English Language Arts Department

Literacy goes beyond reading and writing. Students engage in the full range of literacy practices: reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and presenting, while also developing the critical skills necessary to construct meaning, acquire knowledge, and communicate effectively. Grounded in the 2023 New Jersey Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts, our curriculum challenges students to think deeply, respond strategically, and prepare for college, careers, and participation in a diverse 21st-century society.

Instruction is designed to immerse students in authentic literacy experiences across content areas. Teachers provide a literacy-rich environment that reflects diverse cultures, encourages inquiry, and fosters independence through student choice. Generative AI tools are integrated into instruction to enhance these experiences. Teachers use AI to design differentiated lessons, provide immediate feedback, and generate resources tailored to student needs. Students use AI to brainstorm ideas, refine writing, analyze texts, and expand their worldviews. AI is positioned not as a replacement for critical thinking, but as a tool to support creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Our approach emphasizes purposeful reading and writing, ongoing formative assessment, and technology-enhanced practices that deepen engagement. Students are encouraged to conduct research, broaden their perspectives, and build knowledge through inquiry-based projects. By weaving together traditional literacy practices, the 2023 standards, and modern tools such as generative AI, we are cultivating learners who are prepared to thrive academically, socially, and professionally as confident, creative, and capable lifelong learners.

Race to Reading

🏁📚 Get Ready… It’s Time for the Race to Read! 📚🏁

The East Orange School District Division of Curriculum & Instruction is excited to launch the Race to Read Contest beginning September 8, 2025 – October 31, 2025!

Students will use the Learning Ally Audiobook Solution to strengthen their reading habits, build confidence, and discover the joy of books in a fun, engaging way. 🎧✨

Access to grade-level materials through human-read audiobooks
A chance to set new goals and develop a lifelong love of reading
Student success celebrated with parents, in schools, and on social media

Let’s cheer on our students as they race toward success! Use the hashtag #RTR25 to join the celebration.

For more details, contact your child’s teacher.

Race to Reading

Universal Literacy Screening in East Orange School District

The East Orange School District is committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to become a confident, successful reader. As part of this commitment, we use a universal literacy screening process for all students in kindergarten through grade three. This screening is an important step in identifying students who may benefit from additional literacy support early in their education. In accordance with New Jersey law, students are assessed at least twice a year to monitor their reading development and growth.

The district uses the i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment in Reading along with literacy tasks to complete the screening. These assessments are administered by teachers or trained staff members and take only a short time to complete. The results provide valuable information about each child’s current reading skills and how they compare to grade-level expectations.

Families will receive a Family Report after each screening. This report outlines each students’ results, highlights strengths and areas for growth, and shares information about available support services, such as reading intervention programs. The universal literacy screening process is a tool to help guide instruction, provide targeted support, and ensure that every child receives what they need to succeed as a reader.


Supervisor of ELA (K-5) Send Email	Supervisor of ELA (6-12) Send Email
	EOSD Secondary ELA Link