During the fall and early winter a lot has happened in the world of literacy for Bedford Public Schools. This past November, we were able to present an update to the school committee circling back to the update provided on literacy in June 2023.
In particular, the school committee was updated on how Goal 4: Core Curriculum and Instruction (Action Step 1: Consistency in core, Tier I literacy instruction will be created at all grade levels. Action Step 2: Core, Tier I literacy instruction will be differentiated at all grade levels. Action Step 5: A clear scope and sequence for reading and writing in the content areas will be created, using a common template for curriculum mapping.) would be addressed this year in our district. We were able to outline a very specific plan, to address Goal 4. This includes:
Forming a District Administrative Team (DAT) to work with Hill for Literacy which is a group that is consulting with us to address this goal. The DAT is composed of a small group of district leaders.
Forming the District Literacy Leadership Team (DLLT). This is a group of 30 parents, administrators and teachers who are meeting several times over the next few months to do a core program review, with the consultation of Hill for Literacy. This group will look at several High Quality Instructional Material (HQMI) based programs, and select one to recommend for purchase this spring, to utilize fully in all classrooms K-5 starting in September 2024.
Both teachers and administrators (primarily K-5) will all participate in a 10-Module course in the Science of Reading provided by Hill for Literacy, to be completed by August 31, 2024.
The District Literacy Leadership TEam (DLLT) met for the first time, last night, January 25th, at the Lane School. Even though the meeting began at 3:45 p.m. and went until 5:45 p.m., after a very busy day for all of the participants-the energy in the room was positive, and energetic. The members of the DLLT were very engaged in learning about the process that they would undertake to make the core program selection. As we worked through the process timeline, and activities as a preview-we also participated in capturing what our vision collectively is for excellent literacy teaching. We also engaged in group work in reviewing programs, and evaluating systematically, as led by Hill for Literacy on our impressions of various programs based on important criteria for HQIM program.
The hard work and total engagement was clearly observable while the groups were working yesterday afternoon. They dug in immediately, were earnest, and diligent in their work-with the students at the very core of everything they were thinking about and discussing. As the spring progresses updates will be posted here on the Assistant Superintendent’s blog, and also updates will be provided at school committee meetings.
Oftentimes, big undertakings like selecting a curriculum program can seem daunting, overwhelming, and difficult-this was not the case yesterday, the feeling was of excitement, optimism, and collaboration.
Sincerely,
Tricia Clifford, Ed.D
Assistant Superintendent of Schools
