MARSD provides the following programs for their students:

 

iRead – iRead is a new digital foundation reading program designed to close the achievement gap and place students on a predictable path to college and career readiness. This research-based system personalizes learning, gives students books to read that are tailored to their level, provides small group instruction, and utilizes a computer program that challenges them to improve. iRead is organized around five foundational principles to deliver the highest quality early reading instruction. They key principles of the iRead program include:· A personalized learning progression for each child.· Embedded assessment that ensures children are taught to mastery.· The best thinking from cognitive science and gaming theory.· Technology that complements what teachers do best and enables them to maximize efficiency.· An engaging, supportive environment for children and their families.

 

System 44 – System 44 is a proven foundational reading program designed to meet the needs of your most challenged readers in Grades 3-12+. System 44 was originally designed for special education students and has a proven track record of raising reading achievement for the hardest to reach students, including those with learning disabilities. System 44 includes direct alignments to a Response to Intervention (RTI) as well as a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) approach.

 

Read 180 –READ 180 is a comprehensive system of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development proven to raise reading achievement. Designed for any student reading two or more years below grade-level, READ 180 leverages adaptive technology to individualize instruction for students and provides targeted data for teachers. This research-based system personalizes learning by providing students books that are tailored to their individual level, engages students in small group instruction, and utilizes a computer program that challenges them to improve.

 

Readers and Writers Workshop - According to the August 2015 English Language Arts & Social Studies curriculum guide, “The goal of the MARSD English Language Arts curriculum is to cultivate classrooms that provide a purposeful educational climate that encourages the development of students’ language arts skills, responsibility, and critical thinking skills to prepare for college and career readiness.”At the Elementary Level our K-5 English Language Arts curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards and the New Jersey Model Curriculum Framework. The English Language Arts curriculum is integrated with the Social Studies Common Core State Standards. Students are assessed throughout integrated units with signpost rubric assessments and performance assessments. Reading growth is assessed using the Diagnostic Reading Assessment-2, as well as standardized assessments. English Language Arts instruction expands to all content areas, incorporating nonfiction text including, but not limited to, various topics studied in Social Studies and Science. Student learning is based on a balanced literacy model of instruction that includes lessons in reading, writing, word study, grammar, speaking, and listening. Students engage in both whole group and small group instructional settings. Structured mini-lessons from the Fountas and Pinnell Phonics & Word Study program is embedded within the English Language Arts curriculum. These mini lessons are targeted toward language principles within K-2. This program is utilized to enhance learning through demonstrative and explicit phonics instruction. Reading instruction follows a workshop model where teachers use authentic literature to demonstrate reading strategies at the focus lessons. Within the workshop model, teachers use a variety of instructional strategies including shared reading, mini lessons, guided reading, and independent reading to foster student growth in literacy.The Writer’s Workshop model of writing instruction allows teachers to guide students to becoming proficient writers. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation instruction is embedded in each student's writing. Students focus on the authentic and ongoing process of writing instead of a written product. Students learn how to approach different purposes and forms of writing. The ultimate goal of Writers Workshop is to teach the writer, not the writing. So, as students improve their skills, they can then apply them to all future writing. Students’ writing is assessed with rubrics and data derived from standardized assessments.

 

 

 

 

NOTE:  All information regarding MARSD Programs was provided to Parents of Special People, Inc. by the MARSD Special Services Dept., Feb 2016