Program Overview

At the primary level, students build the foundational literacy skills that support future academic success and lifelong learning. Grounded in the Science of Reading, instruction emphasizes oral language, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and written expression while fostering a love of reading and writing.

The district utilizes the Literacy Collaborative (LC) instructional framework, which integrates reading, writing, and language instruction through interactive and student-centered learning experiences.

Instructional Practices

• Interactive read-alouds and shared reading

• Explicit phonemic awareness and phonics instruction

• Guided reading and small-group instruction

• Independent reading and writing

• Vocabulary and language development

• Writing workshop and storytelling

• Literacy integrated across all content areas

Core Programs & Supports

• Literacy Collaborative (LC)

• Heggerty Phonemic Awareness

• Fountas & Pinnell resources

• Reading Recovery

• Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI)

• Orton-Gillingham support services

• Acadience literacy assessments

Grade-Level Highlights

Kindergarten

Students develop early literacy skills through oral language, phonemic awareness, letter and sound recognition, beginning decoding, storytelling, and emergent reading and writing experiences.

Grade 1

Students strengthen decoding, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing while developing confidence and independence as readers and writers.

Grade 2

Students expand comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and written communication while applying foundational literacy skills to increasingly complex texts and authentic writing experiences.

Program Overview

At the intermediate level, students transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” Students apply and strengthen foundational literacy skills as they engage with increasingly complex literary and informational texts. Instruction emphasizes comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, analytical thinking, discussion, and evidence-based writing across all content areas.

Students are encouraged to think critically, communicate effectively, and develop independence as readers, writers, and researchers while making meaningful connections across content areas.

Instructional Practices

• Reading and writing workshop

• Literary and informational text analysis

• Vocabulary and comprehension development

• Narrative, informational, and argumentative writing

• Research and inquiry-based learning

• Speaking, listening, and collaborative discussion

• Literacy instruction across all content areas

Core Programs & Supports

• HMH Into Reading

• i-Ready Diagnostic 

• Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessments

• Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI)

• Orton-Gillingham support services

• Academic Intervention Services (AIS)

Grade-Level Highlights


Grade 3

Students build reading stamina while strengthening comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and paragraph-based writing through increasingly complex literary and informational texts.

Grade 4

Students develop analytical reading and evidence-based writing skills through increasingly complex literary and informational texts, while strengthening discussion and research skills.

Grade 5

Students strengthen critical thinking, research, discussion, and written communication while preparing for the increased independence and rigor of middle school.

Program Overview

The Bay Shore Middle School English Language Arts program builds upon students' foundational literacy skills while preparing them for the increased rigor and independence of high school. Through meaningful reading, writing, speaking, listening, and collaborative learning experiences, students strengthen critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills, while developing their own voices as readers and writers.

Students engage with a diverse range of literary and informational texts while developing skills in close reading, vocabulary development, evidence-based writing, discussion, research, and media literacy.

Instructional Practices

• Literary and informational text study

• Close reading and textual analysis

• Vocabulary and grammar instruction

• Evidence-based writing and argument development

• Research and inquiry projects

• Collaborative discussion and presentations

• Reading and writing workshop experiences

• Literacy connections across content areas

Assessment & Support

• New York State Grades 6-8 English Language Arts Assessments

• i-Ready Diagnostic

• Academic Intervention Services (AIS)

• Response to Intervention (RTI)

• Literacy support services during and after school

Grade-Level Highlights


Grade 6

Grade 6 English Language Arts utilizes a modified Reading and Writing Workshop model within an extended instructional block. Students strengthen foundational literacy skills while developing greater independence in reading, writing, organization, and academic discussion.

Grade 7

Students continue to strengthen analytical reading and evidence-based writing through literary and informational texts across a variety of genres. Instruction emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication.

Grade 8

Students refine critical thinking, argument writing, research, and independent literacy skills while preparing for the increased rigor and independence of high school and increasingly complex reading and writing tasks.

Enrichment Opportunities

• BSMS News Crew

• BSMS Newspaper Club

• The "Write" Way Creative Writing Club

• Poetry Month celebrations

• Writing contests

• Annual Spelling Bee

Program Overview

The Bay Shore High School English Language Arts program prepares students for college, careers, and lifelong learning through rigorous and engaging literacy experiences that foster critical thinking, effective communication, creativity, and student voice.

Students engage with both classic and contemporary literature while developing advanced reading, writing, research, presentation, and media literacy skills.

Instructional Practices

• Literary and rhetorical analysis

• Independent reading and writing

• Evidence-based argument writing

• Research and inquiry-based learning

• Media literacy and digital communication

• Collaborative discussion and seminar-style learning

• Public speaking and presentation skills

• Creative and analytical writing experiences

Course Opportunities

• Grade-level English courses

• Humanities Program (integrated English, Social Studies, and Art) 

• Honors-level courses

• AP English Language & Composition

• AP English Literature & Composition

• International Baccalaureate (IB) English courses

• Elective courses in journalism, creative writing, literature, and media studies

Assessment & Support

• New York State English Regents Examination

• Literacy Skills/AIS support courses

• Regents preparation and review opportunities

• Skills-based intervention and academic support

Student Publications & Enrichment Opportunities

• The Maroon Echo Newspaper

• Bay Shore Buzz Student News Broadcast

• The Writers’ Block Art & Literary Magazine

• Ethnic Pen Student Writers’ Conference

• Journalism, broadcasting, and media production opportunities

• Creative writing clubs, publications, and contests

• Participation in regional and national writing competitions, including the NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing

• Black History Month celebrations and student showcases

• College essay mentoring and writing support

• Visiting authors, poets, and performers