BARBER BULLETIN
Week of April 24-28
An update on READ TO SUCCEED: A message from the SC State Dept of Education
RMC Research Corporation, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Education, produced a study of Act 284, the Read to Succeed Act, to better understand South Carolina stakeholders’ perceptions of and experiences with Read to Succeed. In this study, literacy leaders at the state and district level, along with classroom teachers, provided responses on the impact of Read to Succeed.
As you all know, a student’s ability to read is the greatest predictor of educational and lifelong success. As we enter the third year of implementation of Read to Succeed, I hope that you take the time to read this study to learn more about the positive impact that Read to Succeed has had on improving student literacy in South Carolina.
Key Findings:
District perspectives.
- School districts reported that teachers were using data more effectively and working collaboratively in data teams to find solutions to ensure student success. A district literacy leader observed that there is a collective responsibility in educating all students.
Teacher perspectives. There was strong agreement among teachers that the Read to Succeed initiative:
- increased time for instruction/intervention for students with reading deficiencies (86%)
- improved K-3 reading outcomes (85%)
- changed their instructional practices (83%)
- increased their efforts to engage parents and guardians of struggling readers (81%)
When teachers were asked, “From your perspective, what are the most positive aspects of Read to Succeed?”
- More than a third of teachers commented on the opportunities for professional learning and growth
- About a third of the teachers indicated that classroom instruction has improved throughout their schools
The following teacher responses further highlight the benefits of Read to Succeed at the classroom level:
“Having a reading coach in every building has been extremely positive…Now, coaches work in coaching cycles which last several weeks and are much more beneficial than superficial one-time walk-throughs and observations.”
“Giving all teachers, even special areas, the knowledge and tools to identify the struggling readers. It stresses that everyone is a reading teacher and we can all work together to make a difference.”
“I have valued the professional development aligned with Read to Succeed. This has allowed me to make the most of data collected on my students and use it effectively.”
“I think this is helping teachers to see that we are ALL accountable for teaching our students to read, and that being strong readers is so closely linked to success in life.”
Sparkleberry Fair is right around the corner!
Bring your family and friends to the 22nd Annual Sparkleberry Fair on Saturday, April 29! The best part is that all proceeds benefit Richland Two students and teachers. The fair is giving $50,000 in scholarships and teacher grants this school year.
Enjoy rides, petting zoo, train exhibits, plant sale, tractor rides and so much more. Superintendent Dr. Debbie Hamm will serve as the grand marshal of the parade, which starts at 11:30 a.m. In addition, R2i2 students will exhibit their solar power projects, musical groups from many schools will be performing throughout the day and our own school board member Craig Plank will emcee the cow milking contest. There is fun for everyone!
The price to attend the fair is still the same — $5 a carload. Hope to see you at the fair on Saturday, April 29!
Congratulations are in order!
Our very own, Kimberly Fleischer was recently named USC Field Instructor of the Year! We are so proud of this recognition as she positively impacts future social workers across this state. What a very important mentor she is to so many future social workers.
Field Instructor in Social Work is the equivalent of a Coaching Teacher of a student teacher in Education.
Each year through the USC College of Social Work, Field Instructors have the opportunity to nominate a student who has demonstrated excellence in field (internship),
In contrast , student interns also have the opportunity to nominate their Field Instructor to be recognized.
Typically there is a committee of department faculty that make the final selection. The Director of Field Education notified Kimberly last week....She will be recognized during the MSW Hooding Ceremony next week.
Congratulations, Kimberly! Your Pontiac family is so proud of you!
SC Ready and PASS training
Mark your Calendars! Testing training dates are below! All training will be held during your planning.
April 26- Gr.3
April 27- Gr. 4, 5 and UM
April 28- LM
May 2- Global and Sped.
Training is Mandatory
Bring a Device
Meet in Conference Room
Questions? Contact Jennifer Gillespie, school testing coordinator
A LOOK AT OUR WEEK AHEAD
MARBLE SLAB fundraiser continues this week! Please encourage sales in your class!
Military Monday - wear your red, white, and blue! (and jeans if you would like to)
3rd grade field study
4K field study to RNE
3:30PM Staff meeting
7pm PONTIAC Fireflies night
Tuesday:
Data conferences
6pm Montessori Advisory Council
Wednesday:
Administrative Assistants Day!
M.Robbins attends Magnet conference
4th grade field study to Camden
8:30am Pancakes with the Principal
3:30pm AVID site team meeting
Thursday:
Employee Health Screenings
1pm United Way Reading Celebration with Verizon mentors
6:30PM District Turnaround Award
Friday:
College Colors Day
1:45pm TA meeting