English Language Arts
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Dr. Mary Albanese-Montero | Gladys Candelaria |
ELA (6-8) & Library Media | ELA (6-8) & Library Media |
201-915-6076 | 201-369-3722 |
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Erika Schulz | Maria Ameruoso |
ELA 9-12 | ELA K-5 |
201-915-6154 | 201-915-6154 |
The English Language Arts program in grades K-12 is designed to prepare all students to read, write, speak, listen, and use language effectively in a variety of content areas and to promote the literacy skills and concepts required for college and career readiness in multiple disciplines. The skills and knowledge acquired from the ELA/literacy program are designed to prepare students for life outside the classroom. They include critical-thinking skills and the ability to closely and attentively read texts in a way that will help them understand and enjoy complex works of literature. Students will learn to use cogent reasoning and evidence collection skills that are essential for success in college, career, and life.
Curriculum Overview
Grades K-5
Reading Street is a research-based, comprehensive language arts program with six units of instruction developed around a concept or big idea related to social studies content area learning. At each grade level, the weekly lesson plans have been organized into a routine of whole group, small group, and independent work. There are three instructional purposes or sections for each literacy block: Get Ready to Read/Content Knowledge, Read and Comprehend/Text-Based Comprehension, and Language Arts/Writing. Writing instruction, like reading instruction, is explicit and systematic. Through the use of mentor texts, mini-lessons, independent writing instruction, guided writing for flexible groups, and ongoing investigations that allow students to explore cross-curricular activities.
Grades 6 - 8
The Jersey City Language Arts 6-8 balanced literacy model consists of a 90-minute block. The block is divided into two sections, which includes a reading and writing workshop. During the reading workshop, instruction is provided to students in whole and small group settings. Additionally, students are given opportunities to practice critical reading skills and strategies independently. The writing workshop begins with a teacher directed mini-lesson followed by independent and/or assisted writing practice and concluding with group reflections.
Grades 9 - 12
The district English Language Arts curricula for grades 9-12 consists of both classic and contemporary literature with an assortment of various genres, cultures, and time periods. The writing discourses support argumentative, informative, analysis, and narrative writing, as well as creative and reflective writing. These tasks are supported with district rubrics that have been implemented to align to the NJSLA student assessment.
Course Offerings Grades 9-12
English Language Arts Core Courses |
Elective Courses |
Advanced Placement Courses |
ELA 1/ELA 1 Honors |
African American Literature |
AP Capstone |
ELA 2/ELA 2 Honors |
Applied Journalism |
AP Language and Composition |
ELA 3/ELA 3 Honors |
Critical and Creative Writing |
AP Literature and Composition |
ELA 4/ELA 4 Honors |
Mythology |
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ShakespeareShakespeare
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World Literature |
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District Programs
Grades K-5 Reading Street
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Grades 6-12 |
High Frequency Words |
Holt McDougal Literature |
Literary and Informational Texts |
Lesson Resources |
Close Reading |
Student Text |
Digital Resources |
Literature and Reading |
Phonemic Awareness and Phonics |
Writing and Grammar |
Amazing Words (Tier 2) |
Vocabulary |
Writing/ Conventions Mini-lessons |
Media and Vocabulary |
Test Prep |
The core programs in grades K-5 and 6-12 provide explicit instruction on literary genre & elements, writing genre, reading strategies, vocabulary, writing strategies and writing convention within the Reading & Writing Workshop structure. Teachers conduct read/write/think-alouds to model strategic thinking/reading/writing. Teachers work along with students to offer guided practice, and students work independently to practice on their own and to demonstrate understanding.
The BIG READ citywide book club.
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Princeton Summer Journalism Program
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Student Opportunities
- Jersey City Public Schools has a partnership with Dramatic Impact. It is an in-school literacy program, helping young students become better readers and writers, as well as, socially mature individuals.
- College Board Student Ambassador Program : grades 9-12. Click the link to view the 2018-2019 Jersey City Public Schools District video! Get involved in the College Board Student Ambassador Program at your High School.
- Poetry Out Loud - National Recitation Contest: grades 9-12. Click the link to view a video of winner , Joseph G. Kim Sexton, from the 2019 contest.
- Poetry Out Loud - National Recitation District Contest : grades 6-8. Get involved at your school.
Resources
Website |
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Description |
ID# Birthday (no leading 0) |
ADAM/DOMA/DORA testing Platform for LGL,MYON, and Learning.com CENTER ACTIVITIES |
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Last name ID# ID# |
Pearson K-5 Reading, Science and Social Studies Curriculum JCPS-INT |
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Students should use their jcpsnj.org email with the same password as the email. This is the student id number@jcpsnj.org. |
HOLT 6-8 Language Arts |
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First Initial, last name Personal password |
Online Attendance and Grade Book |
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ID#@jcpsnj.org |
Google Platform |