HPISD'S OCTOBER 6TH LITERACY MEETING

Many supporters of the HP Literacy Coalition attended the district's informative and empowering literacy meeting. The district's consultants led a robust discussion about how HPISD schools are approaching literacy and included information about how parents can support students at home.

One highlight of the evening was consultant Dr. Thea Woodruff’s personal story of working with her son daily after watching him struggle with reading in first grade. He went from complaining about the work, saying “You’re just trying to make me one of the smart kids” to deeply enjoying reading. Her message of high-quality instruction and early intervention resonated deeply with the audience. (See below for video link to meeting)

The consultants also explained that HPISD is currently living through a “renovation year,” with a tremendous amount of work being done by administrators, educators, and consultants. This month, Dr. Woodruff is spending a day at each elementary school working alongside campus teachers. Together they will use student data from the first nine weeks to write targeted lessons so that every student can grow. Additionally, the curriculum maps for the second 9-week grading period have recently been completed. These are just a few examples of what's taking place, but rest assured that work is being done each week to fully transition HPISD to align with the science of reading.

Families report that students are feeling the reality of the “renovation year” as they adjust to new instructional approaches and expectations. While it may be a bit challenging now, we are encouraged with the approach and excited about what lies ahead.

For more information about what was shared at the October 6th meeting, please click the links below:

Meeting Video

Presentation

FAQ Resource

SUPPORT STUDENTS AT HOME

Parents at the literacy meeting requested more ideas about how to support their children’s literacy development, especially after hearing Dr. Woodruff’s personal story of the difference she made at home for her son. Please see the resources below, and look for more to come in our upcoming newsletters.

Florida Center for Reading Research

From 2004 to 2010, a team of researchers and teachers at the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) collected ideas and created Student Center Activities for PK - 5 classrooms. The activities are designed for students to practice, demonstrate, and extend their learning of what has already been taught, sometimes with assistance and sometimes independently. The activities are grouped by grade and are perfect for parents to use at home.

The Reading League Basic Reading Instruction Class

Want to dig in a bit deeper? Introduction to Basic Reading Instruction is a 9-hour course designed for parents to learn the basics of reading science and how it can be applied to instruction for students of any age. No prior teaching experience is necessary! Upcoming classes begin Monday, October 24 and Tuesday, November 29.