English Language Arts Elementary

In TTSD, our vision is for every student to thrive in school and graduate prepared to succeed. Elementary reading instruction is foundational to this vision, as it plays a critical role in a child’s long-term academic success. The reading skills developed in elementary school not only open doors to content across all subject areas, but also strengthen language, writing, speaking, and listening. We also believe reading instruction should be fun, engaging, and hands-on for young learners.

When teaching students to read, their growth reflects the high expectations we hold for them. With this in mind, TTSD provides effective reading instruction through a research-based core curriculum aligned to the science of reading.

Key elements of TTSD’s elementary core reading instruction include:

• Daily instruction: 120 minutes per day, 5 days per week
• Equity for all learners: Every student receives core reading instruction, with lessons differentiated to meet individual needs and learning levels
• High-quality teaching: Instruction is delivered with fidelity by skilled and well-trained teachers
• Active engagement: Lessons incorporate explicit instructional routines, provide multiple opportunities for students to respond, and use strategies that keep learners involved and motivated
• Balanced approach: Both whole-group and small-group learning opportunities are include:

Instructional Resource(s)

Kindergarten - 5th Grade 

Amplify CKLA 3rd Edition c2025 Curriculum  

 Learning A to Z (Raz-Plus)
Raz-Plus is a comprehensive learning app that includes personalized resources for students. All K-5 students have access to a wide range of high-interest books in Raz-Plus. Teachers utilize Raz-Plus to strengthen the connection between what is being taught during core reading instruction and what students are practicing independently.

 i-Ready Personalized Instruction (MyPath)
All students have access to i-Ready MyPath. The MyPath lessons are based on their individual skill level and needs, so students can learn at a pace that is just right for them. MyPath lessons are fun and interactive to keep students engaged as they learn.

Reading Intervention Resources

TTSD utilizes a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and a Response to Intervention (RTI) framework to provide additional support for students in the area of reading.

The RTI process begins with early identification and support for students through universal screening of all children, along with high-quality core classroom instruction provided by the general education teacher.

We use Acadience Learning and i-Ready as universal screening tools. Students identified in the lowest 20% receive targeted reading interventions at increasing levels of intensity to accelerate their learning. These interventions are provided in addition to core reading instruction and may be delivered by classroom teachers, specialists, or instructional assistants.

Decisions about the intensity, type, and duration of interventions are based on each student’s response to instruction. Interventions are monitored regularly by the school MTSS team, and a student’s progress is considered when making decisions in both general education and special education.

Through this process, TTSD creates an integrated system of instruction and intervention guided by student outcome data.

Current research-based reading intervention programs include:

• Early Reading Intervention (ERI)
• SIPPS
• Phonics for Reading
• Heggerty
• ReadLive
• REWARDS
• Reading Mastery
• Corrective Reading

Contact Us:

Shawna Giesler - PK-6 Literacy / MTSS TOSA
503-431-3791
sgiesler@ttsd.k12.or.us

Laura Kintz - PK-5 Director of Teaching and Learning and Principals
503-431-4139
lkintz@ttsd.k12.or.us