Gotta Keep Reading at BEA!
(See a great video of students and reading)

A balanced comprehensive reading and writing program has been implemented in our District since 1999, which includes the following components:  read alouds, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, word wall/word study, shared writing, interactive writing, guided writing (writer's workshop), and independent writing.  In order to meet the goal of getting all BEA students reading on grade level, all of these components are included in our daily instruction. 

In grades K-3 there is a Language Arts block of time.  The following time recommendation is presented as a guide to enable all students to be successful readers and writers.  Different time combinations of the seven areas are used by our teachers.

Through the above components the Pennsylvania Standards of Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening will be included in our daily instruction.  Click here  for a summary of the balanced literacy components. 

Reading is taught in both whole group and small group settings.  During whole group instruction, all students are instructed to the Pennsylvania Standards of Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.  In guided reading (small group) instruction is where students practice the standards, read at their level, and demonstrate to their teacher which reading strategies and skills are under control.  Guided reading has been implemented in K-3.  A guided reading group is implemented for students in grades 4-6 who read below grade level.  As students progress up the reading continuum, Literature Circles also play an important role in a balanced reading program.

The anthology and the District's literature novels are used to teach the PA Standards.  Some of these literature novels may be used in a guided reading group too, because they have been leveled according to Fountas and Pinnell's guided reading levels.