Reading

Oakland School’s literacy program is comprised of gradually progressing instruction based on the literacy strengths and needs of each student. Whether a student is a beginning or an advanced reader, Oakland’s team will chart an individualized literacy course forward.

Teachers monitor individual literacy learning growth using informal and formal tools, guided practice of skills, and research-based assessments. The Qualitative Reading Inventory (QRI) is administered in a one-on-one setting, while the Measure of Academic Progress/Reading (MAP) is a nationally normed assessment.

Beginning Readers

Beginning readers are typically instructed using the Orton-Gillingham Approach, “A direct, explicit, multisensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy even when reading, writing, and spelling do not come easily to individuals, such as those with dyslexia.” In this method, students may use tracing packets that correspond with their basal packets. Children trace the raised shapes of the letters of words as they hear and read the sounds orally to bring several senses into play.

Intermediate Readers

Intermediate readers make the shift from learning to read to reading to learn. With guided instruction, progress continues in the areas of comprehension, vocabulary, and reading fluency. Written and oral language instruction is integrated daily using a differentiated approach tailored to each learner.

Confident Readers

At Oakland, students are advanced as quickly as their abilities allow. One-to-ones transition to mastering comprehension strategies, developing vocabulary, and improving fluency.

READING IN HIGH SCHOOL

High school literacy continues the trajectory forward, aligning with the social studies curriculum to deepen students' understanding of both reading skills and historical context. Assessments are primarily writing-based, fostering analytical thinking and the ability to write effectively for diverse audiences and purposes.

English

Students at a beginning level in reading will not have a separate English class, but will receive written language instruction within the reading classroom. As a student’s reading level improves, his or her schedule expands to include an English class. More skilled readers and students with written language difficulties will be enrolled in both a writing and a grammar class. In addition to writing, composition, and grammar, students also receive keyboarding instruction.

Since many students with attention difficulties struggle with getting their thoughts down on paper, Oakland’s small classes and individualized attention provide a nurturing and accepting environment in which students begin to feel comfortable with the process of writing. Over the years, Oakland students have participated in and won recognition in local and statewide writing competitions.

Math

Math classes at Oakland are taught in small groups of six to eight students and range from basic math concept courses to 9th grade math. Student schedules include an instructional period at their appropriate level followed by a guided practice period. Lessons follow textbooks written to cover the Virginia Standards of Learning but are often broken down into smaller, easy-to-follow steps. Teacher-made worksheets help clarify concepts and allow students to be successful.

The multisensory approach found throughout the Oakland program is employed in math classes as well, with students writing on erasable whiteboards, working with manipulatives, reciting mnemonics, and playing math games to reinforce concepts. Prompt feedback on written work and class exercises ensures that students know right away that they’re on track. Lessons are planned to connect to students’ lives and are personalized whenever possible to make the topics more relevant.

Study Skills

Equipping students with a robust toolkit of study skills is a cornerstone of The Oakland Way that benefits children long after they leave our grounds. Content classes at Oakland such as science and history are taught as Study Skills classes to help students become successful in all classes at Oakland and to prepare them to be successful after Oakland.

Most study skills do not come naturally, especially for children with learning difficulties; therefore, skills are taught in isolation as well as  integrated throughout the curriculum. Some of the key study skills taught include the following:

• Learning the parts of a book including title page, table of contents, index and glossary

• Effective use of reference materials

• Efficient and pertinent note taking from books, whiteboards/chalkboards, lectures and media

• Test preparation and test taking strategies

• Memorization techniques

• Learning how to become a flexible reader by exposure to skimming, scanning, and other techniques; and

• Comprehensive report preparation and writing.

Study skills instruction at Oakland is designed to enhance organizational skills both in terms of materials and time management.

Homework is given, but assignments are manageable and meaningful. In addition, hands-on activities supplement traditional classroom instruction.