Launching Benchmark Advance at Garden City: 

beginning a shared literacy learning journey

On Aug. 27, the second day of the Garden City School District’s Superintendent’s Conference Day, K–2 teachers and grades 3–5 early adopters began their learning journey with Benchmark Advance, the district’s new literacy resource for primary and elementary students. 

Ms. Lauren Kaufman, Director of Literacy, organized the day and was joined by Benchmark Advance literacy consultants, who facilitated the professional learning launch. The day was designed to build a shared understanding of the new resource and support teachers in beginning implementation with clarity and confidence. 

Throughout the session, teachers became familiar with Benchmark Advance materials and resources and worked collaboratively to plan instruction.

The district is excited to embark on this learning journey with a continued focus on evidence-based literacy practices while cultivating a love of reading, writing, thinking and learning. Throughout the year, teachers and administrators will participate in ongoing professional learning to unpack units, analyze student work, collaborate around instructional practices and reflect on implementation.

This launch marks the beginning of continued learning and collaboration as Garden City works to strengthen literacy experiences for all students.