Our English Language Arts (ELA) program has undergone a substantial review and restructuring since 2009-10.  Dozens of teachers and administrators worked on a review committee to research, design and obtain Board of Education approval for many components K-12.  With the adoption of the Common Core Curriculum by the State of Michigan, Berkley's redesign was focused on alignment with the new standards.

The elementary reading program is based on a Readers Workshop model using the Lucy Calkins Units of Study as the primary teaching resource. Leveled classroom libraries and school book rooms will be phased in during the 2011-12 school year.  The Writers Workshop model, also using the Lucy Calkins Units of Study has been in place since 2009-10 school year.  Support materials for spelling, grammar, handwriting and word work were purchased and will be implemented. Professional development for elementary staff will take place during the summer of 2011 and throughout the year.

The middle school curriculum was updated to include a Workshop approach for writing, adapting materials by Lucy Calkins, under the direction of our Teacher Coach, administrators and consultants from Oakland Schools.  Common pieces of literature were aligned and purchased for all students in grades 6-8. 

Berkley High School's English Department reviewed and updated their curriculum and course offerings both horizontally and vertically, meaning that the curriculum is consistent grade to grade, as well as within different sections of the same course. Common assessments and instructional practices are in place. The focus of their improvement during our review was on supporting at-risk students within the general curriculum.