On Friday, September 29, 2023, between 6 and 8 p.m., City Schools will be updating our technology infrastructure. This maintenance may cause intermittent service disruptions to all City Schools' technology services. This includes any systems that require internet access and cloud-based services. Please plan accordingly.
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City Schools' elementary students engage in literacy instruction that supports reading skill development, and builds vocabulary and content knowledge.
Maryland's Ready to Read Act and Code of Maryland Regulation 13A.03.08
The Ready to Read Act ensures that each school system screens students to identify those at risk for reading difficulties, including:
- Students in Kindergarten and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students who were not previously screened
- Students entering or transferring to a public school who do not demonstrate difficulty mastering grade-level reading.
The Maryland law also states that if results show a risk of reading difficulties, students should receive supplemental reading instruction in areas of need. City Schools' curriculum and approach to reading instruction exceeds the requirements of the Ready to Read Act.
Learn more about the Ready to Read Act and your child's instructions.
City Schools’ Approach
Reading Screener
City Schools has used the DIBELS assessment for over ten years, including the most recent version, DIBELS 8th Edition. DIBELS is as an indicator of students’ performance on key reading skills. The content of the DIBELS assessment is provided by the Center on Teaching & Learning at the University of Oregon.
Educators give the assessment through the digital platform, Amplify mClass. DIBELS 8 is given three times a year (beginning, middle, end). Educators share results and home activities through Home Connect Letters.
Instruction
Students engage in instruction that builds the foundation of reading, for a life time of success. City Schools' educators use various resources, including:
- Whole class instruction with phonemic awareness (via Heggerty), Phonemic Awareness and phonics (via Wilson Fundations).
- Small group instruction utilizing resources from Amplify mClass, Amplify Reading, and with Wit & Wisdom Geodes.
- Individual learning through Amplify Reading, a digital platform for all students to support their unique areas for growth.
