ACPS is adopting new reading instructional materials for grades K-5. The materials that are under consideration for the 2018-19 school year will be on display for public review at Central Office in the third-floor lobby and at Textbook Services, 604 S. Pickett Street, May 17 – 31, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. If you are a teacher, instructional specialist, coach or administrator serving students in grades K-5, you are invited to provide feedback on the materials.
Selected new resources will align with the ACPS Literacy Guidelines and complement existing supplemental reading materials available in current classrooms, e.g., classroom libraries.
These resources will be fully aligned with the ACPS Comprehensive Literacy Framework (Reading):
- Focus lesson/interactive read-aloud/shared reading
- Small group differentiated instruction:
- Guided reading
- Small group strategy coaching/conferring
- Literature circles
- Word study
- Accountable collaborative and independent literacy work
- Share/closure
- Literacy in the content areas
- Reading as an out-of-class assignment
The resources will support teachers in the rigorous instruction of the 2017 Virginia Standards of Learning. Any new reading program will include a strong emphasis on diversity and cultural relevance within selected program materials.
The proposed K-5 reading adoption will involve the review and selection of a comprehensive reading program that includes:
- Classroom libraries aligned with key unit themes designed to reinforce student choice and differentiation
- Materials to support mini-lessons, read alouds, shared reading, small-group instruction and independent reading
- Word study and phonics/phonemic awareness resources that include highly supportive instructional planning guides for the teacher
- Leveled texts to be used flexibly for small-group instruction, reading conferences and independent reading
- An emphasis upon authentic text
- Focus on foundational skills in reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, text comprehension, and metacognition) taught in context
- A strong emphasis on ensuring the cultural relevance of all selected materials
- Major focus upon differentiation (leveled texts and resources for addressing varying readiness levels)
- Electronic interactive activities accessible on ACPS technology, including Chromebooks
- Related support materials
Feedback forms and envelopes will be available at each site. You can submit feedback via ACPS mail to Dr. Anne Booth at Textbook Services or via email at anne.booth@acps.k12.va.us. The feedback will be compiled as part of the evaluation process.
All textbook adoptions are pending School Board approval. All textbook purchases are pending budget approval.
Questions? Please contact Instructional Coordinator for Textbooks and Library Media Services Dr. Anne Booth via email or phone at 703-212-4917 Ext. 11.