groups and observe what students are doing well and what students are ready to learn.  Teachers collect data in a variety of ways including, anecdotal notes, checklists, or learning progressions, which give teachers feedback to plan targeted and differentiated instruction. More formal tools include pre- and post-assessments for each unit, benchmark assessments, genre writing pieces, and standardized assessments.