Keeley McGehan presents new English curriculum for seventh and eighth grades

The Carlisle Area School District's Committee Board Meeting on September 4, 2025, focused on significant revisions to the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for seventh and eighth grades. The meeting welcomed Keeley McGehan, the program supervisor, who presented the updated curriculum documents, which have been in development for an extended period.

McGehan highlighted that the new curriculum is organized around collections that encompass key strands of ELA standards: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and grammar. This structure aims to provide teachers with a clear framework for instruction while allowing flexibility in how they integrate these components. The curriculum includes three full-length text studies, emphasizing the importance of longer texts in fostering literary analysis and comprehension.

A notable feature of the curriculum is the incorporation of student choice through literature circles, where students can select from a variety of texts. This approach encourages engagement and allows students to explore their interests while participating in discussions with peers. Teachers will guide students in selecting appropriate texts based on their reading levels, ensuring that all students, including those who may struggle, have access to suitable materials.

The meeting also acknowledged the collaborative effort of the English teams in developing these documents, which aim to bridge the gap between standards and classroom practice. The curriculum is designed to clarify assessment expectations, ensuring that students produce published writing pieces throughout the year.

Overall, the revisions reflect a commitment to enhancing the educational experience for middle school students by prioritizing student voice, choice, and a comprehensive approach to English Language Arts. The board expressed appreciation for the hard work involved in creating these documents and the positive impact they are expected to have in classrooms.