Curriculum & Instruction
Grade-by-grade curriculum breakdown for Long Hill Township Board of Education
Reading Program Analysis
Units of Study for Teaching Reading
Lucy Calkins / Teachers College Reading and Writing Project
Approach: Balanced literacy with Readers Workshop model
Grades: K-8 (all elementary and middle school grades)
What this means for parents: Units of Study uses a "Readers Workshop" approach where students choose books at their level, teachers provide mini-lessons, and students read independently with teacher conferences. This is considered a "balanced literacy" approach that includes some phonics but emphasizes student choice and authentic reading experiences.
Phonics Components
- •Kindergarten: Units focus on letter-sound relationships and print concepts
- •Grades 1-2: Systematic phonics through guided reading and word study
- •Assessment: i-Ready Diagnostics (Strong Evidence, ESSA Tier 1) used for progress monitoring
- •Intervention: MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) with Science of Reading principles for struggling readers
Science of Reading Alignment
Understanding the difference between Long Hill's current approach (Balanced Literacy) and the Science of Reading (Structured Literacy):
Balanced Literacy
Long Hill's Current Approach
Programs: Units of Study (Lucy Calkins)
Science of Reading
Evidence-Based Alternative
Example Programs: Fundations (Wilson), UFLI, CKLA
What This Means for Parents
Long Hill uses Units of Study, which is considered "balanced literacy." While it includes some phonics, research shows that systematic, explicit phonics (Science of Reading approach) is more effective for most students, especially struggling readers. The district does provide intervention support through MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) and uses i-Ready diagnostics to monitor progress. Ask about specific phonics instruction in your child's grade.
District Reading Goal
At least 80% of students achieving at least their typical growth during the school year, as measured by the beginning and end-of-year i-Ready diagnostics.
What to ask: "How is my child performing on i-Ready diagnostics? What percentage of students in their grade are meeting growth targets?"
Mathematics Program
Program: Standards-Based Curriculum (no specific published program listed)
Approach: Curriculum aligned to NJ Student Learning Standards for Mathematics
Focus: Problem-solving, mathematical communication, reasoning, and conceptual understanding
Tools: Manipulatives, calculators, software, apps, and computing devices
What This Means for Parents
The curriculum emphasizes understanding mathematical concepts, not just memorizing procedures. Students may solve problems in multiple ways and explain their thinking. Since no specific textbook is named, ask your child's teacher what specific curriculum materials are used and how instruction is structured.
Science Program
Elementary (K-5)
General science curriculum aligned to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Approach: Hands-on, inquiry-based learning
Middle School (6-8)
Amplify Science
Publisher: Amplify
Phenomenon-based science curriculum with hands-on investigations, fully aligned to NGSS
All Curriculum Programs
Units of Study
Lucy Calkins
Amplify Science
Amplify
Other Programs
World Languages
Spanish (K-8): Elementary 2x/week, Middle School daily exploratory or full course
Gifted & Talented
Enrichment opportunities available
Preschool
Developmentally appropriate curriculum for PreK
Specials
Physical Education, Health, Art, Music, Technology integration