The middle school English Language Arts program focuses on increasing the sophistication of students’ reading, writing, listening, speaking and information skills. 

Reading: 
Students learn to read analytically as they engage with diverse texts and genres to better understand the human experience. As academic reading materials become more challenging, English teachers differentiate instruction for students of all ability levels. Vocabulary development and speaking and listening skills are incorporated throughout reading instruction. Middle school English teachers also foster students’ independent reading habits and strive to help students develop a love of reading. 

Writing: 

Writing instruction emphasizes organization, clarity and creativity as students’ compositions grow in complexity and length. Students learn to communicate clearly and effectively by considering the audience, purpose and appropriate use of language based on the intention of the task. Students develop and support an essay thesis, develop narrative and argumentative writing skills, and craft poetry. Writing conventions, including spelling, punctuation, and grammatical usage, are taught in increasing detail in grades six through eight. Students are expected to gain independence in revising and editing skills. 

Assessment: 

In addition to classroom assessments, TCMS administers three standardized assessments throughout the year. Middle-school students take the New York State English Language Arts exams in which they are expected to demonstrate comprehension of detailed reading passages and write well-supported, organized essays. Additionally, students at TCMS take the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test each fall and each spring. TCMS uses data from these assessments, as well as classroom teacher recommendations, to place students in Academic Intervention Services (AIS) in order to build the skills necessary to meet or exceed the New York State Learning Standards.