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 district’s strategic plan to improve the academic performance of students, particularly through the improvement of student literacy outcomes.

“These 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,” Curriculum Director Rachel Dugas said.

“This January workshop also has an emphasis on phonics and fluency,” 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.

“Our teachers are learning the best way to teach reading,” Labadieville Principal Brandee Gros said. “It’s important that our teachers learn how to build a reading foundation for our students.”

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

“We are very pleased that the state department chose our sessions for their review,” 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.

“This 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,” Dr. Barthelemy said. 

“This 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,” he said.