| Paideia Academy utilizes Balanced Literacy as its reading, writing and language arts program. All students participate in meaningful, ongoing assessments to determine placement in the appropriate reading group. All areas of reading development are covered including: phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and fluency. Balanced Literacy is a research based and content-rich approach that provides high-interest, developmentally appropriate instruction for each student. In addition, Paideia Academy utilizes the Fontas and Pinnell Phonics program to create a holistic approach to language arts. Such a program is critical in the early grades in order to avoid reading and learning problems later. The program is aligned with Core Knowledge in that it focuses on building knowledge and greater understanding in a systematic, structured, cohesive and consistent manner. The program also emphasizes fine literature and instills in the young reader a lifelong interest in reading and literature.
Additionally, Paideia utilitzes the 6+1 Traits of Writing. This research-based model is structured around common writing characteristics: idea development, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. These traits can be graduated developmentally and articulated into a grade-by-grade sequence of instruction. Because it goes well beyond the standard five-paragraph essay structure, it allows for the evaluation of literary devices such as voice, style, and word choice creating an authentic method for teachers to grade student writing. Each student will receive appropriate developmental direct instruction and modeling in writing. This model is now used in virtually every state in the country, as well as in Europe and countries in the Middle East.
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