Thanks
to your support, the Foundation was able to team up with the Primary School
during the 2017-18 school year to test the training from Columbia University
Reading and Writing Workshop for PS staff to enhance their literacy
instruction. K-2 classroom teachers and reading specialists have
benefited from five days of training. During the workshop, the Columbia
University facilitator models lessons, provides feedback to teachers and
answers questions. Jim Nichols, PS Principal states, “After receiving such positive feedback from staff, the district has maintained this high quality professional development in the 2018-19 school year.” You helped innovative teacher development become a regular part of the district plan by giving it a chance to be tested. That is bold philanthropy in action.
Sue Speno, Reading/Math Specialist, adds, “In my 27 years serving students at IHPS, this is the most comprehensive ongoing training that I have received here at school. Committing to developing teachers’ expertise over time like this takes concerted effort and significant funding, but it is well worth it… we are fortunate to be able to bring their approach to our youngest learners as they embark upon the path to lifelong literacy.”