Page 15 - Superintendent Report 2023-24

Literacy Initiatives

The District-wide reading tutorial program focused on closing achievement gaps and accelerating student reading
achievement. Trained tutors provided individual or small group tutoring to students in grades K-3, prioritizing grades K-1.
All elementary schools in the District received training and materials to support the tutorial program.

In FY23, the Supporting Teachers to Accelerate Readers’ Success (STARS) program directly benefited 1,072 students in
grades K-2 at four elementary schools (Orchard View ES: 248, Pine Grove ES: 161, Crosspointe ES: 315, and Diamond
View ES: 348). When comparing fall and winter diagnostic scores among the four participating schools, 97% of students
demonstrated increased gains in reading. Providing ongoing professional development (PD) and data-driven planning
increased teachers’ literacy instruction competencies. PD sessions focused on whole and small group instruction,
understanding the standards, phonics instruction, collecting evidence, and differentiating instruction. These sessions have
increased teachers’ understanding of the B.E.S.T. Standards and effective ways to scaffold instruction to meet the needs of
their students.

In collaboration with the State Regional Literacy Directors from the Florida Department of Education, the District’s
Elementary Literacy Team offered District teachers the opportunity to attend a literacy symposium. Sessions presented
at the symposium centered around supporting District educators with the Science of Reading through a focus on the
development of foundational skills of reading.

In FY23, the District’s Literacy Team established a B.E.S.T. ELA Teacher Leader Cohort. This was designed to develop and
support a principal-selected cohort of teacher leaders in becoming in-house experts on content and pedagogy to lead the
implementation of the new B.E.S.T. Standards for ELA. Each quarter, B.E.S.T. ELA teacher leaders had the opportunity to
deepen their understanding of the Reading, Communication, and Vocabulary strands of the B.E.S.T. ELA Standards and how
rigor and high expectations of all students impact teaching and learning. Teacher leaders were supported in connecting
these aspects through interactive practice, text-based discussion, and PD planning. Teacher leaders are equipped with the
tools necessary to lead PD at their school sites and are available for ELA coaching, modeling, and support.

Choice and Career Options

The Department of Choice and Career Options offers students in grades PK-12 more
than 330 Choice and Career programs. Students engage in various courses including
Project-Based Learning, Robotics, and building homes for deserving families. These
programs provide a variety of learning experiences that allow students to become
aware of, explore, and apply knowledge and skills in a wide variety of themed-based
programs.

The success of Choice and Career programs and academies is due in part to local business
partnerships, supportive administrative District staff, strong school leaders, and excellent
teachers who bring years of industry experience directly to the classroom.

The District aligns its curriculum and experiences to afford students the opportunity to
graduate both college and career ready. The District continues to be a leader in students
earning industry credentials throughout the state and are renowned in the state for success
with International Baccalaureate Choice programs.

EDUCATE | AFFIRM | INSPIRE // 15