We’re proud to share the following testimonial from Siskiyou County Office of Education’s Director of Educational Services, Julie May:
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, collaboration often emerges as a beacon of hope for both educators and students. Siskiyou County Office of Education and Chartwell School have embarked on a journey of partnership, with a focus on enhancing literacy education for middle and high school students. This unique collaboration has already yielded inspiring results, bringing transformation to classrooms throughout the rural region.
At the heart of this initiative is the Lead to Literacy grant, which brought teams of dedicated teachers from Siskiyou County to Chartwell School’s renowned Teaching Institute. This collaboration saw educators from Scott Valley Unified School District, Yreka High School, and Jackson Street Elementary coming together to explore new avenues in literacy instruction. These educators now possess innovative tools and strategies to address the literacy needs of middle and high school students more effectively.
One of the critical takeaways from the training has been the introduction of screeners and diagnostics as powerful tools for identifying and addressing the specific literacy needs of older students. This tailored approach allows teachers to craft individualized solutions for students who may have struggled with reading and comprehension.These tools have opened up new possibilities for educators, providing a clear roadmap to guide their instructional strategies. It has been exciting to see Literacy Teams from each of these districts dig into data in order to better serve their students.
Chartwell’s own, Jodi Amaditz, has traveled to Scott Valley to support teachers at Scott Valley Junior High and Etna High School. Her expertise and guidance have been invaluable, acting as a catalyst for transformative change within these classrooms. The response to this support has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers now feel equipped and empowered to address the unique challenges posed by older students who may struggle with literacy.
As we witness the positive ripple effects of this collaboration in Siskiyou County, it serves as a shining example of the transformative power of collective effort and dedication to the betterment of our education system. With continued support and commitment, we can look forward to a future where no student is left behind in their journey toward literacy and learning.
Watch Chartwell Teaching Institute participants observe Hannah Shickle as she implements structured literacy principles in her 8th grade general education classroom.
