The reading component includes the Houghton Mifflin Language Arts Series, the LCSD Literature in Paperback Program, and approved supplemental texts. The skills and strategies are taught and assessed by the classroom reading teacher during whole group and flexible grouping a minimum of three times per week. The students' progress is monitored by using a variety of on-going assessments. The writing component consists of a daily assigned time for writing workshop . This is the time when the process of writing is taught.
Writing is assessed through teacher observation and rubrics.
Spelling is part of the writing process. Formal spelling instruction, through the use of both the Houghton Mifflin and the LCSD Spelling Program , is also provided. Classroom assessment is ongoing , and a district spelling evaluation is administered at the end of each year in grades two through six. The listening component consists of the teaching of specific listening skills and strategies. They are assessed by teacher observation and the evaluation of the student s written responses to a variety of oral presentations.