Academically, the Jackson-Madison County School System's elementary program offers students a sound foundation in reading, mathematics, science and social studies. In addition, our schools offer art, music, physical education, guidance and library services provided by specialists in each discipline. Elementary magnet programs offer core curricula with varied instructional strategies specific to their magent focus. The goal is to provide students a learning environment which promotes the skills required to become life-long learners.

Reading/Language Arts

The Jackson-Madison County School System's reading/language arts program is based on the most current findings of educational research. The school system believes that reading is fundamental to a child's education and to success in life. The school system has adopted a balanced approach to teaching students the language skills needed in order to comprehend printed material, write coherently and be articulate communicators. While a variety of methods are used to provide reading instruction, all students receive daily, explicit instruction in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students participate in the Accelerated Reader Program and reading intervention programs as well. It is our goal to provide every child with the skills that they need in order to be competent readers who meet and exceed the language standards as defined by the State of Tennessee.

What is a Balanced Approach to Reading Instruction?
A balanced approach to teaching reading includes daily instruction through six major components:

• Teacher "Read-Alouds" - includes rhymes, chants, songs and stories which allow students to understand how phonemes, or speech sounds, are connected to print
  
• Shared/Paired Reading - children hear and practice reading for fluency
  
• Guided Reading and Writing - reading practices which help children develop comprehension skills and follow the natural progression from reading to writing
  
• Independent Reading and Writing - encourages students to read and comprehend a variety of genres and to practice reading and writing skills independently
  
• Instruction and Practice in Vocabulary and Word Study Skills - vocabulary instruction which leads to comprehension
  
• Decoding Strategies - providing children with key knowledge and skills to decode unfamiliar words
  

Teachers use a variety of instructional strategies and methods to help students learn to derive meaning from print. Research suggests that this combination of reading strategies is the most effective way to teach children to read. The Jackson-Madison County School System is committed to teaching students to read fluently and with comprehension.

Accelerated Reader Program

All students in grades K-8 have an opportunity to participate in the Accelerated Reader Program. The Accelerated Reader Program is a computerized learning information system. The program allows students to read and take quizzes covering thousands of book titles. There are book selections and quizzes for readers of all ages and ability levels. Individual schools design creative incentive programs for students who participate and excel in the Accelerated Reader Program. Student points are converted into personal, class and school-wide awards. The awards have ranged from class parties to one principal who actually ate "fried worms" as a reward for his student body.

State Content and Performance Curriculum Standards for Grades K-8
The State Board of Education is in the process of updating its K-8 Curriculum Standards in English/Language, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. The curriculum frameworks, content and performance standards, and grade level competencies can be accessed at:

http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/standards/index.shtml

This framework sets the minimum standards for the Jackson-Madison County School System. It is always our goal to offer our students a rich curriculum that meets or exceeds the standards set by the state.