Academics → English Language Arts

English Language Arts

Vision:

We envision an excellent, equitable education in English Language Arts (ELA) for all students in Montgomery County, in which EVERY:

• student is equipped with the language and literacy skills needed to be successful while receiving instruction tailored to their individual needs and opportunities to see themselves in texts in a meaningful way that promotes joy and affirmation across all content areas.
• teacher and paraeducator has the expertise to assess student needs, identify areas for growth, and deliver explicit instruction grounded in research-based pedagogy. This expertise also includes best practices and a deep understanding of the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards, or Alternate Achievement Standards for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Educators support all learners in acquiring critical language and literacy skills while addressing how implicit bias impacts teaching and assessment, and work to disrupt its harmful effects.
• leader has the skills and knowledge to coach and support teachers to effectively meet the needs of all students.
• parent/caregiver has the resources and information to understand their child’s skills and progress in literacy, and how to support at home.

Mission:

The PK-12 ELA Team will ensure that every child is equipped with the literacy skills needed in order to be successful in their education and beyond by providing reading specialists, teacher leaders, teachers and administrators with the understanding they need through professional development related to the importance of equity, the acquisition of reading and writing skills, the implementation of schoolwide literacy models, and the ability to provide skilled and guided instruction.

Goal

All students receive instruction in grade-level content and skills, along with appropriate scaffolds and supports, in order to become skillful readers and communicators empowered to navigate an increasingly complex and information-rich world.

Resources

• Maryland College and Career Ready Standards
• Special Education Caregiver Resources
• MCPS Special Education Support Center
• ELD Caregiver Resources
• MCPS ELD Resource Page
• The National Clearinghouse for Language Acquisition has developed an English Learner Family Toolkit to help families choose education services that meet their child’s needs.