Reading Curriculum
Core Reading Curriculum
Apogee School uses a combination of the most effective reading curricula backed by the science of reading for high-ability, gifted, and twice exceptional learners to form foundational reading skills. Not any one curriculum is an out-of-the-box fit for every student, so a multi-dimensional strategy is required.
All grades utilize novel studies for a deeper understanding of rhetorical devices and themes in literature. These studies are accompanied by exercises in vocabulary and grammar including Wordly Wise and Mrs. Wordsmith.
| Grade Levels | Academic Goals | Curricula |
|---|---|---|
K-2 | Students will develop phonemic awareness, an understanding of phonics, and reading comprehension equivalent to their current reading level or above. Students graduating 2nd grade will be able to read chapter books of at least a 3rd grade level. Students identified for dyslexia or reading disabilities will be offered in-class intervention and after school tutoring through the Orton-Gillingham program until the child is reaching grade level achievement or above.
| Novel Studies Mrs. Wordsmith |
3-4 | Students will continue developing reading comprehension and fluency at grade reading level or above. Students will increase vocabulary and their ability to read aloud in groups. Students will pass the ILEARN exam. By the time students graduate 4th grade, they will be reading novels at a 5th grade level or above. Orton-Gillingham tutoring will be arranged as needed for students who need additional support.
| Novel Studies Scholastic Success |
5-6 | Students will continue developing reading comprehension and fluency at grade reading level or above. Students will continue practicing reading independently. By the time students graduate 6th grade, they will be reading novels at a 7th grade level or above. | Novel Studies Worldly Wise- EPS School Specialty |
7-9 | Students will continue developing reading comprehension and fluency at grade reading level or above. Students will continue practicing reading independently and analyzing texts for figurative language and overarching themes. By the time students graduate 9th grade, they will be reading novels at a 10th grade level or above.
| Novel Studies |
Remediation
Though the majority of students come to our school with basic reading skills, and we have a 100% IREAD pass rate, we do serve students whose talents lie in other areas, such as math and science, and students with dyslexia who may require additional reading support. For students in grades K-4 who fit this description, we recommend additional Orton Gillingham tutoring with one of our OG certified instructors. We utilize Orton-Gillingham based publications (e.g., Totem and Talisaman series by Phonics Books) and resources to support these learners in advancing their reading abilities. Should you feel your child need access to this support, please reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher or the school principal for assistance.
Should you require additional information on our reading and language arts curriculum, please contact our principal, Dr. Green, at cgreen@apogeeschool.org.
