Caesar Rodney School District's Allen Frear and Stokes elementary schools showcased their students' amazing reading gains using high quality instructional materials (HQIM) last week. Secretary of Education Mark Holodick and Deputy Secretary Cora Scott had an opportunity to hear firsthand about the district's implementation journey as well as see students present their work.
Caesar Rodney S.D. has been using American Reading Company (ARC) to promote reading in kindergarten through grade 5. Initially, the district piloted ARC in their upper elementary grades. At the same time, they focused on supporting teachers with professional learning to ensure HQIM was implemented with fidelity. After observing the excitement and culture of reading growth in the schools as well as the gains students made in reading, the district decided to adopt ARC for their primary grades as well.
Caesar Rodney is currently exploring adding some of these elements to pre-k instruction to further support early literacy and continuity in services.
In Caesar Rodney's words:
High Quality Instructional Materials matter, but how teachers use these materials matters more. Caesar Rodney invested in professional learning from the very start. With the support of DDOE's Reimagining Professional Learning grant, we were able to implement monthly elbow-to-elbow coaching that was differentiated to meet the individual needs of our teachers - and in real time with students. Additionally, our leadership teams meet monthly to review data, collaborate, and develop differentiated school plans that further support the district's vision.
Coaching, feedback and building capacity to provide support across schools are crucial elements of our plan. During the HQIM showcase, Stokes Elementary Principal Freeman Williams shared that their coach-the-coach model, "works so well with the culture and climate of Team Stokes." Stokes also uses the School Success Block (SSB) model to plan sessions for reviewing student data, developing teacher action plans, and sharing powerful moves made throughout the school.
Allen Frear Principal Julie Lavender believes the opportunity to grow instructional leaders in her building has allowed Allen Frear to develop a professional learning plan that supports teachers in between ARC coaching sessions. Teacher leaders are ensuring there is ongoing support and capacity to further strengthen teacher practices and student achievement.
New to Allen Frear, third-grade teacher Courtney Freebairn says she believes ARC has made her think about English language arts (ELA) instruction differently, which benefits her students.
"With all the professional learning and support from the school, I am confident my students will perform well," said Freebairn.
Nicole Pennypacker, a fifth grade teacher at Stokes Elementary, credits the ARC Units of Study in grounding students in the reading and writing process as well.
"Through this work, we are building student stamina," said Pennypacker. "The students are feeling confident in their ability to apply their learning, regardless of the task."
