Curriculum
Reading: Core Curriculum
Richmond Community Schools implements Wit & Wisdom, developed by Great Minds, as the core reading and writing curriculum for grades K–8. To support early foundational skills, we integrate Geodes (grades K–3), also from Great Minds, and Fundations (grades K–3), created by Wilson Language. Together, these programs provide students with a comprehensive and engaging literacy experience.
ELA Supplements and Intervention:
Fundations, developed by Wilson Language, is a multisensory, systematic program designed to build early literacy skills.
Key Features:
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- Phonics Instruction: Focuses on decoding, spelling, and letter-sound relationships.
- Handwriting Integration: Reinforces phonics through structured handwriting practice.
- Progress Monitoring: Frequent assessments ensure instruction is responsive to student needs.
- Multisensory Learning: Engages visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities.
- Phonics Instruction: Focuses on decoding, spelling, and letter-sound relationships.
Geodes are readable books created to reinforce phonics skills while building background knowledge through meaningful content.
Key Features:
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- Readable Texts: Aligned with students’ phonics progression for real-world reading practice.
- Rich Content: Engaging stories that build knowledge across science, history, and literature.
- Supportive Design: Includes visuals and vocabulary scaffolds to aid comprehension.
- Readable Texts: Aligned with students’ phonics progression for real-world reading practice.
The University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) provides a structured approach to reading intervention grounded in research.
Key Features:
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- Intensive Phonics: Systematic and explicit instruction in foundational reading skills.
- Phonemic Awareness: Emphasizes the manipulation of sounds for reading and spelling.
- Fluency and Comprehension: Builds fluency while promoting deeper understanding of texts.
- Intensive Phonics: Systematic and explicit instruction in foundational reading skills.
Roxie Reading offers engaging literacy instruction that fosters a love of reading while developing core skills.
Key Features:
- Interactive Read-Alouds: Promote critical thinking and conversation around texts.
- Phonics and Fluency: Develops decoding and automaticity through practice.
- Vocabulary and Comprehension: Enriches language and supports understanding.
Science of Reading-Aligned Lessons (Grades K–6)
These lessons incorporate the latest research on how children learn to read, ensuring instruction is effective and evidence-based.
Key Features:
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- Explicit Phonics and Phonemic Awareness: Clear, direct instruction in decoding and sound manipulation.
- Fluency Development: Activities to enhance speed, accuracy, and expression.
- Vocabulary and Comprehension Strategies: Techniques for deepening understanding and building language.
- Evidence-Based Practices: Grounded in scientifically validated methods proven to improve literacy outcomes.
- Explicit Phonics and Phonemic Awareness: Clear, direct instruction in decoding and sound manipulation.
Math: Core Curriculum (K-8)
RCS utilizes the i-Ready Math curriculum, created by Curriculum Associates, enabling students to become strong, independent mathematical thinkers and make mathematics accessible to all students. This comprehensive core mathematics program delivers an instructional design that allows students to take ownership of their learning, makes mathematics accessible, increases student engagement, and builds confidence. Educators within Richmond Community Schools are achieving success by using these high-impact teaching strategies to accelerate student learning.
Science: Core Curriculum (K-8)
Science educators at Richmond Community Schools utilize elevateScience published by Savvas Learning Company. The elevateScience curriculum ignites student curiosity and awakens the scientist and engineer inside. This curriculum is built around the “doing of science” to explore local and global science phenomena utilizing a combination of digital and hands-on experiences for students.
Instruction Regarding Human Sexuality
In accordance with School Board Policy 2414, and in partnership with Girls, Inc., provisions are made for the teaching of reproductive health, family planning, human sexuality, and the recognition, prevention, and treatment of sexually-transmitted diseases, as essential ingredients in a comprehensive school health education curriculum in grades 5 through 12. Instruction on human sexuality shall be provided only to students in grades 5 through 12.
Curriculum: RHS (9-12)
Richmond High School offers a wide variety of diverse courses and pathways to help meet the needs of ALL students! Multiple options include programs in Careers, Business, Creative Arts; college preparation including dual credit classes; Advanced Placement Classes; Project Lead the Way programs; Special Education; and Alternative programs for students, including the online RGA program. In addition, we will be offering more opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and jobs in the coming year(s) that include new partnerships with businesses and companies in Wayne County.



