California Literacy Roadmap: Literacy Content Blocks for English-Medium Classrooms, 6–12

Smarter Balanced Tools for Teachers (https://smartertoolsforteachers.org/) is an online collection of teacher-created, standards-aligned instructional resources designed to support K–12 educators in using the formative assessment process to improve student learning. Aligned with the Common Core State Standards and California Next Generation Science Standards, the platform offers ready-to-use lesson plans with embedded formative assessment and accessibility strategies, printable worksheets, and responsive instructional materials. It also features Interactive Connections Playlists linked to Smarter Balanced ELA and Math Interim Assessments. All resources are developed by educators and undergo a collaborative, rigorous vetting process to ensure high quality and classroom relevance.

 

The California K–2 Reading Difficulties Risk Screeners (Education Code Section 53008) provide educators with a structured way to identify and support the foundational skills essential for early reading success. Administered one or more times throughout the year, these screeners help highlight student strengths, identify areas of need, and guide timely, targeted instruction aligned with the California ELA/ELD Framework and evidence-based practices. The screeners focus on key components of early literacy, including phonological and phonemic awareness, letter knowledge, rapid automatic naming, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and oral language comprehension. This companion resource supports educators in moving from data to action by offering clear skill definitions, connections to grade-level standards, guiding reflection questions, evidence-based instructional strategies from the California Department of Education’s Content Blocks, and additional resources to strengthen both Tier 1 instruction and small-group interventions.