K-3 Literacy Levels Rising in Weld Re-8 District After Partnering with Sterling Literacy Consulting

DENVER, Feb. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In a district-wide effort to boost teachers' reading instructional skills, Weld Re-8 reached out to Sterling Literacy Consulting (SLC) for support. After 6 months of collaborative work, SLC and representatives from across the Weld Re-8 schools developed the district's new strategic literacy plan.

Just one semester into implementing the contextualized literacy plan, stakeholders at all levels have been impressed with their progress. In Fall 2017, 20.6% of Weld Re-8's K-3 students were in the 'on grade level' range on iReady, one of the state's approved screening and diagnostic assessments (95% of students assessed). According to the most recent Mid-Year data, 44.9% of Weld Re-8's K-3 students are now in the 'on grade level' range on iReady. This equates to an additional 160 students that moved (from Below Level or Emerging) to within the 'on grade level' range (On level or Above) from Fall to Mid-Year.  While more work remains, these initial results are incredibly encouraging, and demonstrate the early effectiveness of the partnership between Weld Re-8 and SLC.

Educators from all levels have embraced working with SLC. Weld Re-8 District Student Achievement Coach Ms. Cathy Swanson states, "I'm excited for the ways in which our staff is growing and embracing refining their literacy professional practices as a result of their work with Sterling Literacy Consulting. What I find striking is the way in which Dr. Hall and SLC has been able to provide a unifying message, pathway and support for our teachers K-12."

Principal Ms. Nativity Miller is passionate about the work being done at her school saying, "I am extremely grateful for the work with Sterling Literacy Consulting. Our teachers have not had the opportunity to engage in such deep, research-based professional learning in the area of foundational reading skills in past years, and I believe strongly that our learning is improving practice and benefiting students. The consistent coaching and feedback from SLC provides us with action steps each month and the opportunity to discuss and reflect on our instructional practices more frequently." 

"SLC has provided a great opportunity for me to learn how valuable the early components of literacy are for developing readers and writers," said 2^nd grade teacher Ms. Teresa Ryley. "The instructional strategies and frameworks have sharpened my literacy instruction, which in turn, I feel has increased student learning." 

Ms. Molly Pevler, a district interventionist, echoed Ms. Ryley's sentiment that the skills teachers learn training with SLC can be immediately and systematically applied to classroom practice and success. "SLC has helped me improve my literacy instruction by increasing my knowledge in the foundational skills of literacy," said Ms. Pevler. "After coaching sessions with SLC, I have been able to apply new learning to groups right away, which has positively impacted student learning." 

"Sterling Literacy Consulting has refreshed and refined my knowledge in literacy specifically in the foundational skills of reading," said Instructional Coach Ms. Miranda Pickering. "SLC has also deepened my expertise as an instructional coach in each of the five components of reading. SLC has been the missing link our district has needed to provide the versatile professional development that teachers need to meet the literacy needs of learners in their classrooms."

Finally, Mr. Alan Kaylor describes the value of partnering with SLC by saying, "As Superintendent of Schools, I believe there are two fundamental components in education: relationships and best instructional practices.  I also know that best instructional practices revolve around the skills of our teachers in reading instruction.  Dr. Hall and SLC are, and will continue to be a partner in increasing our achievement scores.  SLC's work in our district helps us provide a bright future for our students."

About Sterling Literacy Consulting:
For more than 10 years, Sterling Literacy Consulting has provided expert support to educational institutions of all types toward the shared goal of accelerating student achievement. Headquartered in Denver, CO, Sterling Literacy Consulting offers customized consulting services based on the needs of states, districts, schools and students. SLC excels in identifying and responding to specific needs and working collaboratively to create a comprehensive set of strategies designed to help facilitate buy-in at all levels. SLC strives to make a lasting impact by helping clients create 'homegrown' professional development modules that include scientifically based reading research (SBRR) best practices, lessons and videos.

For more information about Sterling Literacy Consulting, please visit www.sterlingliteracy.com or call 720-431-8776.

Contact Information:
Christine Kirchner Hall
720-431-8776
[email protected]

SOURCE Sterling Literacy Consulting