PIRLS 2006 Encyclopedia

PIRLS 2006 Encyclopediaprovide an innovative, different, or enhanced program to improve student learning. 2Students also have the right to a home education.Role of Preprimary EducationEarly childhood services programs serve children before grade 1 and include kindergarten.Attendance at these programs is voluntary and may be offered by either public or privateschools or other private institutions. Students attending kindergarten have access to atleast 475 hours of instruction per year. 3Reading Curriculum in the Primary GradesReading PolicyAlthough Alberta does not have an official reading policy, literacy is emphasized acrossall subject areas. There is no separate curriculum for reading. It is included as one of thesix language arts subjects within the English Language Arts K–9 Program of Studies.Summary of CurriculumThe two main goals underlying the English language arts curriculum are to have studentsappreciate and understand literature and language so they can effectively use it in differentsituations for a variety of purposes. 4The program of studies focuses on six language arts areas that are interconnected:listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing. Students are expectedto achieve the outcomes (attitudes, knowledge, and skills) outlined in the program ofstudies by the end of each grade.Reading Instruction in the Primary GradesInstructional TimeIn Alberta, the amount of mandated instructional time in grade 4 is 950 hours per year.Approximately 25% of this time is devoted to language instruction.CanadaInstructional MaterialsA list of authorized basic resources that support teaching the curricular outcomesis compiled by the Ministry. These resources are subjected to an in-depth reviewand content validation and must meet the Guidelines for Recognizing Diversity andPromoting Respect. 5Resources for teaching reading are divided into basic student learning resources,student support resources, and teaching resources. Basic resources address most ofthe course outcomes, while support resources assist in meeting some of the outcomes.Resources are available in various forms such as print, audio, video, manipulatives,or computer software. 6 The program of studies suggests that grade 4 students should“experience oral, print, and other media texts from a variety of cultural traditions andgenres, such as personal narratives, plays, novels, video programs, adventure stories, folktales, informational texts, mysteries, poetry, and CD-ROM programs.” 762