English Language Arts 

English Language Arts (K-5)

In District 97, the Illinois Learning Standards for English Language Arts guide what students learn and the skills they develop as readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. Our literacy instruction is grounded in evidence-based practices and aligned with the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan, which emphasizes the development of strong skills in oracy, phonological awareness, word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. Through high-quality curriculum, rich texts, meaningful conversations, and purposeful opportunities to read and write, students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to become thoughtful, engaged, and lifelong learners.

Mission Statement (K-5):

Elementary students in D97 will engage in hands-on, student-centered learning experiences that are authentic, meaningful and extend beyond the classroom. Our students will become reflective communicators, readers and writers through standards-aligned curriculum and instruction that includes phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, grammar, fluency, oracy, comprehension and writing. Students will be immersed in diverse texts that allow them to see themselves as well as the perspectives of others.

Curricular Resources (K-5):

  • Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts & Amplify Caminos (Primary Resource)
  • Heggerty Phonemic Awareness (Supplemental Resource)
  • University of Florida Literacy Institute Foundations Toolbox (Supplemental Resource)

English Language Arts (6-8)

In District 97, the skills and knowledge captured in the Illinois Learning Standards for English Language Arts (ELA) are embedded in the middle school ELA units creating a supportive and engaging learning environment while also implementing the components of the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan and the three key shifts in the focus of ELA standards and literacy instruction as outlined in the Illinois Learning Standards:

  • Building knowledge through content-rich nonfiction and informational texts
  • Reading, writing and speaking grounded in evidence from literary and informational text
  • Regular practice with complex text and its academic language

Mission Statement (6-8):

District 97 Middle School graduates will build a strong foundation in reading and writing that helps them tackle challenging texts, analyze complex ideas and think critically. They will use writing to process their thinking, deepen understanding and communicate effectively. Through active reading, thoughtful discussion and engagement with multiple perspectives, students will grow as curious, reflective, lifelong learners ready to navigate and contribute to our diverse and changing world.

Curricular Resources (6-8):

The ELA learning units of instruction focus on tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners, incorporating student text choice and voice and preparing students for life outside the classroom.