10/13/2024

Advocating for the Science of Reading at the District Level

By Celeste Myers

Change begins with you. As educators, we find ourselves in the unique position of being at the forefront of transformation in our classrooms. Every day, we work hands-on with students, and we know the nuances of their individual learning levels. To effect real change, we must actively participate in the process, not just hope for it from the sidelines.

Presenting information to school district leaders can be incredibly discouraging. Often, it feels like an uphill battle against a tide of indifference. District leaders frequently believe the curriculum is universally applicable, failing to recognize that it often misses the mark for many students. This discrepancy is evident in the high number of students placed in Response to Intervention (RTI) programs, highlighting a systemic issue that demands our attention.

Influencing district leaders can sometimes mean rolling up our sleeves and doing the groundwork ourselves. We must bring them tangible results to prove our points. Too often, curricula are selected without meaningful input from teachers—those who understand firsthand the needs of their students. This is especially critical when a significant portion of students are not performing at grade level. The challenge becomes even greater when we consider the time management issues that arise from needing to differentiate instruction across various learning levels due to these gaps.

Leveraging Data to Inform Your Initiatives

The love and growth you witness in your students can serve as a powerful motivator. This connection fuels your resolve to keep pushing forward and to fight for their success. Every child deserves a champion, and sometimes, that means investing your own resources to provide what is necessary academically. 

Last school year, I took a leap of faith that, at times, felt like my only option. Taking the initiative to dig through research, I came across Lexia® and its information about pilot programs. Many teachers, including myself, have given countless amounts of dollars to programs and platforms like Lexia to help students. I was going to pay for the pilot program because I just want more when it comes to literacy. So, reaching into my own pocket to meet the needs of scholars, demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our students. 

Knowing district leaders are more likely to act when provided with data, I pushed to implement a pilot of Lexia® PowerUp Literacy® in my secondary school classroom, specifically for ninth grade students and those with exceptional realities. I wanted to illustrate the impact the science of reading could have, with the hopes of expanding districtwide from there. 

Science of Reading for Adolescents

One of the most remarkable aspects of the curriculum we implemented is its alignment with the science of reading. The benefits of the science of reading are profound on a secondary level, with the same systemic structure. The curriculum is defined to fit the needs of each student, moving them through each level and checking for understanding. This program is not just another tool to hand over to students before stepping away for a quick break. It actively works to bridge gaps in knowledge that may have formed during earlier schooling.

Take, for example, the foundational skills around parts of speech. Many students may have learned about phonics in elementary school, but this knowledge often fades over time. Science of reading curriculum refreshes these essential skills and clarifies how they can be applied in various contexts. If a student or group of students is struggling, the resources they need are already provided within the program—no digging required.

Tips for Educators to Bring About Change

Advice for teachers who want to bring about change in their classrooms and districts. 

Reflect on Your Practice

• Self-Assessment: Take time to reflect on your teaching methods and classroom dynamics. Identify areas where you feel change is necessary.
• Seek Feedback: Ask for input from colleagues and students. Understanding their perspectives can provide valuable insights.

Set Clear Goals

• Identify Objectives: Define what change you want to implement, whether it’s improving student engagement, enhancing literacy, or fostering a more inclusive environment.
• Break it Down: Set achievable, measurable goals that can be tracked over time.

 Incorporate Student Voice

• Engage Students: Involve students in discussions about what they need to succeed. Their input can guide your approach and make them feel invested in the changes.
• Surveys and Suggestion Boxes: Use tools like surveys to gather anonymous feedback about their experiences and suggestions for improvement.

Leverage Professional Development

• Continuous Learning: Take advantage of workshops, online courses, and webinars to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Collaborate With Peers: Join professional learning communities (PLCs) or collaborate with fellow teachers to share strategies and resources.

Embrace Technology

• Use EdTech Tools: Integrate technology that supports personalized learning, like learning management systems or educational apps that cater to diverse learning styles.
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of new tools and technologies that can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Differentiate Instruction

• Tailor Learning Experiences: Recognize students learn at different paces and in various ways. Differentiate your lessons to meet these diverse needs.
• Flexible Grouping: Use small groups or one-on-one instruction to provide targeted support.

Foster a Growth Mindset

• Model Resilience: Show students that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Encourage them to take risks and learn from failures.
• Celebrate Effort: Recognize and reward effort and improvement, not just final outcomes.

Create a Positive Classroom Environment

• Build Relationships: Foster strong connections with your students. A supportive environment encourages participation and willingness to embrace change.
• Encourage Collaboration: Design activities that promote teamwork and peer support.

Be Patient and Persistent

• Allow Time for Change: Understand meaningful change takes time. Be patient with yourself and your students as you implement new strategies.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress, no matter how small. This will keep you motivated and reinforce positive behavior in your students.

Advocate for Your Classroom

• Communicate With Administration: Share your vision for change with school leaders. They can offer support, resources, and potentially help with professional development.
• Build a Support Network: Connect with other teachers who share your vision for change. Collaborating can amplify your efforts.

Stay Committed

• Keep the End Goal in Mind: Remind yourself of why you’re pursuing change. Whether it’s enhancing student learning or fostering a positive classroom culture, stay focused on your mission.
• Reflect and Adjust: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your changes. Be willing to adapt your strategies based on what works and what doesn’t.

Teachers Can Advocate for Districtwide Change

The advancements in my students' literacy skills not only contributed to their success but also provided the district with crucial data to secure a grant for districtwide adoption of a science of reading-based curriculum. This journey, though challenging, has been a rewarding testament to the power of persistence and reflection in education.

Creating change in the classroom begins with setting clear goals, involving students in the process, and staying committed to growth. Each step taken toward change has a lasting impact, shaping not only academic achievements but also students' belief in their own potential.

As educators, we have the unique opportunity to define what success looks like for ourselves and our students. Whether advocating with the support of others or championing change independently, we are leaders in our own stories. Every small victory—from a student finally grasping a difficult concept to seeing learners support one another—reminds us why we persist.

Author Bio

Celeste D. Myers is an educator with a master’s degree in early childhood education and more than 13 years of teaching experience. She has taught across a variety of grade levels, beginning with kindergarten, moving on to third and eighth grades, and currently working at the secondary level at Edna Karr High School in Algiers, Louisiana. In the upcoming school year, she will transition from teaching English I and II to serving as the school's literacy specialist, where she will continue her mission of enhancing students' reading and writing skills.

A native of New Orleans, Myers is also a devoted mother to her energetic 7-year-old son, Robert. Outside of her teaching role, she is the founder of Literacy NOLA, an initiative dedicated to improving literacy among scholars in her community. Her involvement extends further into the community as a member of the Mardi Gras Krewe Femme Fatale, as well as Kappa Delta Pi, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Driven by her passion for literacy, Myers is committed to empowering students to become lifelong readers.