Garden City Public Schools administrators, teachers and staff have been hard at work this summer working on, among other things, professional development in literacy. The district has been running a literacy professional learning series titled, "Building a Strong Foundation: Integrating Research-Based, High-Leverage Practices to Deliver a Comprehensive Approach to Literacy for All.” The professional learning experience began in spring 2023 and has continued in the summer. Led by the Director of Literacy, Lauren Kaufman, Assistant Principal of Stewart School, Rachel Lindsey, and Assistant Principal of Stratford School, Lauren Quezada, K-5 teachers, reading specialists K-12, and K-5 administrators have actively participated in the course.
Throughout the course, teachers have been engaged and empowered with high-leverage instructional practices that encompass explicit instruction in language comprehension, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Additionally, the comprehensive approach to literacy goes beyond the mechanics of reading, fostering a love of reading and writing across the curriculum.
"Our goal is to empower educators with the tools and practices needed to help students unlock their full potential in literacy,” Kaufman said. “By incorporating research-based strategies and assessment data, teachers will continue to be equipped to engage their students and foster essential reading skills."
The impact of the course has been profound, with teachers walking away equipped to implement these practices immediately in their classrooms. Garden City will continue running the course in the fall and winter, ensuring ongoing support for teachers as they strive to enhance students' literacy skills. With Garden City Public Schools' commitment to excellence in literacy education, students are well on their way to continuing achieving reading success and unlocking their full potential.
