Southwood Glen team showcases innovative literacy program to school board

The February 5, 2025, FPS School Board Meeting highlighted significant advancements in literacy education at Southwood Glen Elementary, showcasing a new curriculum aimed at enhancing student learning outcomes. The board welcomed a presentation from Dr. Moberay and her third-grade team, who detailed their experiences with the MyView curriculum, which emphasizes repeated readings and close reading strategies to improve literacy skills.

Dr. Moberay explained that the initiative aligns with the school’s improvement goals, specifically targeting growth for all students and closing achievement gaps. The team aims to elevate literacy performance to the sixtieth percentile by spring, focusing particularly on students performing below the twenty-ninth percentile.

During the presentation, third-grade students demonstrated their learning process, engaging in a lesson that involved analyzing a biography to answer the question, "Why do people need heroes?" The curriculum encourages students to read multiple times, deepening their understanding with each pass. The structured weekly lessons include building background knowledge, first readings, close readings, and synthesizing information to answer overarching questions.

The board expressed support for the program, recognizing its potential to foster critical thinking and comprehension skills essential for state testing and overall academic success. The presentation underscored the importance of collaborative learning, with students actively participating and discussing their insights.

As the meeting concluded, the board reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovative educational strategies that enhance student learning and prepare them for future challenges. The successful implementation of the MyView curriculum at Southwood Glen Elementary marks a promising step towards achieving the district's educational goals.