LEADERSHIP & LITERACY DEVELOPMENT

Four years ago we adopted a reading curriculum that is based in the Science of Reading.  Five essential components of The Science of Reading are: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension, which are specifically taught through Amplify CKLA, which is the curriculum we are using.  It is important to highlight, teachers have always taught phonics, and that has not changed. What has changed is the approach, as the Science of Reading and related curricula have made phonics instruction more systematic and sequential, which is scientifically proven to align with how the brain learns to read.  The combination of these components enables us to reach the comprehension phase, fostering a deeper understanding of texts and literacy skills.

The Science of Reading research has been compiled over 40 years with research from multiple disciplines including psychology, linguistics, education, neuroscience and communication science. Dr. David Kilpatrick, renowned reading researcher and expert in learning disabilities, stated, “We teach reading in different ways; they [students] learn to read proficiently in only one way.” We no longer have to wonder how we learn to read, since this research has proved it and provided an exact path to follow.

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One of the best components of this implementation has been the addition of an instructional coach. She moves in and out of all our K-6 classrooms, observing instruction to ensure the curriculum is being implemented with fidelity. She is a former elementary teacher here in the district as well.  This year she is expanding her work to included 7th and 8th teachers and students. We are fortunate to have a dedicated staff who is fully engaged with this learning and is bringing the best strategies to our students.