Jefferson Elementary showcases kindergarten tiered literacy instruction

Teachers from Jefferson Elementary presented their kindergarten literacy model to the board, focusing on how Tier‑1 core instruction is supplemented by Tier‑2 targeted supports.

Presenters (invited by Kelsey Wenningkamp) described early‑year placement testing that requires students to identify lower‑case letters to be placed in set 1; the goal is for students to reach set 1 or higher as quickly as possible because most essential standards are taught in sets 1 and 2. The team described weekly progress monitoring, color‑coded rubrics for 'meeting,' 'approaching,' and 'below' standards, and flexible grouping that allows students to move between groups midweek or at weekly checkpoints when they meet exit criteria.

Classroom strategies included guided spelling, onset/rhyme activities, exposure to letters in multiple fonts, kinesthetic learning (writing letters on peers' backs, using glow sticks, Play‑Doh and whiteboard writing), and specific interventions for students in the 'red' group who need explicit letter‑name instruction. Presenters emphasized that grouping is not labeled to students (to avoid stigma) and that rotations among three teachers allow extension and targeted instruction.

Trustees praised the work, asked about font and assessment issues, and noted the students' enthusiasm for small‑group extension time. Presenters said they will continue to refine assessments and groupings as the year progresses.

What happens next: Jefferson staff will continue progress monitoring and return with updates as part of school showcase/program reporting.