Dear CLS Families,
Reading is an incredibly complex process that involves numerous cognitive skills working together. Each student brings unique strengths and areas for growth to the learning experience, and our goal is to support every student in their journey to literacy. This year, we will continue to implement the Read to Succeed Legislation (Act 284), which is rooted in the Science of Reading. This research-based approach emphasizes that reading is not a natural process but one that requires explicit instruction and evidence-based practices to ensure student success.
At Carolyn Lewis School and within the BCSD, our mission is to have every student on grade level in both math and reading. We understand that students progress at different rates, so we provide additional assistance when students need academic support and offer enrichment opportunities for those who have already mastered grade-level indicators.
To help us achieve these goals, students in grades K-8 are assessed three times a year using the i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment (Fall, Winter, Spring). Alongside i-Ready, we also use classroom-based assessments to get a comprehensive understanding of your child's academic strengths and areas that may need improvement.
In the coming weeks, teachers will be sending home i-Ready Reports for Literacy and Math in our Wednesday folders. Accompanying these reports, you will receive letters indicating whether your child is Above Grade Level, On Grade Level, Below Grade Level, or Two or More Grade Levels Below. We deeply value your partnership in helping your child refine and grow their literacy skills. As their "first teacher," your involvement is crucial to their success. Below are some resources to help you support their learning at home.
To ensure the success of all students, we are implementing several new initiatives to support literacy development in grades K-8 at CLS:
- Using evidence-based, Science of Reading-backed curriculum: We are incorporating programs like Heggerty, UFLI, HMH, and Savvas Learning, aligned with SC and BCSD standards.
- Loggertime and Flex Times: These dedicated intervention and enrichment periods will match students with evidence-based interventions or enrichment opportunities, tailored to their needs.
- Quarterly Progress Monitoring: We will regularly track all students’ progress to ensure they are making consistent growth.
- Personalized i-Ready pathways: These pathways will provide students with skill lessons specifically designed to target their areas of growth.
We are committed to ensuring that every student has the support and resources they need to thrive in their literacy journey. Thank you for being an essential part of your child’s educational success!
