We have expanded our research-based best practices in reading instruction. We have also started the work necessary to prepare our staff to implement a dynamic reading program that will significantly increase time for teaching reading as well as students’ independent reading. These elementary years are the time when students build up their reading skills and develop important habits. Research has shown that the amount of reading students do is related to increased achievement. The approach we are adopting in the West Islip School District combines explicit teaching in small groups (guided reading), intensive phonics as well as word study, and a large amount of independent reading. Teachers select books that students can read successfully and, through instruction, gradually increase the level of difficulty and variety. Teachers also instruct students on how to select independent “just right” books to help readers build effective reading strategies and a love of reading.

The district has purchased leveled libraries for grades 2 through 5 to support this approach. Teachers will be implementing a new approach to spelling known as word study. Word study is the term used to describe a variety of practices, including phonics, vocabulary and spelling. Word Study is an alternative to traditional spelling instruction. It is based on learning word patterns rather than memorizing unconnected words. Children may have different spelling words based on individual needs. Word study provides students with the opportunities to talk about, think about, manipulate, investigate and understand patterns in words. This method of spelling instruction is designed to build word knowledge that can be applied to reading, writing and spelling. Teachers in grades K-3 will be using lessons and strategies from Fountas and Pinnell’s, Phonics Lessons: Letters, Words and How They Work to guide their word study instruction.

Curriculum is being designed to enhance the learning opportunities being created by the MST/greenhouses at the elementary level and the Global Communications Center at the high school. The high school is home to an Academic Learning Center, which provides necessary support to students working to meet the new graduation requirements.