English

The Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) is aligned to the New York State ELA standards. Each course is designed to develop students' reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through a variety of engaging and challenging activities. Our courses emphasize class discussion, research, and writing. Throughout the year, students explore a wide range of texts, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama, to build their understanding of literary elements, language use, and critical thinking. The workshop model is used to teach and enhance our students skills in narrative, informational, and argumentative writing.

In English Language Arts, Bronxville Middle works with Advancing Literacy from Teachers College. This follows a workshop model of instruction, where students are taught a mini lesson, approximately 8-12 minutes in length, then have the opportunity to practice the skill modeled by the teacher in reading or writing. All three grades focus on units in argumentative, informational, creative, and personal narrative writing.

Reading units of study focus on fiction and nonfiction in every grade. The books read as a class vary per grade. The students are exposed to a wide variety of literature, including but not limited to novels, short stories, poetry, and memoirs. While some books are read together as a class, students do have choice in their book clubs as to what they read. All three grade levels also have an monthly independent reading requirement.

Grammar instruction is provided as needed in every grade at Bronxville Middle School. As part of our curriculum design for grammar, teachers in grades 6-8 come together to identify the most urgent grammar conventions necessary for each grade. Grammar is taught through direct instruction and the students' own writing.

Renaissance STAR assessments, a nationally normed assessment that measures proficiency, is given three times per year. In addition, common grade level assessments given throughout the year provide key data in identifying student progress throughout the year. Teachers are supported through ongoing professional development in their work throughout the year.