During a recent government meeting, educators provided an update on the district's literacy plan, aligning closely with the newly adopted Illinois State Literacy Plan. The presentation highlighted the district's proactive approach over the past three years, which has positioned it ahead of the state's requirements.

Seanette, a key presenter, outlined the three primary goals of the state plan and emphasized the importance of early literacy skills. She noted that the district has been focusing on professional development (PD) for teachers and administrators to enhance literacy instruction, despite challenges posed by limited time for training.

The literacy plan comprises seven components, with a notable emphasis on oracy—students' ability to express themselves verbally. The district has implemented interactive read-aloud sessions and collaborative learning strategies to foster oral communication skills among students. Additionally, the curriculum has been updated to include phonemic awareness and phonics, which are crucial for developing reading proficiency.

Data shared during the meeting indicated promising results from the new literacy initiatives. For instance, kindergarten students showed significant improvement in phonemic awareness, with proficiency rising from 53% to 88% after targeted instruction. First graders also demonstrated growth in phonics skills, with proficiency increasing from 52% to 77%.

The discussion also touched on the integration of vocabulary and comprehension strategies within the curriculum, aiming to transition from passive to active vocabulary instruction. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate diverse texts and thematic units to engage students and enhance their understanding of complex concepts.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving literacy outcomes through a comprehensive and research-based approach, with ongoing evaluations planned to assess the effectiveness of the new strategies.