Early Elementary Teachers Continue to Advance Their Understanding of the Science of Reading šŸ“–

K-3 teachers throughout Assumption Parish Schools gathered for a two-day workshop, Jan. 4 and 5, just before the start of the second semester, to continue their professional development in evidence-based practices that are grounded in the science of reading.

The effort is part of a Louisiana Department of Education initiative and in keeping with the districtā€™s strategic plan to improve the academic performance of students, particularly through the improvement of student literacy outcomes.

ā€œThese workshops targeted our K-3 teachers and worked with them in enhancing beginning reading skills, which focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension,ā€ Curriculum Director Rachel Dugas said.

ā€œThis January workshop also has an emphasis on phonics and fluency,ā€ she said.

Dugas said the sessions were led by Keys to Literacy (KTL) consultants.

The KTL team is an approved provider of Literacy Foundations Training to meet state requirements that K-3 teachers and administrators participate in a minimum of 52 hours of early literacy training based on the science of reading.

ā€œOur teachers are learning the best way to teach reading,ā€ Labadieville Principal Brandee Gros said. ā€œItā€™s important that our teachers learn how to build a reading foundation for our students.ā€

Superintendent Dr. John Barthelemy noted that observers from the Louisiana Department of Education selected Assumption Schoolsā€™ Jan. 4-5 workshops to monitor to review progress and determine best practices.

ā€œWe are very pleased that the state department chose our sessions for their review,ā€ Dr. Barthelemy said. 

He noted that K-2 teachers in the district met with KTL consultants for two days last semester, Sept. 15-16, and they will take part in two 2-day workshops next school year, as well.

ā€œThis training requires a significant commitment from our teachers to learn these strategies and concepts and to effectively implement them in their classrooms within a two-year period,ā€ Dr. Barthelemy said. 

ā€œThis particular workshop addresses a key need identified in our strategic plan, and it is an important foundation for many other positive steps in the plan for the advancement of our district,ā€ he said.

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