English & Literacy

Stafford County Public Schools' engaging literacy program is crafted to empower every student from their earliest days in kindergarten. We focus on laying a strong foundation in phonemic awareness and oral language skills, setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading and learning.

At Stafford Schools, we're dedicated to meeting the individual needs of every student. Parents and teachers collaborate to identify the best strategies for reading instruction. Through periodic assessments and tailored reading groups, we ensure each student receives the support they need to thrive. Specially trained paraprofessionals, overseen by our Reading Specialist, provide extra help for those reading below grade level.

Our comprehensive literacy curriculum emphasizes not just reading, but also comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and writing skills. We aim not only to educate but to foster a genuine passion for reading among our students. From phonics to independent reading, our program equips students with the tools for success.

Parental involvement is a cornerstone of our literacy program. Parents play an essential role as the primary influencers in their children's literacy journey. Together with teachers and specialists, we create a unified support system to maximize every child's potential.

Stafford County Public Schools offers a vibrant and engaging curriculum tailored for middle school students! Our approach to learning is comprehensive, ensuring a robust foundation in reading comprehension and vocabulary development throughout these formative years.

At Stafford Schools, we value each student's unique learning needs. We conduct regular reading assessments to identify areas that may need extra attention. Students who may need additional support receive personalized help recommended by our skilled Reading Specialist and delivered by their classroom teacher.

Our English/reading program is designed to cultivate a love for literature while honing crucial skills like writing, grammar, and comprehension. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of texts, including fiction and informational materials, to foster their independent reading skills. We emphasize direct instruction in writing, grammar, and editing to help students confidently express themselves through written work.

To gauge progress and ensure proficiency, students take Virginia Standards of Learning Assessments tailored for their grade level.

We deeply value parental involvement in our literacy program. Parents are celebrated as the primary influencers in their child's literacy journey. We encourage a strong partnership between parents, teachers, specialists, and other support staff to create an enriching and supportive learning environment for every student.

At our high schools, we've crafted an English Curriculum aimed at nurturing individuals who are proficient in reading with comprehension, critical thinking, effective communication through both writing and speaking, and collaborative teamwork. Our curriculum prioritizes four key areas for all students: communication and multimodal literacy, reading, writing, and research.

Student Placement Criteria

We recognize and honor the unique strengths of each student. Our instructional grouping is thoughtfully designed at every grade level. Decisions regarding student placement are made collaboratively, involving parents, guidance counselors, and English teachers. We consider various factors such as classroom performance, academic aspirations, and testing criteria to ensure students are appropriately challenged and prepared for the next English course.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Our high school English courses offer a comprehensive learning experience, emphasizing the development of literacy skills. Each level of our curriculum integrates reading diverse genres, including nonfiction, and delves into various aspects of literature. Reading and writing instruction at every grade level emphasizes vocabulary acquisition and application of standard language conventions. For those seeking an extra challenge, we offer Advanced Placement Literature and Composition and Dual Enrollment English in Grade 12, providing an opportunity to earn college credit. Students also engage in Virginia Standards of Learning End-of-Course Assessments in the eleventh grade.

Starting from Grade 10, students can explore and cultivate their skills through our diverse elective English offerings:

• Journalism - the school newspaper production course
• Photojournalism - the yearbook production course
• Creative Writing - the literary magazine production course
• Oral Communication - a public speaking course In each English course, students connect academic content to real-life experiences, fostering a deeper understanding.

Parent Involvement

We encourage parents to team up with our high school English teachers to ensure their child's success. At the beginning of each academic year, teachers provide a comprehensive course syllabus detailing expectations, grading methods, and classroom policies. For further information, parents can reach out to the individual school."

This version aims to maintain a friendly and engaging tone while highlighting the various aspects of the high school English Curriculum.