Literacy Guide for Families

In Cherry Creek Schools, we understand the power of literacy. That’s why we have developed a research-based literacy instruction plan to ensure ALL students can read, write, think, and communicate effectively.

What does literacy instruction look like in Cherry Creek?

Literacy instruction in CCSD is aligned with state and national standards, and based on the Science of Reading: scientifically-based research about how our brains learn to read.

This type of instruction will teach every student in CCSD how to read at grade level by providing them with access to evidence-based strategies and a culturally responsive education.

Evidence-based strategies include adequate time and appropriate materials structured around:

• The smallest unit of meaning in a word: morphology
• How sentences are put together: syntax
• How language makes sense: semantics

Tasks aligned with our state and national standards allow students to make meaning as they read, write, and discuss grade-level texts.

Culturally responsive education: All instruction is rooted in culturally-responsive education -- understanding the whole person we are teaching using awareness of culture, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, and other social markers to provide meaningful learning experiences for all students.

How are assessments used in the literacy plan?

The Cherry Creek Literacy Plan uses a series of assessments to determine where a student is in their learning and what supports they need in the classroom. Assessments are also used to monitor overall progress toward meeting literacy goals.

What does intervention look like for my child at school?

Our students who need additional support will work with educators anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes per day for elementary students, and 60 to 90 minutes per day for secondary students, depending on the needs of the student. Students with an identified Significant Reading Deficiency will have READ plans developed to target improvement areas identified by assessments and while working with students.

How can I provide extra support for my child at home?

Practicing reading skills at home by sounding out words and discussing the meaning of sentences is a great start to helping your young learner at home! For older learners, support time in grade level texts through reading, writing, and discussing every day.

For additional support, please visit the resources below:

• Elementary resources
• Secondary resources
• Visit your local library:
  • Aurora Public Library, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012
  • Arapahoe Libraries, 12855 E. Adam Aircraft Circle, Englewood, CO 80112

What questions should I be asking my school about the literacy plan?

Questions about student learning:

• • Is my child reading at grade-level?
  • Is my student being challenged?
  • In what areas could my child use additional support?

Questions for my school:

• • How are the educators in my child’s school trained to support the literacy plan?
  • What are our school’s literacy goals?
  • As a school, are we meeting our literacy goals?

Family and community questions:

• • How can families help achieve our school’s literacy goals?
  • How is data shared with the community? 

Where can I learn more about the literacy plan?

To learn more about literacy in CCSD, and to read the full comprehensive literacy plan, please visit our Comprehensive Literacy Plan webpage. Also, review our CCSD Strategic Plan which outlines literacy as one of the district's key priorities.