Academics & Curriculum for Elementary School
Literacy
WSSD values the science of reading as the research base informing the best practices for teaching literacy. This includes word recognition (decoding) and language comprehension. These two overarching components to literacy instruction include the teaching of word recognition skills through direct, systematic, and explicit phonics instruction as well as the teaching of literary elements that support language comprehension through the study of content that builds vocabulary, background knowledge, and understanding of language structures.
Below is a model of Scarborough's Reading Rope that visually represents how various elements of language and cognition work together to support reading development. The rope is a widely recognized framework developed by Dr. Hollis Scarborough in 2001 to illustrate the complex, interwoven components that contribute to skilled reading.
Scarborough's Reading Rope:
- Overview of Elementary Literacy
- Arts & Letters K-5
- Fundations Home Support Letters for K-2
- 95% Group Word Study Family Letters Grades 3-5
Overview of Elementary Literacy
Wallingford-Swarthmore School District’s Literacy Programming
- WSSD School Board approved materials in grades K-2:
- Heggerty (word recognition)
- FUNdations (word recognition)
- Geodes (word recognition/language comprehension)
- Arts & Letters (comprehension and writing)
- WSSD School Board approved materials in grades 3-5
- 95 Phonics Core Program (word recognition, adopted Fall 2024)
- Arts & Letters (comprehension and writing)
WSSD is committed to addressing the language comprehension component of literacy instruction through a language arts block that reflects the research that supports how children learn to read. We have adopted Great Minds' Arts & Letters, a comprehensive knowledge-building language arts program.
Arts & Letters K-5
Arts & Letters™ is a comprehensive English language arts (ELA) curriculum that launches students into a world of authentic texts and enthralling topics of discovery. An Arts & Letters classroom is brimming with curiosity as students collaborate and create rich learning experiences. They'll engage with information-rich texts, analyze exemplary writing models, probe essential questions, practice reading and writing skills, and connect their learning to the real world. As they progress, students build vocabulary, curiosity, confidence, and knowledge of the world. Knowledge has a multiplier effect. Literacy knowledge compounds as students progress through each grade level, increasing their ability to understand, explore, and make meaningful connections to the real world. In Arts & Letters, students explore interconnected, knowledge-building topics year after year, allowing them to integrate new skills, analyze ideas, and connect to topics across literature, the arts, social studies, and science.
Arts & Letters empowers all students to build knowledge and skills through productive struggle, engaging students through high expectations and offering opportunities for extension. Explore the resources below to learn how you can support your student's learning at home.
For more information, please click the links below:
Fundations Home Support Letters for K-2
Wilson Fundations (Grades K - 2) is a structured, multimodal approach to reading, spelling, and handwriting. This is a phonics-based program designed to help develop foundational literacy skills. Fundations is based on the Orton-Gillingham approach and aligns with the principles of Structured Literacy, emphasizing explicit, systematic, and cumulative instruction.
Fundations: https://www.wilsonlanguage.com/knowledge-library/programs/fundations/fundations-curriculum/
95% Group Word Study Family Letters Grades 3-5
The 95% Core Phonics program (Grade 3) and 95% Word Study Program (Grades 4 & 5), created by the 95 Percent Group, is a research-based instructional framework designed to support phonics and morphology instruction in 3-5 classrooms. It aims to ensure that at least 95% of students master the foundational skills necessary for proficient reading. The program is aligned with the principles of structured literacy and emphasizes explicit, systematic, and cumulative instruction.
To learn more visit: https://www.95percentgroup.com/
Math
WSSD educators from kindergarten through twelfth grade gathered and collaborated on best practices in math education. We arrived at a common vision for the mathematics program for the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District. We believe that children learn by doing, that productive struggle is a sign of learning, and that everyone is a mathematician. After researching available programs, meeting with vendors, and piloting several units of study, the team selected Reveal Math from McGraw Hill. We are confident that we have found a program that is aligned with Pennsylvania standards, prioritizes hands-on activities, and has plenty of resources to meet the needs of all learners.
For more information, please click the links below:
