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Elementary Reading Program

Harford County implements a comprehensive reading and language arts program designed to meet the instructional needs of our students. The Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Program occurs daily across all kindergarten and first grade classrooms. This research-based program is aligned to the essential early literacy skills in phonological awareness.

12 elementary schools are currently piloting the Benchmark Education program. These schools are Abingdon, Church Creek, Deerfield, Forest Hill, Forest Lakes, Hall’s Cross Roads, Havre de Grace, Joppatowne, Magnolia, North Bend, and Old Post Road elementary schools.

Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade

HCPS Comprehensive K-5 Literacy Program

Science of Reading, Research-Based, Integrated Approach to Reading Excellence

Reading Instructions at HCPS
Phonemic  Awareness Foundation button
lSystematic Phonics Instruction button
Reading Comprehension Analysis button
Reading  & Writing Workshop button
HCPS Word Work & Study button
Phonemic Awareness Foundation
Program: Heggerty

Develops students' ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words.


Key Features:
  • Daily 10-15 minute explicit instruction
  • Sequential skill development
  • Supports phonics instruction preparation
  • Assessment tools for progress monitoring
Systematic Phonics Instruction
Program: Fundations & Units of Study

Provides explicit, systematic phonics instruction using multisensory techniques through integrated programming.


Fundations:
  • Wilson Reading System foundation
  • Multisensory learning approach
  • Systematic scope and sequence
  • Supports spelling and writing development

Units of Study integration:
  • Applies phonics skills in authentic writing
  • Reinforces phonetic patterns through reading workshop
  • Connects phonics to spelling in writing instruction
  • Provides real-world application of systematic phonics learning
Reading Comprehension & Analysis
Program: CommonLit

Builds reading comprehension through high-quality texts and targeted instruction.


Key Features:
  • Diverse, engaging text collection
  • Built-in assessment and analytics
  • Differentiated reading levels
  • Critical thinking and analysis skills
Reading & Writing Workshop
Program: Units of Study

Provides authentic reading and writing experiences through workshop model instruction.


Key Features:
  • Student choice and engagement
  • Conferencing and small group instruction
  • Genre studies and author studies
  • Reading and writing connections
HCPS Word Work Curriculum
Vocabulary Development

Systematic vocabulary and word study instruction tailored to district needs.


Key Features:
  • District-created, standards-aligned
  • Morphology and etymology focus
  • Cross-curricular vocabulary connections
  • Supports academic language development

Why This Comprehensive Approach Matters

Addresses All Five Pillars of Reading

Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension are systematically developed through our integrated components.

Reinforces Learning Across Programs

Skills learned in one component are reinforced and applied in others, creating deeper understanding and retention.

Research-Based Foundation

Each component is grounded in literacy research and proven effective in classroom implementation.

Differentiated Instruction

Multiple entry points and approaches ensure all learners can access and succeed in literacy development.


Early Reading Screenings

Harford County administers early reading screeners, and formative and diagnostic assessments in order to match students to the program that will best meet their needs and provide a strong foundation in all areas of early literacy. DIBELS 8th edition is the current early screener being utilized by our district. Students in grades K-3 are required by law to be screened for reading difficulties.

Resources for Parents
  • September - October
  • January - February
  • April - June

Reading Intervention Programs for Elementary School Students

Harford County believes in a muli-tiered system of support. Along with our core reading program, The Units of Study in Phonics, Reading and Writing, we implement the following Tier II and Ill programs: Wilson Fundations, Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS), Amira Reading Suite, Reading Plus, and Orton Gillingham Plus. Students read a variety of text, such as: decodables, emergent story books, fiction and nonfiction leveled readers, and early chapter books.

Parent Resources for Dyslexia


Contact the Office of English/Language Arts
Kristine Scarry, Supervisor of English/Language Arts

102 South Hickory Avenue
Bel Air, MD 21014