Fayette County Public Schools
Fayetteville, Georgia
District Motto
English Language Arts
Coordinator, Reading, Language Arts (K-5), EIP
Mrs. Lori Tokar, tokar.lori@fcboe.org
Coordinator of English & World Languages (6-12)
Dr. Portia N. Rhodes, rhodes.portia@fcboe.org
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Tresha Mitchell, mitchell.tresha@fcboe.org
Office: 770-460-3990 ext. 1241
Overview
Overview of ELA Program
Inspiring Readers, Writers, and Thinkers for a Changing World
Fayette County’s K–12 ELA program prepares students to read, write, speak, listen, and view with purpose through a curriculum aligned to Georgia’s new K–12 ELA Standards. Students engage with complex, diverse texts appropriate to their grade levels as they interpret and construct texts while reading like writers and writing like readers—strengthening their skills, expanding their knowledge, and deepening their understanding of themselves and the world.
Georgia K-12 English Language Arts Standards may be found on the Georgia Department of Education website: English Language Arts
What Parents Need to Know About Georgia’s New ELA Standards
Launched August 2025 - Designed to help students grow as readers, writers, and thinkers.
Key Domains of ELA Instruction
- Foundations (Grades K-5 only) – Builds essential early reading skills using research-based methods (Science of Reading).
- Literacy Practices (Grades K-12) - Develops habits for purposeful reading, writing, and thinking.
- Texts (Grades K-12) - Teaches students to interpret and construct texts using context, structure, techniques, research, and historical perspectives.
- Language (Grades K-12) - Strengthens grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary for clear and effective communication.
High School Courses Update
As of August 2025:
- 9th Grade → Literature & Composition I
- 10th Grade → Literature & Composition II
How This Benefits Students
Students build stronger reading, writing, and communication skills to prepare for success in school, college, careers, and life.
New ELA Standards 2025-26
New ELA Standards 2025-26
Georgia’s new K–12 English Language Arts (ELA) Standards are designed to help students become stronger readers, writers, and thinkers.
Key Domains of ELA Instruction
Foundations (Grades K-5 only)
- Builds essential early reading skills using research-based methods (Science of Reading):
- Phonological Awareness- Hearing and playing with sounds in words
- Phonics- Matching letters to sounds
- Fluency- Reading smoothly and accurately
- Vocabulary- Learning words to build meaning
- Comprehension- Understanding what is read
Literacy Practices (Grades K-12)
- Develops habits for purposeful reading, writing, and thinking:
- Engagement & Intention: Reading and writing with focus
- Situating Texts: Thinking about author, audience, context, and purpose
- Author’s Craft: Using techniques like tone, imagery, and word choice
- Collaboration & Presentation: Sharing ideas and listening to ideas
Texts (Grades K-12)
- Helps students interpret and construct a variety of texts:
- Context: How history and culture shape meaning
- Structure & Style: How organization and tone affect meaning
- Techniques: Use of devices like repetition, figurative language, or rhetorical appeal
- Research & Analysis: Supporting ideas with evidence
- Periods & Movements: Exploring how writing changes over time
Language (Grades K-12)
- Strengthens grammar and vocabulary for effective communication:
- Grammar Conventions: Using punctuation, sentence structure, and mechanics
- Vocabulary: Learning academic and subject-specific words
High School Courses Update
- Beginning in 2025–2026, the 9th and 10th grade ELA courses will be renamed and redesigned to reflect the more intentional learning progression.
- 9th Grade → Literature & Composition I
- 10th Grade → Literature & Composition II
These course names reflect a deeper focus on the development of reading, writing, and communication skills.
How Will This Help Students?
- Stronger Reading & Thinking: Analyze how culture, history, and literature shape meaning
- Better Writers & Communicators: Write with clarity and use strong vocabulary
- Real-World Readiness: Apply ELA skills in school, college, careers, and life
