This week has been an exciting time for our educators as we engage in a comprehensive professional development program with literacy consultant Cailin Minor from EKC. Our focus has been on deepening our understanding and practices in reading and writing instruction across all grades, from Kindergarten through Grade 10.
Throughout the week, our dedicated teachers have participated in intensive workshops that encompass a wide range of topics aimed at improving literacy instruction. This collaborative effort has involved planning sessions, reviewing student work to collect meaningful data, and determining next steps for responsive instruction. Our goal is to ensure that every learner is set with challenging and achievable goals tailored to their individual needs.
Specific Topics Covered
- Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2: Our KG-Grade 2 educators are focusing on using read-alouds to enhance vocabulary acquisition, oral language development, and reading comprehension. These foundational skills are essential in setting our youngest learners on a path to literacy success.
- Grades 3-5: Teachers are implementing our new word study program, Morpheme Magic. This involves demonstrating lessons in class and planning for effective implementation. Additionally, we are clarifying our practices around grammar, conventions, and syntax through the Patterns of Power curriculum for grades 2-8.
- Secondary School (Individuals and Society Department): Educators are collaborating to enhance reading and research skills. They are creating text sets to support students during research and development cycles, focusing on effective planning and note-taking strategies.
- Grades 6-8 English: Teachers are concentrating on feedback and responsive teaching by analyzing student assessments. This allows them to plan and provide constructive feedback based on data, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive.
This professional development week is crucial not only for our teachers but also for our students. By equipping our educators with the latest strategies and insights in literacy instruction, we are directly enhancing the learning experiences of our students. This collaborative approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that our instructional practices remain effective and responsive to the diverse needs of our learners.
Our entire teaching staff has been actively involved in these sessions, alongside Cailin Minor, who brings a wealth of expertise and innovative strategies to our literacy initiatives. The collaboration and shared learning experiences among our educators are invaluable, as they work together to refine their practices and support one another. Additionally, Cailin worked with our PreK-Grade 3 parents to explain ways that parents can support literacy development at home.
We are excited about the positive impact this professional development will have on our school community. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to provide our students with the highest quality education.
