English Language Arts 

The District 97 K-5 English Language Arts curriculum is based on a balanced literacy framework. Balanced literacy is a model for instruction and a framework for organizing literacy instruction. The framework includes Read Alouds, Shared Reading and Writing, Independent Reading and Writing, Interactive Reading and Writing and Guided Reading in small groups. Instruction is delivered in a workshop model. Click here to learn more about early literacy instruction in District 97 >>

Curricular Resources in Reading

  • Heggerty Phonemic Awareness
  • Lexia
  • Moby Max
  • Leveled and Classroom Libraries
  • RAZ kids
  • Reading Units of Study

Curricular Resources in Writing

  • Handwriting Without Tears
  • Writing Units of Study 

Curricular Resources in Word Study

  • UFLI
  • Words Their Way
  • Phonics Units of Study

English Language Arts (6-8)

Mission Statement:

District 97 Middle School graduates will be able to read increasingly challenging texts and to communicate effectively for a variety of purposes, in a variety of mediums, in order to think critically about complex concepts that arise in our diverse and changing society. District 97 English Language Arts Middle School teachers will embrace student curiosity and work to develop reflective lifelong learners who understand that listening to different perspectives can add value to their own.

ELA 6-8 Learning:

The skills and knowledge captured in the Illinois Learning Standards for ELA are embedded in the middle school ELA units creating a supportive and engaging learning environment while also implementing the three key shifts in the focus of ELA standards and literacy instruction:

  • 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

The units 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.