Literacy Update, Literacy Survey, Literacy Engagement
Dear Neighbor,
I’m excited to share that DC will be increasing investments in structured literacy! During my time on the Board, I have spoken with hundreds of reading instructors, and the vast majority are seeking opportunities to gain structured literacy training. This investment not only advances evidence-based practices, but also reflects requests from DC educators.
Now the work will be to:
Scale investments in teacher training – even with the recent investments, only a fraction of teachers who seek this training are able to get it; and
Align investments in teacher training with curriculum, standards, screeners, and assessments – too many teachers have told me that they don’t have the tools/support to do what they learned from the training.
That’s why I’m convening a literacy advisory group to get feedback from community members and literacy educators. This advisory group will help inform me in my upcoming conversations on OSSE’s Literacy Task Force, which is scheduled to make big, bold literacy recommendations later this year. Please email me if you’d like to join for the next conversation, and/or introduce me to people who would.
I’d also like your help to share this OSSE survey with literacy educators. This survey will be available until May 5th.
Social Studies Standards – New Draft!
I also want your feedback on OSSE’s new draft of DC’s social studies standards.
Highlighting some changes OSSE made to in response to public comments:
Stronger emphasis on historiography
More discussion of AAPI identities and Islamophobia
Increased focus on democratic principles
While there is no formal public comment period, I would appreciate feedback on the draft and any changes you’d like me to push for before the Board votes on whether to approve the draft, likely sometime this summer. Please also register for one of the upcoming sessions below to share your feedback.
Saturday, April 22nd 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Deanwood Recreation Center)
Monday, April 24th 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Virtual)
Register at this link or by scanning the QR code below.
Menstrual Health Education Addendum Passes
The State Board voted unanimously to approve the menstrual education addendum to the District’s Health Education Standards developed by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education!
DCSBOE Public Meeting 4/26
I hope you will join me for the next DC SBOE public meeting at 5:30 p.m. on 4/26 at the Old Council Chambers (441 4th St. NW). If you’re interested in testifying, please sign up here.
- Allister