Reading Language Arts
Overview
The Reading Language Arts Curriculum and Instruction team firmly believes that literacy is the foundation of academic success and lifelong learning. Grounded in the Science of Reading, our instructional approach is research-based, systematic, and responsive to the developmental needs of students from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Through intentional and standards-aligned planning based on the Reading Language Arts TEKS, RISD educators deliver explicit, systematic instruction that supports all students in becoming competent and confident readers and writers.
In elementary classrooms, daily instruction focuses on foundational reading skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, and encoding. Students also develop oral language, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension through meaningful interactions with a wide range of texts. Instruction is structured, cumulative, and informed by ongoing assessment to meet the needs of all learners.
In secondary classrooms, instruction emphasizes advanced vocabulary, reading fluency, academic language, and comprehension of complex, grade-level texts across content areas. Students are supported in building knowledge, thinking critically, and expressing their ideas effectively through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
In RISD, the Science of Reading guides our commitment to ensuring every student receives high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction that prepares them for academic success and lifelong learning.
HMH Into Reading
Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, all 36 RISD elementary campuses will begin using HMH Into Reading and ¡Arriba la Lectura! These state-approved High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) provide engaging, research-based instruction that helps students build strong reading, writing, speaking, and language skills. The curriculum is aligned with the Science of Reading, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) to support student success.
Parents can view the same instructional materials their child uses in class by logging into the HMH Ed platform through their child’s ClassLink account.
