Islip Union Free School District

“The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.”  -- Mark Twain

In grades K-6, the Islip School District is committed to developing strong, thoughtful readers and writers through a blended literacy approach. Our model combines structured literacy programs with the reading and writing workshop model, providing both explicit skill instruction and meaningful opportunities for students to apply what they’ve learned.

In the early grades, students build foundational literacy skills through Fundations® and Heggerty®, which focus on phonics, phonemic awareness, spelling, handwriting, and fluency—aligned with the Science of Reading.

From kindergarten through fifth grade, students engage in a reading and writing workshop that promotes comprehension, vocabulary, critical thinking, and creativity. They learn through mini-lessons, independent practice, small group instruction, and one-on-one conferences that provide children with personalized teacher support, all while exploring high-interest texts that reflect student voice and choice.

This balanced model ensures that all learners develop the essential skills to read with confidence and write with purpose, while also nurturing a lifelong love of literacy.

In grades 7-12, students have the opportunity to take a variety of English classes, which include Honors and Advanced Placement courses as well as electives such as Public Speaking & Debate and Communications 101. In 11th Grade, all students take the Common Core English Regents Exam. Ultimately, our goal is to guide students to become proficient writers and lifelong readers who are college- and career-ready.