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English Language Arts/Literacy

“Acquiring literacy is an empowering process, enabling millions to enjoy access to knowledge and information which broadens horizons, increases opportunities and creates alternatives for building a better life.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ~ Kofi Annan

As per the Education Quality Standards (EQS), Vermont uses the Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy as laid out by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades K-12 and the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS) for prekindergarten through grade 3. The CCSS breaks literacy skills down into the following areas: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language. Each of these College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards is further broken down into grade level strands. Recognizing the importance of building literacy across the curriculum, the CCSS also outlines literacy skills in history, social studies, science, and technical subjects. Students who become proficient in the CCSS for English Language Arts and Literacy develop the literacy skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college, career, and life.

New Learning Management System: Pepper 

The Agency of Education is pleased to introduce Vermont’s new learning management system, Pepper, and the first of a six-module literacy learning series, Building a Strong Foundation for Lifelong Literacy Success. 

Evidence-Based Literacy Practices 

The following documents provide information about evidence-based practices recommended in the What Works Clearinghouse/IES Practice Guides, specifically Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade, Improving Reading Comprehension in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade, and Preparing Young Children for School. These practice guides present recommendations that were developed by a panel of literacy experts based on reviews of research, practitioner experiences, and expert opinions. Click on each evidence-based practice to learn more about the ESSA level of evidence, how to carry out the recommendation, and connections to Literacy Essential Practices

Grades K-3 

Foundational Skills 

Comprehension 

Prekindergarten 

Section List

A Vermont Portrait of a Graduate Through English Language Arts

Spotlight on Equity Resources

Newsletters

English Language Arts Resources

Performance Assessment and Project-Based Learning Resources

Proficiency-Based Learning Resources

Websites and Sources for Further Reading

A Vermont Portrait of a Graduate Through English Language Arts

The ability to engage in respectful discourse, to effectively express oneself while listening and responding to diverse perspectives, is an important skill for any global citizen. Literacy skills are also essential when thinking about lifelong learning. Students can gain experience toward proficiency in these aspects of a Vermont Portrait of a Graduate (PoG) and more through English Language Arts (ELA).

The Vermont Framework for Proficiency: English Language Arts Literacy description serves as a foundation on which to build English Language Arts Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements, Critical Proficiencies, and Priority Performance Indicators. 

A Vermont Portrait of a Graduate Through English Language Arts

Information about how the six attributes of a Vermont PoG can be addressed through ELA can be found below. 

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Spotlight on Equity Resources

Educational equity means that every student has access to the resources, opportunities, and educational rigor they need at the right moment in their education, whatever their race, gender/identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, language, ability, family background, or family income may be. (Adapted from CCSSO, Leading for Equity.) The Spotlight on Equity Resource below provides a list of considerations and resources for the purpose of supporting equity and access while emphasizing high-quality and culturally sustaining learning opportunities for all students.

Professional Learning Resources

Newsletters

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English Language Arts Resources

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Performance Assessment and Project-Based Learning Resources

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Proficiency-Based Learning Resources

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Websites and Sources for Further Reading

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Questions?

Email Emily Leute.