6–10 English Language Arts Work Group
Purpose(s)/Goal
The 6-10 ELA Work Group ensures that standards, course design and instructional materials across Bellingham Public Schools align with:
- State learning standards, as required by Policy 2020
- The Bellingham Promise outcomes, including equitable access to grade-level learning
- High quality, evidence-based curriculum and instruction that support students’ mastery of foundational knowledge and skills required for career and college readiness
- Great teaching with strong support and inclusive instruction
The work group provides a system-wide, data-informed approach to curriculum alignment, adoption, implementation, and continuous improvement.
Basis for Establishment
This work group exists to:
- Develop a comprehensive review process to ensure curriculum across our content areas aligns with state standards
- Support ongoing course design as defined in Policy and Procedure 2020
- Ensure equitable, inclusive access to curriculum
Decision-Making Process
The ELA Work group will:
- Make decisions through consensus
- Make recommendations to the superintendent
Plan of Work
For the 26-27 school-year and based on the new state standards, we will focus on Secondary ELA.
Spring 2026
- 4 – 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 3 (clock hours only) – Full work group
Summer of 2026 – ELA and Math Work Groups only
- 1 – 4 p.m., August 19, 2026 (ten staff @ curriculum rate)
2026-27 (sub pay for half days for 10) - ELA and Math Work Groups only
- 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October TBD
- 7:30 – 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November TBD
- 7:30 – 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February TBD
- 7:30 – 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March TBD
Plan of Work
For the 26-27 school-year and based on the new state standards, we will focus on Secondary ELA.
Responsibilities
- Attend all meetings
- Assist in preparing materials as needed
- Share updates with building and level educators
Budget Implications
Costs may include:
- Meetings and learning time together outside contracted day will be submitted for clock hours, during the school day staff will have their sub covered by the building budget
- Any recommended investments in curriculum, resource development and pilot materials will be identified
- Any recommendations for professional learning will be identified