3/3 High Quality Texts
Anchor texts are worthy of students' time and attention: texts are considered rigorous, containing rich academic language and meeting the complexity criterion for each grade. The Read Side by Side Reading Program is strong in all areas, and prides itself in the use of trade book chapter books and longer nonfiction.
3/3 Evidence Based Responses
Materials provide opportunities for rich and rigorous evidence-based discussions and writing about texts to build strong literacy skills. The Read Side by Side Reading Program is strong in all areas, with all discussion and writing requiring students to use evidence from the text. Discussion and writing prompts support student discourse.
3/3 Building of Knowledge
Materials build knowledge systematically through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The Read Side by Side Reading Program is strong in all areas; units are thematic and knowledge builds from one unit to the next both within and across grades. Social studies topics are explored at each grade level. Volume of reading is achieved as students read a total of 36 novels across the 3-6 sequence.
3/3 Foundational Skills
Materials develop foundational reading skills systematically, using research-based and transparent methods. Materials provide explicit instruction and support in grade-level foundational skills: phonics, word awareness, vocabulary development, syntax, and fluency. The Read Side by Side Reading Program teaches: decoding, vocabulary development, morphology, syntax, and reading fluency. The program does not explicitly teach letter recognition and phonemic awareness.
3/3 Range and Quality of Texts
Materials reflect the distribution of text types and genres required by standards and are at the right complexity for grade level, student, and task. The Read Side by Side Reading Program is strong in all areas; students learn to read 10+ genres, nonfiction, and diverse media.
3/3 Tasks and Assignments
Materials support students in building reading comprehension, in finding and producing textual evidence to support their responses, and in developing grade-level academic language. The Read Side by Side Reading Program provides explicit instruction and differentiated practice. *Grammar will need to be supplemented.
3/3 Building Knowledge
Materials build students' knowledge across topics and content areas. The Read Side by Side Reading Program is strong in all areas, and uses the gradual release of responsibility (modeling, sharing, guiding, collocating, and releasing to independence) model in its 3-part design. Students increase their competence and confidence as readers.
3/3 Access to Standards
Materials are designed to provide thoughtful scaffolds for all students in accessing standards. The Read Side by Side Reading Program provides different levels of scaffolding (both task and text scaffolds), and facilitate the planning and implementation of differentiated instruction. Materials include assessment tools including rubrics, scoring guidelines, and exemplars.
2/3 Cultural Representation
Materials are designed to be culturally relevant and engaging for all students. Materials promote equitable instruction, and provide authentic and meaningful student-centered activities. Materials provide evidence-based, high-leverage instructional practices. The Read Side by Side Reading Program is not broad enough to introduce all cultures and perspectives. Teachers should seek texts for the classroom library appropriate to their population of students.
2/3 Accessibility & Usability
The Read Side by Side Reading Program prides itself in the way the lessons and program design is presented in a teacher-friendly format. Scripted lessons support teachers of diverse knowledge and skill backgrounds. Materials are consistently formatted, uncluttered, and organized for efficiency. Technological supports are limited to the online teacher page, fillable pdfs, and an e-notebook for students. Novels in e-format or audio format must be purchased separately.