Programs

Achieve 3000:  a web-based, individualized learning program that uses online, summative assessment tools to differentiate language arts instruction and to improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills among struggling learners.

America’s Choice Middle School Author and Genre Studies Writing Core Assignments:  a writing institute facilitated by America’s Choice that continues to provide a deeper understanding of the writing component of a balanced literacy program.   

Balanced Literacy Initiative: The District Literacy Team plans and implements intensive staff development at all levels in balanced literacy throughout the school year including the summer program. The District Literacy Team plans and conducts training sessions on all aspects of the Balanced Literacy Program as detailed and described in the Department of Education Literacy Instructional Guides.

ECLAS and ELA Scoring
The District Literacy Team in conjunction with the District Assessment Liaison facilitates training in administering and scoring of all Standardized Testing ELA.

Fundations (Grades K-3) and Wilson Language Programs (Grades 4-12):  multi-sensory Orton-Gillingham based programs that provide skill development in phonics, fluency, phonemic awareness, vocabulary and spelling and decoding.  

Library Media:  the Literacy coach for Library Media Programs will continue to support schools in the establishment and use of school libraries, promote library media programs, and oversee the RIF Program.  Identified teachers will participate in central and district-wide professional development activities to build a knowledge base, as well as how to create partnerships with public and specialized libraries.

Literacy Navigator:  a research based intervention program designed to help students in grades 4-10 who struggle with reading and comprehending informational text and who have difficulties on state reading tests through mastery of the key comprehension concepts needed for students to succeed as they move up grade levels.

Literacy Standards: The District 75 Literacy Team participated in citywide Literacy Standards training for primary, elementary, middle and secondary schools. In collaboration with the National Center on Education and the Economy, we have provided professional development in standards-based classrooms in Reading and Writing, as well as Looking at Student Work. This effort has resulted in collections of standards-based student work in the area of writing.

MeVille to WeVille: A literacy program that systematically integrates reading, writing, speaking, augmentative communicating and listening for students with cognitive disabilities.

PBIS/Literacy Collaboration: Through a district initiative, Infusing Character Education into Literacy Instruction, the district will use literature as the vehicle to aid students in developing respect, responsibility , compassion and will support the development of thoughtful decision makers and critical thinkers. PBIS/Literacy Collaborative Initiative. Collaborative visits to schools by PBIS and Literacy coaches will take place to support schools in the implementation of this initiative.

Ramp Up To Literacy: designed to help students entering grades 6 or 9 become proficient readers. Program supports the infusion of metacognitive reading strategies through the Read-Aloud Think-Aloud protocol.

Read 180:  an intensive reading intervention program designed to meet the needs of students whose reading achievement is below proficiency and addresses the individual needs through adaptive and instructional software, high-interest literature, and direct instruction in reading skills.

SMILE: is a highly structured, multi-sensory program that engages complex learners in a sequential program beginning with attention and imitation tasks, through phoneme and syllable learning, noun vocabulary, additional vocabulary including verbs, adjectives and adverbs, going on to simple sentences and then short stories. It has proved highly successful with students ranging from preschool through high school age who do not speak, read or write. Schools can request access to the ARIS SMILE community by contacting Raizy Blau at RBlau@schools.nyc.gov.

Star Reporter: Theme based materials designed for students with disabilities to assume roles of newspaper editors, reporters, researchers, writers, and photographers – they learn to socialize, interact, and communicate individually, as well as in large and small groups.

Storytelling:  A district-wide storytelling festival will take place for the first time in District 75.  A workshop titled "Storytelling, Critical Literacy and Creative Drama" will be offered, which will examinee how storytelling and creative drama can be used as tools to help develop students’ critical literacy and assist them in becoming more fluent and skilled readers and writers. These approaches are immensely engaging for students, allowing them to demonstrate understanding of character, to build language skills and share their points of view. In addition emotional development is enriched as students build self-esteem through performance, apply story messages to their own lives and appreciate diversity and cultures other than their own. A main focus of the workshop will be teaching students how to tell stories using appropriate voice, gestures and facial expressions. Attendees will be requested to organize a storytelling festival in their schools. A district-wide storytelling festival will be the culminating event in which representatives from each school will be invited to share their stories.

Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Project: District 75 will continue to support 14 K-8 schools though onsite coaching and study groups with a focus on the effective implementation of the Writer’s Workshop and the District 75 K-12 Units of Study in Reading and Writing.  Ongoing support includes monthly calendar days at Teacher’s College, establishing collaboration with the assigned mentor school and participating in school inter-visitations. 

The Writers’ Express (WEX): Uses writing to develop literacy skills through step-by-step lessons on how to create classroom routines and instill learning habits for students in grades 3-12.