Middle Schools Moving Towards the Science of Reading Through LIT Academy
By: Jennifer Armond, Regional Literacy Specialist – Team Lead
Middle Schools Moving towards the Science of Reading through Lit Academy
Monroe City Schools engaged in a two-day training program called Lit Academy, which focused on all aspects of literacy instruction. English Language Arts teachers, administrators, and Literacy coaches were part of this hands-on professional development from MLK Jr, Carroll Jr., and Neville Jr High Schools. The Science of Reading allows teachers to understand the research behind how children learn to read, what to do if they can’t and how to enhance their literacy instruction on a day-to-day basis.
The Center team consisted of Jennifer Armond, Alicia Gerhls, Andrea Harrell, and Lisa. The Center for Literacy and Learning served Monroe City Schools during the 2021-22 school year, where the literacy coaches began learning how to lead PLC meetings, conduct classroom observations, guide teachers, and support student learning. These conversations and work sessions continued with added emphasis on these two days.
Participants spent their days diving deep into their curriculum, looking at their school’s data, and deciding what Interventions should look like for this year, as well as beginning the task of helping to create their individual school’s literacy plans. These plans also included writing their vision statements: “Literacy excellence FOR all, literacy excellence FROM all.” – Neville Jr.; “Preparing wildcats for the future through literacy!” -MLK Jr.; “We empower and motivate all students to excel in literacy every day.” -Carroll Jr.
Lit Academy helped these educators walk away with a sense of pride in knowing that ALL students can learn to read; they just need systematic, explicit instruction. According to one of our MCS participants, their greatest takeaway was that “consistency is key- I do, we do, you do!”
We look forward to seeing Monroe City Middle school teachers GROW in the Science of Reading and watching their students SORE to success in 2022-23!
