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Big Creek Elementary spotlights reading initiative and collaborative coaching
Summary
Big Creek Elementary principal Courtney McKinney and staff described a literacy-focused 'playbook,' teacher PLC collaboration across five schools, student surveys to guide reading choices, and peer observations designed to build teacher trust and improve instruction.
Big Creek Elementary presented a schoolwide plan to boost English language arts outcomes and student engagement, teachers and administrators told the board.
Courtney McKinney, principal of Big Creek Elementary School, said the school's continuous improvement goals focus on ELA growth, collaborative professional learning communities and student engagement. "These aren't just documents. They're the heartbeat of our school," McKinney said, describing a theme of "everyone is a coach" that asks every staff member to support student learning.
Instructional coach Dana Ramsey outlined a literacy initiative that treats reading like a team sport: monthly literacy playbooks with anchor texts, weekly short student-centered lessons and schoolwide activities to keep joy in reading while targeting ELA progress. MTSS coach Michelle Jarvis described student voice mechanisms — biweekly reading surveys and one-on-one conferences — used to guide instruction and celebrations of reading wins.
Presenters described professional learning communities that pair teacher interests with county specialists and said five elementary schools will meet monthly to share strategies. Assistant principal Katie Turner and assistant administrator Kristen Johnson explained peer observations and feedback processes meant to build trust and professional growth.
The Big Creek presenters closed by thanking the board and highlighting student and staff accomplishments; the board recessed after the presentation to continue the agenda.
