Twila Garza
Instructional Coordinator
(956) 473-2012
tgarza@uisd.net

The Secondary English Language Arts and Reading Department includes the Middle School Reading program. The department is committed to providing meaningful learning experiences that empower students to thrive in the 21st century, enhancing their lives and our community. We inspire all students to become responsible world citizens by pursuing excellence through lifelong learning.

The middle school reading curriculum develops essential skills in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking, preparing students for academic success and effective communication. Each grade level builds on prior knowledge, progressing from foundational reading skills to more complex literary analysis.

• Vocabulary and Language Development: Vocabulary instruction in reading enhances students’ language skills and comprehension. Students build vocabulary through the use of context clues, root words, and word analysis. Academic vocabulary is reinforced in the reading classroom to ensure comprehension and sustainability of students’ learning through middle school and into high school.
• Reading and Literary Analysis: Students study a variety of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Middle school reading builds upon the foundational reading skills by focusing on inferencing, author’s craft and style, and character development. Students begin to analyze the author’s purpose and make connections between texts and their broader themes.
• Writing and Composition: Students write across genres in reading to demonstrate their comprehension of the literary pieces studied. Middle School Reading emphasizes audience, purpose, and supporting ideas with evidence through short, concise written responses.
• Listening, Speaking, and Presentation Skills: As a component of the reading course, students are expected to practice their language development skills by listening to others, sharing ideas clearly, and engaging in constructive dialogue. Students present their ideas, interpretations, and understandings independently or in groups to their peers.
• Research: In middle school, students learn to gather information, evaluate the credibility of sources, and present findings by employing comprehension and analytical reading skills.

Courses

• Reading 6: This course focuses on further developing foundational reading skills through the study of a diverse range of texts. Students will work on comprehension, vocabulary, and identifying key ideas while analyzing various literary genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. They will also practice making inferences and using evidence to support responses.
• Reading 7: In this class, students expand their reading comprehension by analyzing more complex texts. They will focus on themes, character development, and literary elements, while strengthening vocabulary and critical thinking skills. Students will also connect texts to real-world issues and practice writing responses supported by evidence.
• Reading 8: This class builds on students’ skills in analyzing advanced texts, focusing on literary themes, the author’s purpose, and text structure. Students will practice writing responses that support their understanding and refine vocabulary and fluency, preparing them for high school-level literature.