Once a new reading program is chosen, what are the plans for training teachers and teaching assistants in the pedagogy and content for the program?
Both vendors, Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt, Into Reading VA 2020, and Benchmark Education Company, Benchmark Advanced 2022, offer a variety of professional learning opportunities to support program implementation. Our near-term steps include the following:
- November 29: Formal Presentation from both vendors to our ELA Adoption Committee to include professional learning supports for program implementation
- January 11: School Board presentation regarding the recommendation from the ELA Adoption Committee
- February 8 or 22: School Board final approval of ELA Adoption Committee
We are currently working on developing a rough outline of our professional learning needs around Evidence-based Literacy Instruction (EBLI) and how to integrate these practices with the newly adopted program. Once the final program has been approved, we will work with the company to develop a long-term professional learning plan for both teachers and teaching assistants to support implementation and ongoing instruction.
This plan will include opportunities this spring, over the summer, and throughout the entire next school year. We will have more details regarding the professional learning plan after the adoption process is completed. Please make sure to look for Compass messages regarding more information regarding these professional learning opportunities.
Answer from Director of Professional Development Megan Wood