Common Core Standards

Our district follows a Balanced Literacy Framework that incorporates reading, writing, listening, and speaking into daily instruction. Guided by the PA Core Standards, Harcourt Journeys serves as the main reading/language arts program. This research-based, developmental series is organized by theme and promotes responsibility toward self, community, and the world.

 

Students build literacy skills through:

 

This short-term reading intervention supports struggling readers in phonics, reading, writing, and word study. Students are placed in small groups based on individual assessments and receive targeted instruction tailored to their specific reading challenges. Teachers use progress-monitoring data to guide instruction and accelerate student growth. 

Aligned with PA Core Standards, math instruction in Wilkinsburg emphasizes both skill acquisition and conceptual understanding. The GO Math program, supported by Harcourt, helps students apply mathematical thinking through grade-level skills and the Standards of Mathematical Practice. Instruction is enhanced with additional materials and resources. 

Harcourt Science aligns with the National Science Education Standards and Pennsylvania Learning Goals. The program equally emphasizes life science, earth science, and physical science, and supports scientific inquiry, conceptual understanding, and real-world application. 

 

Key components of instruction include: