5.B.1 Oral Language Oral Language Development
5.B.1a
Materials include explicit (direct) and systematic instructional guidance on developing oral language and oracy through a variety of methods (e.g., modeling, guided practice, coaching, feedback, and independent practice).
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Evaluation for 5.B.1a
Materials include explicit (direct) and systematic instructional guidance on developing oral language and oracy through a variety of methods (e.g., modeling, guided practice, coaching, feedback, and independent practice).
- The materials include discussion prompts, but don't include systematic and explicit guidance for oral language development and only use one or two methods. For example, Kindergarten materials include scripted discussion prompts with directions for students to take turns. "Sequence 1, Lesson 3, Day 2" states, "Display pictures of slop from the internet. Students take turns comparing the items in the slop using comparison words (bigger, smaller, shorter, longer, rounder, hotter, creamier, etc.). Students must use the word slop in their sentences. Start with an example: In this slop, the potato is rounder than the broccoli."
- The materials include discussion prompts but need more systematic and explicit guidance for oral language development and only use one or two methods. For example, Kindergarten materials include scripted discussion prompts that include directions to have students build on the ideas of others. "Sequence 1, Lesson 5, Day 2" states, "Students brainstorm a list of jobs. Then they work with a partner or in groups to complete an open sort, placing the jobs into categories of their choosing. Once sorted, groups take turns sharing their lists with the categories hidden, while the other groups try to guess what their categories must be."
- Materials do not include systematic and explicit instructional guidance on developing oral language and oracy through a variety of methods (e.g., modeling, guided practice, coaching, feedback, and independent practice). "Sequence 2, Day 3" lessons include a "Verbal Reasoning" section where the teacher asks questions after reading the decodable book. The questions come with a possible student answer. Day 3 lesson guidance suggests allowing "students time to think-pair-share before sharing responses with the group."
Evaluation for 5.B.1b
Materials include opportunities for students to engage in social and academic communication for different purposes and audiences.
- Materials include opportunities for students to engage in academic communication through turn-and-talks and think-pair-share activities but don’t include social communication prompts/sentence stems. For example, in Sequence 4 Day 3 lesson procedures, it says that after students finish reading, allow time for students to think-pair-share with the "After Reading" questions. In Sequence 4 Lesson 2 Day 2, the "Background Knowledge" section includes opportunities for student discussion: "Show various pictures of pathways. Discuss where pathways may be needed and useful. Students work with a partner or in a small group to describe pathways using prepositions."
- The materials include opportunities for students to develop academic communication but lack social communication prompts. The materials include scripted lesson plans that give students opportunities to engage in academic communication for different purposes and audiences. Directions for the "Background Knowledge" section state, "Students complete a semantics activity to reinforce meaning in language, then they get ready to read the text by discussing "Before Reading" questions." Semantic activities include students creating synonyms, topic-specific lists, and sentences with homophones to share with partners or the class.
Evaluation for 5.B.1c
Materials include authentic opportunities for students to listen actively, ask questions, engage in discussion to understand information, and share information and ideas.
- In Sequence 4 lesson procedures for Day 2, materials include authentic opportunities for students to engage in discussion to understand and share information as well as share ideas. In the "Background Knowledge" section, students are to "complete a semantics activity to reinforce meaning in language, then they get ready to read the text by discussing "Before Reading" questions." Materials include "Before Reading" questions, and the teacher is given guidance to "allow students time to think-pair-share before sharing responses with the group." In "Sequence 2, Day 17," the "Background Knowledge" section gives opportunities for student discussion by having students "take turns comparing things that can be a smidge different using comparison words." In this instance, students are listening actively to one another to share ideas.
- "Sequence 4, Lesson 21, Day 2" includes partner or small group discussion for the semantics activity. The material states, "Students work with a partner or in a small group to describe going somewhere on a tram using prepositions. The word tram should be used in each sentence." The materials provide evidence of active listening opportunities through scripted teacher prompts. Students must listen for comprehension in order to replicate the teacher's modeling and answer questions. "Sequence 2, Lesson 21, Day 1" includes a teacher script for oral articulation. Students must listen and watch the teacher as she models the sound before trying it themselves.
5.C.1 Alphabet Alphabet Knowledge (grade K only)
5.C.1a (grade K only)
Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing letter names and their corresponding sounds. (PR 2.A.1)
Evaluation for 5.C.1a (grade K only)
Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing letter names and their corresponding sounds. (PR 2.A.1)
5.C.1b (grade K only)
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct) instruction for teaching and developing student automaticity in the identification of the 26 letters of the alphabet (upper and lowercase) and their corresponding sounds. (PR 2.A.1)
Evaluation for 5.C.1b (grade K only)
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct) instruction for teaching and developing student automaticity in the identification of the 26 letters of the alphabet (upper and lowercase) and their corresponding sounds. (PR 2.A.1)
5.C.1c (grade K only)
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct and systematic instruction for letter formation for the 26 letters of the alphabet (upper and lowercase). (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
Evaluation for 5.C.1c (grade K only)
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct and systematic instruction for letter formation for the 26 letters of the alphabet (upper and lowercase). (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
5.C.1d (grade K only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources (including the use of memory-building strategies) for students to develop, practice, and reinforce (through cumulative review) alphabet knowledge both in isolation and in the context of meaningful print. (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
Evaluation for 5.C.1d (grade K only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources (including the use of memory-building strategies) for students to develop, practice, and reinforce (through cumulative review) alphabet knowledge both in isolation and in the context of meaningful print. (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
5.C.2 Alphabet Letter-Sound Correspondence
Evaluation for 5.C.2a
Materials explicitly (directly), and systematically introduce letter-sound relationships in an order that allows for application to basic decoding and encoding. (PR 2.A.1)
- The material provides specific language the teacher can use in each lesson to teach letter names and sounds explicitly. For example, in grade 2, the materials include what the teacher could say to introduce the various sounds of the letter ‘C’ during the "Syllable Type VCe". The script states, "Also when the consonant in a VCE syllable is a ‘c’ or ‘g’, the ‘e’ signals that each represents a soft sound. In these cases, ‘c’ represents the /s/ sound (face), and ‘g’ represents the /j/ sound (cage)." The materials include a scope and sequence that shows a progression that starts with simple to more complex decoding skills. For example, the grade 2 materials begin with a review of short vowels and various long vowel syllable types before introducing final stable syllable types. Syllable sorts are included to review previously taught syllable types. "Structured Literacy with E.A.S.E. Program Spreadsheet Research" tab states, "Syllable types and division rules are explicitly taught throughout the program. Students get opportunities to decode and encode words with all syllable types as well as read texts that focus on providing additional exposures to them."
- The materials include a scope and sequence that shows a progression that starts with letters most useful in decoding. For example, grade 2 materials teach short vowels before long vowels. Grade 2 materials also include blending and segmenting strategies to read and spell basic one-syllable words with short vowel sounds; and, once students have mastered these simpler concepts, more complex graphemes are taught enabling them to decode and encode more complex words.
- Grade 1 and grade 2 materials teach short vowels before long vowels, they start with a review of Sequence 1, completing various lessons from 1-11. Lesson 1, begins with introducing CVC words. Grade 1 and grade 2 materials teach syllable division (CV/CV) words before introducing VCE words (sequence 2).
5.C.2b
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct) instruction focused on connecting phonemes to letters within words with recommended explanatory feedback for students based on common errors and misconceptions. (PR 2.A & 2.A.2)
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Evaluation for 5.C.2b
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct) instruction focused on connecting phonemes to letters within words with recommended explanatory feedback for students based on common errors and misconceptions. (PR 2.A & 2.A.2)
- The teacher guide includes ideas and support to the teacher in providing explanatory feedback instead of correct/incorrect feedback. For example, grade 2 guidance for the /oy/ sound in words explains the following, "If students have trouble making the /oy/ sound, have them watch themselves in a mirror as they say the following words, elongating the final sound of each word: toy, boy, joy. Ask them to repeat the activity, dropping the initial sound until they are isolating only the /oy/ sound. Guide students to notice how their lips, jaw, and tongue placement change as they say the sound." The teacher guide includes a section with information on common decoding mistakes and suggestions on how to teach proactively. The lesson overview includes information about the /nk/ sound and the resources included in the materials to assist with instruction of this sound.
- Materials do not include a section with information on common decoding mistakes and suggestions on how to teach proactively. For example, in In Sequence 1, Lesson 6, Day 1 and Day 2 have decoding sections to their lessons. The decoding section does not include ideas and support to the teacher e.g. on Day 1 it says, "model how to read the sounds, words, phrases, and sentences on the Day 1 "Focus Skill Practice" sheet."
5.C.2c (grades 2 and 3 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce (through cumulative review) their understanding of applying letter-sound correspondence to decode one syllable and multisyllable words in isolation and decodable connected text. (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
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Evaluation for 5.C.2c (grades 2 and 3 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce (through cumulative review) their understanding of applying letter-sound correspondence to decode one syllable and multisyllable words in isolation and decodable connected text. (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
- Materials include a variety of resources for students to reinforce (through cumulative review) their understanding of applying letter-sound correspondence to decode multisyllabic words in decodable connected text. For example in Sequences 3 and 4's decodable readers, there are multisyllabic words in all the readers for students to apply their letter-sound correspondence knowledge in decodable connected text. Sequence 3 "Focus Skill Practice Sheets" includes the decoding practice of multisyllabic words in isolation in a majority of the lessons. These sheets include decoding practice of multisyllabic words in phrases and sentences consistently.
- Materials do not include a variety of resources for students to reinforce (through cumulative review) their understanding of applying letter-sound correspondence to decode multisyllabic words in decodable connected text. In Sequence 2's decodable readers, there are no multisyllabic words except for a few, previously introduced, irregular high-frequency words.
5.C.2c (grades K and 1 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce (through cumulative review) their understanding of applying letter-sound correspondence to decode one syllable words in isolation and decodable connected text. (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
Evaluation for 5.C.2c (grades K and 1 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce (through cumulative review) their understanding of applying letter-sound correspondence to decode one syllable words in isolation and decodable connected text. (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
5.D.1 Phonological Awareness Phonological Awareness (grades K–2 only)
5.D.1a (grades K–2 only)
Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing phonological awareness activities in accordance with gradelevel TEKS that begins with simple skills and larger units of sound (e.g., identifying and producing rhyming words, recognizing spoken alliteration, identifying the individual words in spoken sentences) and gradually transitions to more complex skills and smaller units of sound (e.g., adding, deleting, and substituting syllables). (PR 2.A.1)
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Evaluation for 5.D.1a (grades K–2 only)
Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing phonological awareness activities in accordance with gradelevel TEKS that begins with simple skills and larger units of sound (e.g., identifying and producing rhyming words, recognizing spoken alliteration, identifying the individual words in spoken sentences) and gradually transitions to more complex skills and smaller units of sound (e.g., adding, deleting, and substituting syllables). (PR 2.A.1)
- The materials phonological awareness lessons start with simple phonological awareness activities and gradually transition to more complex activities. For example, grade 2 lessons include initial phoneme isolation, phoneme blending, phoneme segmenting, and initial phoneme deletion, and move on to activities to work with short and long vowel words. Sequence 4 Lesson 10 Day 1 states, "Map the words using the appropriate Syllable Map-It Mat for each syllable type: CVC, VCE, VV, VR, and CV."
- In the Structured Literacy with E.A.S.E. Program Spreadsheet's "TEKS Correlation" tab, the main phonological and phonemic awareness skills for Sequences 1 and 2 are: blend, segment, delete, add, substitute, and isolation. Phonological awareness skill activities are not listed for Sequences 3 and 4. In the Structured Literacy with E.A.S.E.'s Program Information, it details the curriculum's alignment with Scarborough's Reading Rope. The evidence of the phonological awareness strand is in Days 1–3 in the Sound Sequence and in Sequences 1–2.
5.D.1b (grades K–2 only)
Materials include explicit (direct) instruction for teaching phonological awareness skills with recommended explanatory feedback for students based on common errors and misconceptions. (PR 2.A & 2.A.2)
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Evaluation for 5.D.1b (grades K–2 only)
Materials include explicit (direct) instruction for teaching phonological awareness skills with recommended explanatory feedback for students based on common errors and misconceptions. (PR 2.A & 2.A.2)
- The materials do provide a lesson on what a syllable is before introducing CVC words in Sequence 1. In Lesson 1, Day 1, the teacher's script states, "Syllables are word parts. You can figure out how many syllables a word has by how many vowel sounds you hear in it. There are seven syllable types and today we are learning about CVC syllables." The lesson also includes a "What Are Syllables" poster and a "Spot and Dot" counting syllables poster, but does not include explanatory feedback.
- Sequence 1 Day 2 lesson procedures in the phonemic awareness section states: "The Day 2 lesson procedures incorporate the final phoneme isolation, phoneme blending, phoneme segmenting, and final phoneme deletion. Shorthand directions are used in the lessons. The following are full example scripts to use. Insert the information found in the shorthand directions into the scrip. (Student response in parenthesis)." There is no explanatory feedback on common errors/misconceptions included. In the lesson plans for each day, there is a phonemic awareness and word chaining section. In each section, words are included, and explanatory feedback for students based on common errors and misconceptions is not included.
5.D.1c (grades K–2 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources (including the use of memory-building strategies) for students to develop, practice, and reinforce phonological awareness skills connected to grade-level TEKS (through cumulative review). (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
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Evaluation for 5.D.1c (grades K–2 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources (including the use of memory-building strategies) for students to develop, practice, and reinforce phonological awareness skills connected to grade-level TEKS (through cumulative review). (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
- The lessons provide a variety of activities and resources to develop, practice, and reinforce phonological awareness skills. The materials in Sequence 1 provide a word-chaining activity in the lessons that enables learners to produce a series of rhyming words by changing the onset of the previous word. This sequence and lesson applies to grades K–2. Word chaining is utilized in all four of the program sequences. Resources in the program for phonological awareness do not include rhymes, games, or interactive lessons for students. Resources that are utilized in lessons for phonological awareness are syllable type posters and decodable readers that include current and review skills. Syllable-type lessons have the poster, and syllable-sort lessons have the decodable readers.
- Materials include activities specifically designed to help students develop, practice, and reinforce their understanding of phonological awareness of skills. Every lesson, materials include a phonemic awareness section. In Sequence 1, this section includes initial isolation, blending, segmenting, initial deletion, and reinforcement opportunities for current and cumulative practice; however, the section/portion of the lesson is the same every single day. There is no variety of resources or activities to support the cumulative review of phonological awareness skills.
- The activities and resources do not provide a cumulative review for students to develop, practice, or reinforce phonological awareness skills connected to grade-level TEKS. For example, grade 2 lessons only include rhyme production in a few lessons as 1–2 multiple-choice questions in a comprehension quiz. Phonological awareness activities are completed orally with the teacher, and students use their arms to sky-write graphemes and high-frequency words.
- Materials do not include a variety of activities and resources for cumulative review. For example, rhyming activities are only found in the Sound Sequence of Kindergarten lessons.
5.D.2 Phonological Awareness Phonemic Awareness (grades K–2 only)
5.D.2a (grades K–2 only)
Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing phonemic awareness activities that begins with identifying, blending, and segmenting phonemes, and gradually transitions to more complex manipulation practices such as adding, deleting, and substituting phonemes. (PR 2.A.1)
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Evaluation for 5.D.2a (grades K–2 only)
Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing phonemic awareness activities that begins with identifying, blending, and segmenting phonemes, and gradually transitions to more complex manipulation practices such as adding, deleting, and substituting phonemes. (PR 2.A.1)
- Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing phonemic awareness activities. For example, in Sequence 2 Grade 2 materials include initial isolation, blending, segmenting, and initial deletion activities at the phoneme level on Day 1. Day 2 includes final isolation, blending, segmenting, and final deletion at the phoneme level. Day 3 includes blending, segmenting, and substitution at the phoneme level. These activities reflect the skill focus of the lesson. For example, Sequence 2 Lesson 25 focuses on u_e so the "Phonemic Awareness" section activities include words with u_e.
- Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing phonemic awareness activities. In Sequence 1 Lesson 2 Day 2, the word chaining activity includes phoneme manipulation of initial and final sounds e.g. fad, bad, mad, lad, sad, sat, mat, bat. In Sequence 2 Lesson 1 Day 2, the word chaining exercises has students manipulating initial, medial, and final sounds e.g. mass, miss, mill, fill, fell, tell, well, bell.
5.D.2b (grades K–2 only)
Materials include explicit (direct) instruction for teaching phonemic awareness with recommended explanatory feedback for students based on common errors and misconceptions. (PR 2.A & 2.A.2)
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Evaluation for 5.D.2b (grades K–2 only)
Materials include explicit (direct) instruction for teaching phonemic awareness with recommended explanatory feedback for students based on common errors and misconceptions. (PR 2.A & 2.A.2)
- The lessons provide suggestions for phonemic awareness lessons with specific and precise terms, phrasing, and statements for teachers to use during instruction. For example, materials include sample words for direct instruction and state, "Shorthand directions are used in the lessons. The following are full example scripts to use. Insert the information found in the shorthand directions into the script. (Student response in parentheses.)"
- The program resources include explanatory feedback for common errors and misconceptions. Sequence 2 lesson components are outlined in the Sequence Overview. The scripted lesson for" Phonemic Awareness" in the Day 2 lesson procedures states, "The following are full example scripts to use. Insert the information found in the shorthand directions into the script. (Student response in parenthesis.)"For example, in Sequence 2 Lesson 4, the materials support the teacher with helping students avoid the common misconception about the sounds of ch. In addition to Corrective Feedback (that includes supporting students with misconceptions) embedded in the lesson, the Structured Literacy with E.A.S.E. Program Spreadsheet includes information on the 44 phonemes articulations and corrective feedback. This spreadsheet highlights the typical errors students make with phoneme production and how to help students correct the pronunciation of letter sounds. As teachers are providing instruction, conducting assessments, or working in small groups, this resource can help with common errors and explanatory feedback.
5.D.2c (grades K–2 only)
Materials include explicit (direct) guidance for connecting phonemic awareness skills to the alphabetic principle, to support students in the transition from oral language activities to basic decoding and encoding. (PR 2.A.1)
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Evaluation for 5.D.2c (grades K–2 only)
Materials include explicit (direct) guidance for connecting phonemic awareness skills to the alphabetic principle, to support students in the transition from oral language activities to basic decoding and encoding. (PR 2.A.1)
Materials include explicit (direct) guidance for connecting phonemic awareness. For example in word mapping procedures materials sequentially do the following: echo-it, tap-it, push-it, write-it, and read-it. Word mapping materials include explicit guidance and practice connecting phonemic awareness skills to the alphabetic principle, to support students in the transition from oral language activities to basic encoding and decoding. Sequence 1 Day 2 lesson procedures include a skill review focused on encoding phonemes. This activity reviews previously taught phonemes. The directions state: "To review, say a phoneme aloud and ask students to write the letter(s) that represent it on a whiteboard or lined paper. Each phoneme being reviewed is listed in the lesson plan, along with the grapheme(s) that represents it (shown in parenthesis). With each review, mix up the order of the phonemes. This activity includes explicit guidance to support students in the transition from oral language activities to basic encoding.
5.D.2d (grades K–2 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce phonemic awareness skills (through cumulative review). (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
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Evaluation for 5.D.2d (grades K–2 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce phonemic awareness skills (through cumulative review). (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
The materials include a variety of activities specifically designed to help students develop, practice, and reinforce their understanding of phonemic awareness skills. For example, grade 2 materials in Sequence 4 include "Word Mapping" in Day 1 of 3-day lessons where students practice counting phonemes. Lesson 10 has students distinguishing between long and short vowel sounds in one-syllable and multisyllabic words by completing the "Word Mapping" activity. The activities and resources do not provide a cumulative review. For example, lessons include phonological awareness activities, but do not include a cumulative checkpoint where teachers can collect information about student strengths and needs.
5.E.1 Phonics (Encoding/Decoding) Sound-Spelling Patterns
Evaluation for 5.E.1a
Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing grade-level sound-spelling patterns, as outlined in the TEKS. (PR 2.A.1)
- The materials include detailed guidance integrating the teacher's actions for teachers to use during phonics instruction. These routines are consistent for each grade level and are aligned with the ELAR TEKS. For example, phonics lessons begin with teacher information for the focus and continue with a skill review and instruction for high-frequency words. Then, instruction for the focus skill is followed by oral articulation and multisensory exercises. Finally, the lesson ends with word mapping, decoding, and encoding. Oral articulation, multisensory exercises, and decoding are taught with a gradual release of responsibility on Day 1 of the lessons. The materials provide sample scripts or bulleted teaching points and explicitly defined language with consistent routines for systematic and explicit instruction on sound-spelling correlations and syllable combinations. For example, grade 2 Sequence 4 Lesson 18 states, "When the letters "oy" are put together, they represent the /oy/ sound. This sound can appear at the end of words like toy and joy."
- The materials include lessons and activities that systematically teach phonics skills and concepts, from simple to complex, across the year. For example, grade 2 students learn how to decode and spell words with variant vowels, trigraphs, and blends.
Evaluation for 5.E.1b
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct) instruction for grade-level sound-spelling patterns. (PR 2.A.1)
- The program materials include direct and explicit instruction for sound-spelling patterns that connect new concepts to previously learned concepts. Scripted lessons are provided for teachers including the skill introduction. For example, Sequence 3 Lesson 7 introduces the vowel team oa by stating, "You have already learned that vowel teams are two or more letters that appear together to represent a single vowel sound. Today, we will focus on a vowel team that commonly represents the /o/ sound: "oa." This sound can appear at the beginning of words like oat and oak and in the middle of words like boat and goat." The Program Spreadsheet includes a TEKS correlation tab with TEKS listed for skills and lesson components for each grade level. However, this has been added since we started the review process, and the reviewer is unsure if this is complete or allowed to be used as evidence at this time.
- Materials include specific and precise terms, phrasing, and statements that teachers can use during core instruction. For example, in Sequence 2 Lesson 4 Day 1, the script directs teachers to discuss the digraphs students already know and then says, "Today, we will focus on another consonant digraph that commonly represents the /ch/ sound: "ch". This sound can appear at the beginning of words like cheese and chip or at the end of words like much and such." Materials include specific and precise terms, phrasing, and statements that teachers can use during core instruction. For example, in Sequence 3 Lesson 3 Day 1, the skill introduction says, "You have already learned that vowel teams are two or more letters that appear together to represent a single vowel sound. Today, we will focus on the vowel team "ai," which commonly represents /ā/. This sound can appear at the beginning of words like aim and aid or in the middle of words like pain and bail."
5.E.1c
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce grade-level sound-spelling patterns (through cumulative review). (PR 2.A.1)
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Evaluation for 5.E.1c
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce grade-level sound-spelling patterns (through cumulative review). (PR 2.A.1)
- The materials include activities for students to review, practice, and reinforce their knowledge of grade-level sound-spelling patterns. For example, grade 2 materials teach final stable syllables before including them in a cumulative syllable sort.
- The materials include activities and resources to help students review and practice sound-spelling patterns skills through cumulative review. For example, Sequence 2 grade 2 lesson activities include "Focus Skill Practice", "Multisensory Exercises", "Word Mapping", "Dictation", and "Word Chaining". Sequence 2 grade 2 lessons provide resources such as decodable books and a "Learning at Home" sheet for each lesson where students can practice and reinforce sound-spelling patterns through a cumulative review.
- Materials include grade-level sound-spelling sorts during lessons for students to develop and practice and in one-day lessons that are reinforcing by reviewing previously learned syllable types. For example, CVC and VCE spelling patterns are taught in Sequences 1 and 2 respectively, and in Sequence 3 they are included in a sort with VV syllable type that's introduced at the beginning of Sequence 3.
5.E.1d
Materials provide a variety of activities and resources to support students in decoding and encoding words that include taught sound-spelling patterns, both in isolation (e.g., word lists) and in decodable connected text that builds on previous instruction (e.g., within sentences or decodable texts). (PR 2.A.1 & 2.A.3)
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Evaluation for 5.E.1d
Materials provide a variety of activities and resources to support students in decoding and encoding words that include taught sound-spelling patterns, both in isolation (e.g., word lists) and in decodable connected text that builds on previous instruction (e.g., within sentences or decodable texts). (PR 2.A.1 & 2.A.3)
- The materials provide a variety of activities and resources to decode and encode words in isolation and decodable text. For example, materials include Focus Skill Practice Sheets with words, phrases, and sentences. Additionally, materials include word mapping and chaining for encoding and decoding words. Grade 2, Sequence 4 Lesson 27 includes words for mapping, such as ghost, gnaw, and knight. Word Chaining words include wrist, mist, most, and ghost. The materials provide opportunities for students to apply previously taught and recently introduced sound-spelling patterns. For example, materials include decodable texts that include only previously taught spelling patterns.
- The program materials include decodable readers for each lesson in Sequences 1-4. Each sequence includes its own decodable book publication. The decodable book for the lesson indicates the prior skills needed in order to be successful in reading the book. Lesson activities and resources on Day 1 of lessons include a skills focus page that includes current lesson skills and prior learned skills. Sequence 2 Lesson 5 introduces ‘w’,’x’,’y’, and ‘z’. This is the focus of the skills page, and also prior skills are included in the sounds, phrases, and sentence sections of the practice.
- Materials provide a variety of activities and resources to support students in decoding words that include taught sound-spelling patterns in isolation and in decodable connected text that builds on previous instruction. The Structure Literacy with E.A.S.E. Program Spreadsheet's detailed ‘SAS’ tab includes accompanying decodable readers to pair with every lesson in Sequences 1-4. For example, Sequence 2 Lesson 2 is focused on the _ck /k/ pattern. "The Stuck Duck" decodable reader that pairs with this lesson has warm-up words that involve decoding words with this spelling pattern in isolation. Then, the reader incorporates words with this pattern throughout for students to decode in connected text that builds on previous instruction. Materials provide a variety of activities and resources to support students in encoding words that include taught sound-spelling patterns in isolation. For example, the Sequence 3 Lesson 3 encoding section has a dictation of words component, practicing spelling patterns in isolation.
5.E.2 Phonics (Encoding/Decoding) Regular and Irregular High-Frequency Words
Evaluation for 5.E.2a
Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing regular and irregular high-frequency words. (PR 2.A.1)
- The materials include some guidance in lessons for targeted words without a limit to the number of regular and irregular words introduced in a single lesson or week. Materials provide guidance for the number of words to introduce in lessons. Sequence 2, Lesson 28 states, "Review high-frequency words as needed."
- Sequence 4 does not include the introduction of new high-frequency words, however, Sequences 1-3 are reviewed in second grade, while Sequence 4 provides new content and skills for grade 2. Day 1 lesson procedures set aside 10 minutes of the lesson for reviewing the irregular high-frequency word deck. For reference, the skill introduction is allotted 1 minute of the lesson. Day 2 lessons allow 2 minutes, and the instructions state, "Review high-frequency words as needed." According to the program pacing guide. The materials to indicate HFW should be review 2 days per week during "Days 1 and 2 lesson plan instruction only," The areas for high-frequency words and decodable high-frequency words are blank and grayed out.
- In Sequence 2, materials include daily practice of high-frequency words and irregular high-frequency words. In each 3-day lesson, students are introduced to 1-4 new, high-frequency words, with all 4 of those (most of the time 1-2 of them), being irregular high-frequency words. In those three days, students practice with these words in isolation, and in their decodable books. For example, in Lesson 26, Day 1, students review the twenty previously learned high-frequency words, and then are introduced to the new high-frequency words using Read, Spell, Write, Extend. In this case, two out of the two are irregular high-frequency words. In Sequence 1, materials include daily practice of high-frequency words and irregular high-frequency words. In each 3-day lesson, students are introduced to 2-4 new, high-frequency words, with 3 of those being irregular high-frequency words. In those three days, students practice with these words in isolation, and in their decodable books. For example, in Lesson 14, Day One, students review the twenty previously learned high-frequency words, and then are introduced to the new high-frequency words using Read, Spell, Write, Extend. In this case, only one of the three is an irregular high-frequency word.
Evaluation for 5.E.2b
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct) instruction for decoding and encoding regular and irregular high-frequency words. (PR 2.A.1)
- The materials include sample scripts and explicitly defined strategies for direct instruction of reading and spelling high-frequency words. Sequence 3 Lesson Procedures for High Frequency Word Introduction state, "To learn new high-frequency words, students complete the Read, Spell, Write, Extend (Blevins, 2024) activity for each word. Red words are irregular (heart words), and green words are temporarily irregular (wise words)."Materials continue with detailed instructions with teacher background and a sample script.
- Sequence 3, Day 1 lesson procedures state, "Lessons 1-25 introduce new high-frequency words. To learn new high-frequency words, students complete the Read, Spell, Write, Extend (Bevins, 2024) activity for each word. Red words are irregular (heart words), and green words are temporarily irregular (wise words)." On Day 2 of the lesson procedures state, "Students use multisensory exercises to review irregular high-frequency words. Students will skywrite the word. In Lessons 26-29, review previously taught high-frequency words using the HFW deck." The materials provide a scripted example in the Day 1 lesson procedures for each sequence that includes an example script for spelling the word want with students, "The word want is spelled w-a-n-t. Spell it with me: w-a-n-t. What is the first sound in want? What letter represents the /w/ sound? What are the final two sounds in want? What letters represent the /n/ and /t/ sounds? Notice that the "a" in this word is tricky. Usually, "a '' represents short a in closed syllables, but in this word, it represents an irregular spelling for the short o sound. We will draw a heart to remind ourselves that this is the tricky part. (An explanation for the tricky parts of each word is in the lesson plan.)" The Program Spreadsheet includes a HFW by Sequence tab that maps out the high-frequency words as they are introduced in the sequences and lessons. This "at a glance" document provides the teacher with knowledge of the word being a heart word or wise word, if it is included in the card deck, and the phonemes and graphemes for each word. The document also provides the teacher of what high-frequency word list(s) the word originated from.
- The materials include sample scripts and explicitly defined strategies for direct instruction of reading and spelling high-frequency words. For example, Sequence 3, Lesson 1 provides the teacher with the following script for introducing the word picture, "‘ture’ represents the /chǝr/ sound." Materials also reference the Read, Spell, Write, Extend activity when new high-frequency words are introduced.
- In Sequence 2, Day 1 lesson procedures, materials include a high-frequency word section (about 10 minutes of instructional time) to review previously taught words, and introduced regular and irregular high-frequency words using the Read, Spell, Write, Extend approach. At the conclusion of this activity, the words are added to the growing high-frequency word deck.
5.E.2c
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce skills to decode and encode regular and irregular high-frequency words (through cumulative review). (PR 2.A.1 & 2.A.3)
See Quality Review Evidence for this Indicator
Evaluation for 5.E.2c
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce skills to decode and encode regular and irregular high-frequency words (through cumulative review). (PR 2.A.1 & 2.A.3)
- Materials include a variety of resources for students to develop, practice and reinforce skills to decode and encode regular high-frequency words that are referred to as, "temporarily irregular high frequency words." Students have access to high frequency word cards that are used to create a deck for practicing and reinforcing automaticity. Students explore high frequency words by participating in an open word sort utilizing high frequency word cards on Day 1 of the high frequency word section of the lessons. Additionally, students practice building high frequency words utilizing a High Frequency Word Mat. Materials state, "Students are first exposed to a HFW using the High Frequency Word Forming Mat. Students can use tactile objects (like clay or glue and glitter) to build the words. They can trace the words using crayons or markers. If the sheet is laminated, students can use a dry erase marker to trace the letters in the word repeatedly." Grade 2 Lessons that are not part of previous grade level reviews have students word with previously taught words. Lesson Procedures state, "Review high-frequency words as needed."
- The materials include a variety of activities to develop decoding and encoding of high-frequency words that includes the Read, Spell, Write, Extend activity on Day 1 of lessons in the Sound Sequence through Sequence 3. In addition, students are provided with guidance on determining heart words from wise words. Sequence 4 provides review of all previously learned high-frequency words. The materials include a variety of activities on Day 2 of high-frequency word lessons to practice encoding and decoding that includes: skywriting, arm spelling, high-frequency word forming, and Find and Cover (small-group). The instructions for using the word forming mat state, "Students can use tactile objects (like clay or glue glitter) to build the words. They can trace the words using crayons or markers. If the sheet is laminated, students can use a dry erase marker to trace the letters in the word repeatedly." The materials include a variety of activities throughout the sequences to reinforce skills to encode and decode regular high-frequency words. Activities include flashcard review (refer to Program Spreadsheet for included words), decodable readers, and a Learning at Home printable. The decodable readers include a list of irregular high-frequency words with the temporary irregular words marked with . These words also reappear in later decodable texts as regular high-frequency words once the students have learned the skills to decode them. This is noted at the beginning of each decodable reader.
- Materials include a variety of activities for students to develop, practice, and reinforce skills to decode and encode irregular high-frequency words (through cumulative review). Sequence 3 activities include reviewing twenty previously learned high-frequency words, then introducing new words through Read, Spell, Write, Extend, multisensory exercises and decoding high-frequency words in Focus Skill Practice sheets and decodable books.
- The ""Learning at Home"" materials include the high-frequency words students have been working on during that lesson at school. For example, in Sequence 3 lesson 3, the high-frequency words "thought" (irregular high-frequency word) and "river" are introduced, and the ""Learning at Home"" practice materials include gray high-frequency word cards for students to practice these words at home. In Sequences 1-3, the first two days of each three day lesson commit time to explicit, high-frequency word exercises in isolation, with additional high-frequency word practice in the "Skill Practice" sheet for Day 1. Day three of each lesson builds on this, as materials include decodable readers with the new and spiraling high-frequency words. In the Sequence 2 Overview, it states: "each lesson introduces a handful of irregular (and temporarily irregular) high-frequency words. These words were chosen based on which words students will see for the first time in a program decodable book, and the number of these words in each lesson varies." For example, in Lesson 23, the irregular high-frequency words introduced are "family" and "sometimes" -- in the Lesson 23 decodable reader, "A Patch for a Hole," these two irregular high-frequency words appear at the start of the reader, for practice/review in isolation, and throughout the story, where appropriate.
5.E.2d
Materials include a variety of activities and resources (including the use of memory-building strategies) for students to recognize, read, and write high-frequency words in isolation (e.g., word lists) and in connected text (e.g., within sentences or decodable texts). (PR 2.A.1)
See Quality Review Evidence for this Indicator
Evaluation for 5.E.2d
Materials include a variety of activities and resources (including the use of memory-building strategies) for students to recognize, read, and write high-frequency words in isolation (e.g., word lists) and in connected text (e.g., within sentences or decodable texts). (PR 2.A.1)
- In the Sequence 2 "Focus Skill Practice" materials for each lesson, materials include an opportunity to practice the high-frequency words for that week in isolation; however, the phrases and sentences are not consistently including the high-frequency words for them to practice in connected texts. For example, in Sequence 2, Lesson 25, the high-frequency words ("letters" and "learn") introduced are present in the isolation practice and completely absent from phrase and sentence practice. In the Sequence 2 Overview, it states: "each lesson introduces a handful of irregular (and temporarily irregular) high-frequency words. These words were chosen based on which words students will see for the first time in a program decodable book, and the number of these words in each lesson varies." For example, in Lesson 23, the irregular high-frequency words introduced are "family" and "sometimes" -- in the Lesson 23 decodable reader, "A Patch for a Hole," these two irregular high-frequency words appear at the start of the reader, for practice/review in isolation, and throughout the story, where appropriate. Materials do not include a variety of resources for the students to write high-frequency words in connected texts. Materials only suggest writing the high-frequency words in a sentence (during the introduction of the high-frequency word) if extra support or a challenge is needed.
- Materials include a variety of activities for students to recognize, read, and write high-frequency words in connected text (e.g., within sentences or decodable texts). Sequence 3 activities include decoding phrases and sentences and decoding within decodable texts. Read, Spell, Write, Extend activities allow students to create sentences using the high-frequency words.
- Sequence 4 is a review only for HFW without direct or explicit instruction. However, the indicators could be met for recognizing words in isolation if the teacher utilizes the resources and activities from Sequences 1-3. Those are noted for second grade in evidence 2 and 3. Students have the opportunity to recognize, read, and write high-frequency words in isolation through the use of the high-frequency word deck and the Read, Spell, Write, Extend Activity on Day 1 of each lesson. The program states, "To learn new high-frequency words, students complete the Read, Spell, Write, Extend (Blevins 2024) activity. Red words are irregular (heart words), and green words are temporarily irregular (wise words). Each Day 2 lesson for high-frequency words include the following multisensory activities to recognize high-frequency words in isolation: skywriting, arm spelling, word building, and Find and Cover. Find and Cover is utilized in small-group support while the other activities are included as tier 1 materials.
- The materials consistently use activities and resources, such as memory-building strategies, for students to recognize, read and write high-frequency words in isolation. Students practice the Read, Spell, Write and Extend activity for each word. Students also practice words in isolation as directed in the Learning at Home section by using letter cards to build words and read high frequency words in a printable book for each lesson. Sequence 3, Lesson 1 has students practice building the words picture and write in the "Learning at Home" activity.
5.E.3 Phonics (Encoding/Decoding) Decoding and Encoding One-Syllable or Multisyllabic Words
5.E.3a (grade 1 only)
Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing grade-level syllable types, as outlined in the TEKS. (PR 2.A.1)
Evaluation for 5.E.3a (grade 1 only)
Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing grade-level syllable types, as outlined in the TEKS. (PR 2.A.1)
Evaluation for 5.E.3a (grades 2 and 3 only)
Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing grade-level syllable types and division principles, as outlined in the TEKS. (PR 2.A.1)
- The materials provide an instructional sequence for encoding and decoding single-syllable and multisyllabic words, as outlined in the TEKS. For example, grade 2 materials are included in Sequences 1-4 and begin with kindergarten review syllables progressing with less to more complex syllable types. Materials state, "Sequence 1 introduces the CVC syllable type, Sequence 2 introduces blends, digraphs, and the VCE syllable type, Sequence 3 introduces the VV syllable type (regular vowel teams) and the VR syllable type and Sequence 4 introduces diphthongs and the CV and C LE syllable types." The materials provide an instructional sequence for encoding and decoding single-syllable and multisyllabic words, as outlined in the TEKS. For example, grade 2 materials in Sequence 4 Lesson 32 introduce the final stable syllable type and have students decode words with the final stable syllable type. The lesson continues having students encode final stable syllable words through dictation.
- Each sequence provides a Program Information guide that states, "The sequences build on the learning from previous sequences. Sequence 1 introduces the CVC syllable type. Sequence 2 introduces blends, digraphs, and the VCE syllable type. Sequence 3 introduces the VV syllable type (regular vowel teams) and the VR syllable type, and Sequence 4 introduces diphthongs and the CV and C+LE syllable types." Spelling words using knowledge of syllable division patterns including double consonants in the middle of the word is evident throughout Sequence 4. One example is Lesson 2 Day 1. The words for word mapping and dictation include funny, poppy, and daddy. Other examples where double consonants in the middle of words are found include Lesson 11 "(scaffold", "lampost"), Lesson 12 ("million", "impressed"), Lesson 13 ("rearrange", "unhappy", "unwilling", "classes"), Lesson 16 ("belittle", "cutting", "slipping", "bobber", "tossed"), Lesson 17 ("applause", "embarrassment", "added", "yelled", "puddle").
- The lesson objectives progress from less to more complex skills. For example, grade 2 materials provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge of syllable patterns to decode and encode 1-syllable words with closed and open syllables before reading and spelling multisyllabic words with open and closed syllables. Additionally, the VCCV syllable division principle is taught before the VCV and VCCCV syllable division principles.
- Grade 2 materials include a systematic sequence for introducing all grade-level syllable types and syllable division patterns, as outlined in the TEKS. Moreover, grade two materials within the various sequences include practice with multisyllabic words involving the six syllable types: closed, open, VCE, vowel team, r-controlled, and final stable; however, grade 2 materials do not introduce the r-controlled syllable type, grade materials just review it in later, sort-type lessons. Multisyllabic words are introduced in syllable division lesson VC/CV and this is solely a grade 1 lesson in Sequence 2, Lesson 19. In the program's overview, the skills by sequence section states: "The sequences build on the learning from previous sequences. Sequence 1 introduces the CVC syllable type, Sequence 2 introduces blends, digraphs, and the VCE syllable type, Sequence 3 introduces the VV syllable type (regular vowel teams) and the VR syllable type, and Sequence 4 introduces diphthongs and the CV and C+LE syllable types."
5.E.3b (grade 1 only)
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct) instruction for applying knowledge of syllable types to decode and encode one-syllable or multisyllabic words. (PR 2.A.1)
Evaluation for 5.E.3b (grade 1 only)
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct) instruction for applying knowledge of syllable types to decode and encode one-syllable or multisyllabic words. (PR 2.A.1)
5.E.3b (grades 2 and 3 only)
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct) instruction for applying knowledge of syllable types and syllable division principles to decode and encode one-syllable or multisyllabic words. (PR 2.A.1)
See Quality Review Evidence for this Indicator
Evaluation for 5.E.3b (grades 2 and 3 only)
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct) instruction for applying knowledge of syllable types and syllable division principles to decode and encode one-syllable or multisyllabic words. (PR 2.A.1)
- The materials include specific and precise terms, phrasing, and statements that teachers should use during core instruction. For example, Sequence 4, Lesson 35 includes a teacher script that states, "You’ve learned all about vowel teams and diphthongs with a VV pattern. If a VV vowel team represents a diphthong, the letters work together to represent a vowel sound. In multisyllabic words, sometimes vowels that are not part of a vowel team appear side by side. When reading and spelling words that have this pattern and do not represent a vowel team or diphthong (V/V) divide between the two vowels because each vowel will have a distinct sound. Be careful not to divide between vowels that represent a vowel team or diphthong."
- The program provides direct guidance for encoding and decoding multisyllabic words in Sequence 4 Lesson 16 using prefixes be_ and de_. Dictation and word chaining provide practice and reinforcement of the new skill as well as previous skills learned such as the prefix re_. Word morphology is also included in affix lessons to provide support for encoding base words with affixes. A list of possible words is included in the lesson for teacher guidance. During the skill introduction, the teacher shares, "When the prefix be_ is added to a base word, it often means become. Consider the word "befriend." In this word, "friend" is the base word, and "be" is the prefix. The word "befriend" means to "become a friend"."
- Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide direct and explicit instruction for applying knowledge of syllable types and syllable division principles to decode and encode one-syllable or multisyllabic words. For example, Sequence 4 Lesson 12 provides a teacher script for guiding students through syllable division rules for words with V/CV or VC/V syllables.
- The materials provide teachers with important points to emphasize about decoding and encoding words by applying knowledge of syllable division principles. For example, in Sequence 4 Lesson 3, the skill introduction says, "We are going to learn about the open vowel syllable type. When a vowel appears at the end of a syllable following a consonant, it represents its long sound." In Sequence 4 Lesson 3 syllable type CV, materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit instruction for applying knowledge of syllable types to encode multisyllabic words. The encoding section has directions to code the words: "Once the sentence is written, have students find all the CV words. For each CV word, students circle the vowel sounds with red and underline the consonants with blue. Then they code the vowels and consonants in the CV syllable by writing ‘C’ or ‘V’ above each letter in the syllable. Sequence 1 Lesson 1 introduces the CVC syllable type. The skill introduction includes teacher guidance on what is a vowel, its sounds, what is a syllable, how to count syllables, and then guidance on introducing the closed CVC syllable type: "Think of the word "pig." This word has a CVC syllable type. This means it is represented using a consonant, vowel, and another consonant. Write the letters ‘C,’ ‘V,’ and ‘C’ above the letters in the word "pig" to show which letters are consonants and which is a vowel. This word is a closed syllable. The middle vowel is closed in by a consonant that comes directly after it, causing the vowel in the middle to represent its short sound /ǐ/. Blend the word pig by saying /p/ /ǐ/ /g/. Model the sounds... code the letters... remind students of what is a closed syllable... blend sounds."
5.E.3c
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice and reinforce skills to decode and encode one-syllable or multisyllabic words (through cumulative review). (PR 2.A.1 & 2.A.3)
See Quality Review Evidence for this Indicator
Evaluation for 5.E.3c
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice and reinforce skills to decode and encode one-syllable or multisyllabic words (through cumulative review). (PR 2.A.1 & 2.A.3)
- The materials include a variety of activities to develop, practice, and reinforce skills to decode one-syllable and multisyllabic words. For example, grade 2 lessons include a Day 1 Focus Practice Skill Sheet for students to decode the words "begin", "event", and "began" in Sequence 4 Lesson 9. This lesson also includes a decodable reader named, "Summer Streets Event" for student practice. The materials include a variety of resources to develop, practice, and reinforce skills to decode and encode one-syllable words. For example, grade 2 materials introduce the final stable syllable type in Sequence 4 Lesson 32, and have students perform a syllable sort of final stable syllable words in Lesson 36.
- Materials and resources in Sequence 4 Lesson 16 provide decoding of multisyllabic words with the prefixes be_ and de_. After the skill introduction, students practice decoding with word mapping and the focus skill sheet. The lesson also provides a review of affixes using flashcards that can be cut out and used by students. The student places the affix before and after base words to create new words and change their meaning ("non", "dis", "mis", "ing").
- Materials include a variety of activities for students to develop, practice, and reinforce skills to encode one-syllable or multisyllabic words (through cumulative review). Sequence 4 student activities allow encoding through word mapping, word chaining, and dictation.
- Materials include one-day lessons over syllable types. The Structured Literacy with E.A.S.E. Program Information states that: "These one-day lessons focus on introducing each of the seven syllable types. The lessons that immediately follow syllable type lessons go into more depth about the graphemes found within the syllable type." Materials include three-day lessons for syllable division rules. The Structured Literacy with E.A.S.E. Program Information states that these lessons "focus on how to decode and encode multisyllabic words using syllable division rules." Materials include syllable sorting, and one-day lessons for every grade: kindergarten has three, grade 1 has one, and grade 2 has three. The Structured Literacy with E.A.S.E. Program Information states that these lessons "serve as a quick review of previously learned syllable types. Students practice sorting words by their syllable type and reading a text that contains each of the previously taught syllable types."
5.E.3d (grade 1 only)
Materials include a variety of activities for students to practice decoding and encoding one-syllable or multisyllabic words, using knowledge of syllable types and syllable division principles, in isolation (e.g., word lists) and in decodable connected text that builds on previous instruction (e.g., within sentences or decodable texts). (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
Evaluation for 5.E.3d (grade 1 only)
Materials include a variety of activities for students to practice decoding and encoding one-syllable or multisyllabic words, using knowledge of syllable types and syllable division principles, in isolation (e.g., word lists) and in decodable connected text that builds on previous instruction (e.g., within sentences or decodable texts). (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
5.E.3d (grades 2 and 3 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to practice decoding and encoding one-syllable or multisyllabic words, using knowledge of syllable types and syllable division principles, in isolation (e.g., word lists) and in decodable connected text that builds on previous instruction (e.g., within sentences or decodable texts). (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
See Quality Review Evidence for this Indicator
Evaluation for 5.E.3d (grades 2 and 3 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to practice decoding and encoding one-syllable or multisyllabic words, using knowledge of syllable types and syllable division principles, in isolation (e.g., word lists) and in decodable connected text that builds on previous instruction (e.g., within sentences or decodable texts). (PR 2.A & 2.A.3)
- The materials provide a variety of activities and resources for decoding one-syllable words in connected text. For example, grade 2 lessons include a decodable text that includes the current and previously taught skills where students read in a variety of ways on Day 2 of the lesson. Sequence 4 Lesson 19 states, "Model how to read the first page of "Brownstone Birthday Party." Depending on the level of support needed, students read the remaining text using one of the following methods: echo reading, partner reading, choral reading, or independent reading."
- The Structured Literacy with E.A.S.E. Program Information provides an overview of syllable type lessons and syllable division rules at the start of each sequence. "Syllable Type" lessons are designed as one-day lessons that introduce each of the seven syllable types, followed by more detailed lessons on the graphemes associated with each type. "Syllable Division Rule" lessons span three days and emphasize decoding and encoding multisyllabic words using syllable division rules. In Sequence 4 Lesson 3 Day 1, students are introduced to the CV syllable type through a teacher-led introduction of CV words, a Syllable Map-It activity (including words like "bacon", "begin", "cupid", "local", and "tiger"), and dictation exercises (such as "lady", "minus", "going", "human", and "super") for encoding practice. The lesson concludes with students coding the dictated words by marking "C" or "V" above the letters for each syllable. The subsequent lessons include various activities for decoding and encoding, such as Focus Skill practice, further decoding of syllable types in isolation, and progress monitoring with words like "paper", "later", "crazy", "baby", and "April". "Syllable Division" lessons are outlined in the "Scope and Sequence" in the Program Spreadsheet and commence in Sequence 2 Lesson 15 Days 1 and 2 of these lessons provide activities for practicing syllable division principles. On Day 1, the materials explain that a compound word is formed by combining two words while retaining their original spelling, and students are instructed to divide between the words when reading and spelling compound words. Word mapping is practiced with examples like "anthill", "bulldog", "sandbox", "sunset", "upon", and "within." Encoding practice involves dictating words such as "pigpen", "bobcat", "catfish", "cannot", and "upset." Lastly, students complete the Day 1 Focus Skills Practice sheet after teacher modeling.
- Materials include a variety of activities for students to practice decoding and encoding one-syllable or multisyllabic words, using knowledge of syllable types and syllable division principles in decodable connected text that builds on previous instruction (e.g., within sentences or decodable texts). Materials include activities for decoding such as phrases, sentences, and decodable books. Connected text includes current skills being taught and previously learned skills as listed inside decodable books.
- Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to practice decoding and encoding one-syllable or multisyllabic words using knowledge of syllable types in the decodable connected text that builds on previous instruction. For example, Sequence 2 Lesson 20 introduces the syllable type VCE, and the consequential six lessons continue this skill practice with VCE words in isolation, phrases, and sentences in the focus skill practice pages for each lesson and in isolation and in sentences in the decodable readers. Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to practice encoding one-syllable or multisyllabic words using knowledge of syllable types in the decodable connected text that builds on previous instruction. For example, Sequence 2, Lesson 20 introduces the syllable type VCE and the encoding exercises on day one include dictation routines with practice in isolation and in connected text.
5.E.4 Phonics (Encoding/Decoding) Morphological Awareness (grades 1–3 only)
Evaluation for 5.E.4a (grades 1–3 only)
Materials include a systematic sequence for introducing grade-level morphemes, as outlined in the TEKS. (PR 2.A.1)
- The materials include a scope and sequence document that identifies grade-level morphemes. For example, grade 2 materials include instruction for prefixes -un, -re, and -in; however, not all lessons are aligned to the grade-level standards. Grade 2 lessons do not include morphemes -er and -est because they are found in grade 1 materials.
- The program materials do not introduce morphemes in the correct grade level according to the TEKS. For example, Sequence 4 Lesson 13 introduces two second-grade affixes: un_ and re_. Lesson 14 introduces sub_ and pre_. These are not aligned to grade-level TEKS. Lesson 15 introduces dis_, mis_ , and non_, Lesson 16 introduces be_ and de_, Lesson 28 includes _ment and _ous, and Lesson 29 introduces _ish, _able, and _ure, which are not included in grade-level TEKS. The 1-1-1 rule (Sequence 3 Lesson 27), Silent e with Suffixes (Sequence 3 Lesson 28) lessons, as well as Lessons 30 and 31 in Sequence 4, Y+1-1-1 and Y Spelling Rule, are not aligned with the TEKS.
- Materials include a scope and sequence for introducing grade-level morphemes, as outlined in the TEKS. For example, Sequence 4 Lesson 13 introduces prefixes un- and re-. Sequence 4 Lesson 28 materials list the prefix -ion, but the materials only include words with -tion, not -sion or -ion. Prefixes -er and -est are introduced in grade 1 materials in Sequence 3 Lesson 24 and not reviewed in Grade 2. Sequence 4 is taught in its entirety in grade 2 yet includes prefixes dis- and non- which are taught in grade 3.
- The materials teach morphemes, but they are not aligned with the grade-level standards. For example, grade 1 scope and sequence indicate that students will complete Lessons 24-26 of Sequence 2, and those lessons cover grade 2 and grade 3 TEKS i.e. those lessons are over the following grade 2 suffixes (_er, _est, and _ly) and grade 3 suffixes (_ness and _ful) along with an additional one not taught in grades K-3 (_less). In Sequence 4, Lesson 13, prefixes un_, re_, and in_ are introduced. The prefix "in_" is not in grade 2 TEKS, it is introduced and taught in grade 3 TEKS.
5.E.4b (grades 1–3 only)
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct) instruction for supporting recognition of common morphemes and using their meanings (e.g., affixes, roots, and base words) to support decoding, encoding, and reading comprehension. (PR 2.A.1)
See Quality Review Evidence for this Indicator
Evaluation for 5.E.4b (grades 1–3 only)
Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct) instruction for supporting recognition of common morphemes and using their meanings (e.g., affixes, roots, and base words) to support decoding, encoding, and reading comprehension. (PR 2.A.1)
- The lesson plans include teacher tips or explanations of the morphological objective of the lesson. For example, the grade 2 lesson for the prefix dis- state, "When the prefix "dis_" is added to a base word, it means "opposite of." Consider the word "distrust." In this word, trust is the base word, and dis is the prefix. The word distrust means "opposite of trust." The lesson plans include teacher tips or explanations of the morphological objective of the lesson. For example, the grade 1 lesson for suffixes -ing states, "When this suffix is added to a base word, it shows the action of the process. Consider the word "cooking." In this word, cook is the base word, and _ing is the suffix. The word cooking means that the action – "cook" – is currently happening."
- The program materials provide direct and explicit instruction for common morphemes and use their meanings in each affix lesson in Sequences 3 and 4. Sequence 4 Lesson 13 states, "Today you will learn about prefixes. You have already learned that a suffix is a string of letters that goes at the end of a base word to change or add to its meaning. A prefix is a string of letters that goes at the beginning of a base word to change or add to its meaning. Today we will focus on the prefixes un_, re_, and in_. When the prefix un_ is added to a base word, it means not."
- The lesson plans include teacher tips or explanations of the morphological objective of the lesson. For example, in Sequence 4 Lesson 13, the lesson focus includes prefixes un- and re-. The Skill Introduction section provides a teacher script that explains, "When the prefix "re_" is added to a base word, it means "back, again." Consider the word reset."
- Materials include guidance for the teacher to provide explicit (direct) instruction for using common morphemes meanings to support reading comprehension. For example, in Sequence 4 Lesson 24, the skill introduction states: "You've already learned that a suffix is a string of letters that go at the end of a base word to change or add to its meaning. Some suffixes you've already learned are _s, _es, _ing, and _ed. Today, we will focus on the suffixes _er and _est. These suffixes are used to compare two or more items. When _er is added to a base word, it means "more." When _est is added to a base word, it means "most." Consider the word bold. Bolder means "more bold" and would be used to compare two bold things. Boldest means "most bold" and would be used to compare a group of more than two things." In Sequence 3 Day 2 Lesson Procedures, the morphology section states: "Affix lessons include a morphology activity in place of the word collection encoding activity. Students use the word strips to determine which affixes can be added to which base or root words. The currently taught affixes are on the strips as well as some from previous lessons. As students create a new word, they write the word and describe how adding the affix changed the meaning of the base or root word. A list of possible words students might create is included in each lesson. When possible, base words that can stand on their own are used. On occasion, root words that cannot stand on their own are used. You might choose to only include root words for learners needing a challenge, as part of the activity will be to look the root word up and discover its origin and meaning."
5.E.4c (grades 1–3 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce grade-level morphological skills (through cumulative review). (PR 2.A.1 & 2.A.3)
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Evaluation for 5.E.4c (grades 1–3 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce grade-level morphological skills (through cumulative review). (PR 2.A.1 & 2.A.3)
- The materials include practice activities in paper to build on the taught morphological skill. For example, grade 2 lessons develop targeted morphological skills and include a "Learning at Home" worksheet for students to practice and reinforce the skill. Sequence 4 Lesson 15 "Learning at Home" instructions for "Building Words" state, "Cut out the cards to the right. Some cards have a prefix (the focus prefixes), some have a base word, and others have suffixes (previously learned suffixes). Ask your learner to read the words on each card, then ask them to read the prefixes and suffixes. Once they have done that, your learner should practice adding each affix to each word, decide which words can be combined with each affix, and then state the meaning of the word with the affix (see examples below). Each time they build a new word, they write the word (on paper, in shaving cream, etc.). After writing the word, they drag their finger under it as they blend the sounds to read the word." Practice words include "trust", "jump", and "read" along with the affixes -ed and mis-. The materials include practice activities to build and spiral previously learned morphological skills within the "Word Chaining" section of the Day 2 lesson. Grade 2 Lesson 16 for prefix de- has students build, read, write, change, and repeat in word chaining for the words "lay", "delay", and "decay" along with review words "refold", "retold", and "told."
- Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce grade-level morphological skills (through cumulative review). Activities include word chaining, word mapping, dictation, and morphology activities. Only morphology activities allow for cumulative review as found in Sequence 4 Lesson 13 which includes the skill focus of prefixes un-, re-, and in- and review for suffixes -ful, -ly, and -ing. Word chaining also allows opportunities to review with a review chain before the word chain with the skill focus of the lesson. Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to develop, practice, and reinforce grade-level morphological skills (through cumulative review). Resources include morphology activity cards, Focus Skill Practice, and "Learning at Home." Morphology activities cards and the "Learning at Home" sheet do allow for cumulative review of other affixes as in Sequence 4 Lesson 13. Focus Skill Practice sheets do not allow for cumulative review of other affixes previously taught.
- The morphology activities in morphological lessons include spiraling affixes. For example, in Sequence 4 Lesson 13, students are introduced to re- and un-. In the morphology activity for that lesson, those affixes are practiced along with previously introduced affixes like _ing, _ful, _ly, and in-. Sometimes one question is asked in the reading comprehension, day 2 quizzes (about how to spell a certain word with the previously taught affixes), but this is not a consistent review. For example, in Sequence 3 Lesson 3 Day 2, "The Snail Games Quiz" asks "What is the correct way to make train plural?" and gives students multiple-choice options. The next time plurality affixes are included on these lesson quizzes is in Sequence 3 Lesson 19 "A Class Skit Quiz." After Sequence 2 Lesson 1 on suffixes _s & _es, there is no intentional practice of these in Focus Skill Practice pages in isolation, nor in connected text e.g. I only see _s words occasionally and no _es words are included in any of the consequential Focus Skill Practice sheets in Sequence 2.
5.E.4d (grades 1–3 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to decode and encode words with morphemes in isolation (e.g., word lists) and in decodable connected text that builds on previous instruction (e.g., within sentences or decodable texts). (PR 2.A.1 & 2.A.3)
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Evaluation for 5.E.4d (grades 1–3 only)
Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to decode and encode words with morphemes in isolation (e.g., word lists) and in decodable connected text that builds on previous instruction (e.g., within sentences or decodable texts). (PR 2.A.1 & 2.A.3)
- Decoding and encoding words with morphemes in isolation are included in a variety of activities and resources for first and second grade. In Days 1 and 2 of morpheme lessons, activities include word mapping, focus skill practice, word chaining, dictation, and morphology (student word-building flashcard activity). In Sequence 4 Lesson 13 Day 1 students complete the Focus Skill Activity by reading words, phrases, and sentences with the prefixes un_, re_, and in_. Decodable texts are included with each morpheme lesson in Sequences 3 and 4. Students use the decodable texts on Days 2 and 3 of the lessons. The reader includes the focus skill as well as previously acquired skills. Those are documented at the beginning of each reader. Sequence 4 Lesson 13 uses the reader, "Art That Inspires", and the comprehension quiz for the book has questions about the prefixes in the lesson. One example states, "Which prefix means back or again?"
- Materials include a variety of activities and resources for students to decode and encode words with morphemes in isolation (e.g., word lists) and in decodable connected text that builds on previous instruction (e.g., within sentences or decodable texts). Focus Skill Practice sheets allow for decoding practice in isolation and in decodable connected text.
- Materials include instructional routines, such as dictation, that emphasize encoding and decoding. Every lesson includes encoding activities and their dictation directions state: "Students write words and a sentence containing the focus skill. Then they demonstrate their comprehension. The sentences include words that reflect the focus skill, previously learned high-frequency words, and words featuring previously learned skills. Words: First, dictate each word as students write them on paper. Sentence: Say the "Student" sentence aloud. Students write the sentence. Comprehension: Write the "Comprehension" sentence on the board without reading it aloud. Students read the sentence independently and then illustrate its meaning on a half-slip of paper. Students may choose to label their pictures. Evaluate the picture to see if students accurately depicted what was happening in the sentence." Materials in Sequence 2 Day 2 lesson procedures include a description of the encoding word collection activity, and the directions state: "When students finish reading the book, they search the book to find words with the focus sound. They write these words in their "My Word Collection Book." A list of skill words that can be found in the book are listed in the lesson plan."