English Literacy Program

Fifth graders used their reading, writing and presentation skills to create these video book reviews for the younger students.

2012 Beverly Cleary Video Reviews.

The focus of The International School English Literacy program is to develop students’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills appropriate to grade level and maturity. Our English program is designed with the recognition that each child has his or her own time frame for successfully transferring literacy skills from one language to another. In other words, we have a normal range of children in a unique learning environment, an environment that asks us to have patience while nurturing the growth of English language competencies. Click below to see:

Curriculum Content Standards in Literacy
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The English Literacy Grade Level Standards are a series of benchmarks detailing what students should know and be able to do at the end of every academic year; they are based upon Oregon Statewide Educational Standards. With these Standards in mind, our English instructional program guides students while addressing individual learning needs. This instruction takes the form of reading and writing workshops and instructional modalities such as guided reading, shared reading, independent reading, literature circles, and process writing, to name a few. In addition, phonics instruction, vocabulary work, spelling, grammar, and penmanship are components of instruction.

Assessments
The English Literacy Department regularly assesses students’ needs and progress in English to tailor class instruction. Assessments check for reading comprehension, accuracy and fluency, as well as writing skills, vocabulary and conventions (punctuation, capitalization, grammar and penmanship). All students are assessed using the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) twice per year, timed readings each spring, and the 6 + 1 Traits of Writing throughout the year. Click here for the DRA benchmark evaluation sheet. Other benchmarks used include:

English Literacy Department – Special Events

Check the school calendar for dates and times of these curriculum enrichment events sponsored by The International School English Department in conjunction with other specialist departments:

  • Read in Your Pajamas Day celebrates readers of all ages. Parents, special friends, and children of all ages get cozy and read together.
  • Run for the Arts is a fundraising “run-a-thon” which pays for students to see plays that we study in class. (Co-sponsored by Art, Music & PE Departments.)
  • Dr. Seuss’ Birthday, hosted by the TIS Library Media Center, celebrates the creative world of this favored author. Students, teachers and parent volunteers enjoy a birthday bash during English class.
  • The English Literacy Fair engages students in interactive games and presentations put on by each English class.