Quincy literacy team reports gains in early grades, committee approves program plan

Bridget Vaughn, literacy and ELA coordinator, presented the Literacy Program Improvement Plan, emphasizing foundational skills (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension) and a tiered RTI approach. She said staff use data tools including Amplify mClass and NWEA MAP Growth to identify needs and tailor interventions.

Vaughn cited measurable gains: kindergarten students classified as well below benchmark decreased by 17% from fall to spring (exceeding the 15% goal); grade 2 achieved a 10% reduction against a 7% goal; grade 1 improved 14%, just shy of a 15% target. She also noted grade‑level gains in NWEA MAP growth (a 15‑point increase in grade 2 and an 11.8‑point increase in grade 3 year‑over‑year on selected measures).

For 2024–25 the literacy team set two goals: (1) reduce the number of students in the well‑below‑benchmark category (targets: 15% reduction for K and grade 1, 7% for grade 2, 5% for grade 3) measured via Amplify mClass reports and (2) improve reading comprehension with NWEA MAP growth targets (12 points for grade 2; 10 points for grade 3).

Vaughn highlighted professional development including a structured literacy course customized for QPS educators with Lisa Brooks (60 teachers participated), NAS‑related conferences for middle‑school teachers, and a 20‑session district professional day offering a range of literacy trainings. The team also runs parent academies with interpreter services and shares recordings and slides on the QPS website.

Committee members asked about extracurricular offerings: the cursive writing club has high demand and staff have created a cursive handbook for grades 3–5; National Schwa Day activities and Reading Across America events were discussed as ways to increase diverse author participation. A motion to accept the literacy Program Improvement Plan was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.