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Admin Handbook » Curriculum

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.

 

Richmond Community Schools offers a range of specialized programs designed to support students who need additional help in developing literacy and language skills. These evidence-based programs target key areas of reading and language development, with a particular focus on supporting students at risk for or diagnosed with dyslexia. Below are descriptions of several key programs used in our schools:



Fundations (Grades K–3)

 

Fundations, developed by Wilson Language, is a multisensory, systematic program designed to build early literacy skills.

Key Features:

 

  • 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.

Geodes (Grades K–3)

 

Geodes are readable books created to reinforce phonics skills while building background knowledge through meaningful content.


 Key Features:

 

  • 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.

 

UFLI (Grades K–4)

 

The University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) provides a structured approach to reading intervention grounded in research.

Key Features:

 

  • 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.

Roxie Reading (Grades K–6)

 

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:

 

  • 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.

Together, these programs equip educators with a robust toolkit to support students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. By addressing foundational skills, reinforcing learning through meaningful practice, and using research-based methods, Richmond Community Schools ensures that all students have the opportunity to become confident, capable readers.