Sweetwater County School District #1 Literacy Program Description
Early Literacy Plan
School districts are required to implement a reading screening program that includes a reading assessment plan for kindergarten through third grade. WY-TOPP assessment data is used to determine if schools are meeting 85% proficiency. Schools not meeting proficiency are required to submit an Intervention Plan to be included in the School’s Improvement Plan. All students in grades K-3 who do not score proficient in reading in the fall are placed on either and Individualized Reading Plan (IRP) or a Group Reading Plan (GRP) and must receive supplemental/intervention reading instruction. Click on the following link for the Early Literacy Plan: 2021-2022 Early Literacy Plan
SCSD#1 ELA Curriculum and Resources
Curriculum Map
Click on ELA Curriculum Map to see the standards, benchmarks and targets.
K-5 ELA Resource
ReadyGEN was adopted by the district in the spring of 2017 as the primary resource to be used to teach ELA curriculum in grades K-5.
ReadyGEN is an integrated literacy program that accelerates learning for all students using authentic text to support English Language Arts/English Learner instruction. Overall progression of text complexity within and across grades facilitates students’ learning of academic vocabulary, close reading, foundational skills, and further deepens content knowledge and comprehension.
ReadyGEN is structured as both an online and print resource. The online component includes all student and teacher materials, assessments, and flexible class data management tools. Online digital access to every text will engage students, maximizing their learning experiences in reading, writing, and language development. By selecting a print/online core resource K-5, students within the district will have access to an aligned resources for multiple years.
6-12 ELA Resource
SpringBoard was adopted by the district in the spring of 2017 as the primary resource to teach ELA in grades 6-12.
SpringBoard is built on the foundational principles of embedded assessments that are back-mapped from advanced placement courses and college/career readiness. SpringBoard uses compelling themes and multiple genres of text including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, as well as multiple modes to develop essential thinking skills preparing students for high school and beyond. Students will analyze text, collect evidence, think critically as well as cultivate real-world writing skills. SpringBoard tracks student learning while fostering strong study habits and cultivating indispensable organizational skills.
SpringBoard is structured as both an online and print resource that can be used to differentiate class assignments based on Lexile levels and/or student needs. Included in the resource is free access to ZINC, which is a database of informational text that is engaging, applicable, current, and is aligned to both themes and texts cultivating 21st Century Skills.
District Literacy Plan
Young Authors
More Information
Young Authors Program
Please click here to get more information about the Young Authors Program in Sweetwater County.
Sweetwater County School District #1 Young Author Contest Wants You!
Please submit your poem or story to the Young Author contest!
The deadline for entries is January 24, 2020. First through third place winners are recognized at a celebration on February 27, 2020 and go on to compete at a county level. Those participants are recognized on March 10, 2020. Students in grades K-12 can submit multiple entries in Poetry, Non-Fiction, or Fiction.
Entries should be submitted to Tammy Macy at the Central Administration Building.
For more information contact Tammy Macy at macyt@sw1.k12.wy.us or 389-2415.
Ongoing Literacy Professional Development
English Language Arts Training 2021-2022
Secondary teachers were involved in a training that taught research-based reading strategies and how to implement them with students in the classroom. Teachers were given planning time to collaborate and implement strategies into lesson plans.
Upcoming professional development will focus on identifying struggling readers and strategies teachers can use to bridge gaps. The district is piloting reading intervention programs prior to going through a resource adoption.
English Language Arts Training (2019-2020)
Kindergarten and fifth grade teachers are meeting during the 2019-2020 school year to further training on English Language Arts. Training targets include:
- Examining the district ELA data, grade level and school data on WY-TOPP
- Identifying standards that students had met and not met in relation to WY-TOPP performance
- Sharing successes and notable practices impacting performance (Strong PLC’s, use of ReadyGEN, and alignment to curriculum maps, use of ReadyGEN assessments, use of WY-TOPP modular as pre/posttest to select strategy groups, writing in an online format, and the importance of using Hattie’s research to guide instructional practices)
- Setting goals
- Reconnecting with ReadyGEN resources and such as the Scaffolded Strategy handbook and Intervention handbook
- Planning time with their PLC to examine data and make instructional decisions
Kindergarten Trainings: September 11, November 4, February 4,
Fifth Grade Trainings: September 10, November 5, February 3,
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English Language Arts Training (2018-2019)
Second and third grade teachers met on October 15th and 16th, 2018 to continue training on English Language Arts. During this time-frame teachers were reminded of the research and importance of reaching proficiency in reading by 3rd grade. They participated in the following:
- Examining the district ELA data, grade level and school data on WY-TOPP
- Identifying standards that students had met and not met in relation to WY-TOPP performance
- Sharing successes and notable practices impacting performance (Strong PLC’s, use of ReadyGEN, and alignment to curriculum maps, use of ReadyGEN assessments, use of WY-TOPP modular as pre/posttest to select strategy groups, writing in an online format, and the importance of using Hattie’s research to guide instructional practices)
- Setting goals
- Reconnecting with ReadyGEN resources and such as the Scaffolded Strategy handbook and Intervention handbook
- Planning time with their PLC to examine data and make instructional decisions
- In addition, we celebrated the District ELA performance at 3rd grade ranking above the state average
Continued trainings will occur:
Second Grade: January 21st, February 19th, and April 9th
Third Grade: January 22nd, February 20th, and April 10th