Ralph R. Smith reports literacy program rollout and drop in chronic absenteeism

Ralph R. Smith Principal Matt Darling told the Hyde Park Central School District Board on Jan. 9 that the school has implemented new literacy strategies and other supports after being identified as a Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) school for students with disabilities.

The school adopted the UFLI phonics curriculum for kindergarten through second grade and is using it as a tier‑2 resource in grades three through five. Darling said teachers piloted the program last spring and that “we saw some really impressive results from that program early on.” He also described a planned midyear focus on evidence‑based writing strategies known as the Writing Revolution and continued differentiated literacy instruction for students at their current levels.

The changes are part of a three‑goal building plan that Darling said centers on stronger alignment with the science of reading, character development through PBIS…