The Science of Reading

Thank you to Sue Grisko for leading our team in learning more about the science of reading, and how we can apply this knowledge and these strategies to our classroom practices to ensure all of our students are competent and confident readers.  Our kindergarten, first, second, third, EL, and special education teachers embarked on this two year exploration utilizing The Reading Teacher's Top Ten Tools yesterday.  Our big picture goals are to:

• improve teacher knowledge of literacy development and understanding of how to teach reading, spelling, and writing.
• improve use of reading materials and use of teaching methods to teach whole group, small group, and intervention groups.
• provide support for teachers as they deepen their understanding of how students learn to read and how to assess and plan instruction to improve literacy skills.

This school year we are focused on best practices for developing foundational skills and advanced word study.  I think everyone left yesterday's initial session full of energy, ideas, and a conviction to continue to learn, grow, and improve our practices.