Page 11 - Demo

LITERACY INITIATIVESStrategic Initiative A.1a: Effective Literacy Instruction in PreK-3The District%u2019s elementary literacy team advanced the Science of Reading through a specialized small-group framework. A continued partnership with the University of Florida Lastinger Center provided job-embedded professional learning to stakeholders across 48 schools. This targeted initiative ensured a collective focus on improving student outcomes.Recognizing that instructional leadership is essential, principals and assistant principals engaged in a two-session, field-based professional learning model encompassing key practices, including:%u2022 Observing University of Florida specialists model differentiated small-group instruction for kindergarten through grade 2.%u2022 Participating in debriefs that used a standardized observation tool to maintain evaluative alignment.%u2022 Conducting live classroom visits to identify instructional trends and targeted next steps using data.To build capacity, each participating school designated a contact to serve as an instructional coach. These educators completed five full-day learning sessions to deepen their expertise in the Science of Reading and differentiated small-group instruction. This collaborative effort established a unified, data-driven approach to early literacy across the District.Reading to Learn: Literacy Across the CurriculumThe District expanded specialized professional learning to support secondary science and social studies teachers. Subject-area experts received tools to decode the complex vocabulary and unique structures found in lab reports, historical documents, and technical manuals. Classroom-embedded practices include:%u2022 Teaching students how a scientist reads a data set versus how a historian analyzes a primary source.%u2022 Mastering academic vocabulary to improve writing within science and social studies.%u2022 Utilizing specific comprehension tools, such as graphic organizers and note-taking strategies, designed for informational text.CULTURAL INFUSION INITIATIVESReading coach models small-group implementation at Forest Park ES.