Amanda Carpena, Senior Manager of Enablement Operations at Curriculum Associates, joins today's episode to discuss how schools like KIPP New Jersey and Mat-Su Alaska achieved remarkable reading growth through three strategic shifts anyone can implement!
Rather than focusing on deficits, these successful schools reframed their approach to Tier 1 instruction -- creating curriculum committees that examine student data with fresh eyes. This shift created the foundation for sustainable improvement across all classrooms and student populations.
Next comes the critical decision to invest in high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). Amanda demystifies this educational buzzword, explaining that truly effective literacy resources are grounded in the science of reading and designed for consistent implementation. She offers practical advice for forming stakeholder committees and evaluating potential materials to ensure they'll deliver results for your unique student population.
The final shift involves prioritizing professional learning throughout implementation. Amanda shares Mat-Su Alaska's "long runway to success" approach, where teachers received materials and training months before classroom implementation, followed by structured support during the critical first six weeks. This methodical process gave educators the confidence and skills to implement with fidelity, resulting in dramatic reading improvements.
These success stories prove that remarkable literacy growth doesn't require complete system overhauls or enormous resourcs... but rather strategic adjustments to existing approaches!
Read Amanda's blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blog/transform-literacy-outcomes
Read Mat-Su's Success Spotlight: https://cdn.bfldr.com/LS6J0F7/at/fz5r3kstr9c39c652x8s9t/Mat-Su-SD-AK-iReady-Learning-Success-Spotlight-CA.pdf
Read KIPP New Jersey's Success Spotlight: https://cdn.bfldr.com/LS6J0F7/at/m994cng3n6kr96gbfgh3n/mrf-kipp-nj-schools-success-spotlight_1.pdf
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