SDP Hosts Summer Institute with Support from Imagine Learning
to Equip Educators with Innovative Literacy Training and
Resources
PHILADELPHIA, June 28,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The School District of
Philadelphia (SDP) recently hosted
an innovative, in-person educator training focused on the
implementation of high-quality instructional materials and
practices aligned with science of reading research. This four-day
Summer Institute, held from June 24–27, equipped over 800 educators
and administrators with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance
literacy instruction in the upcoming school year.
Importance of the Event:
This training event marked a significant step in the District's
commitment to improving literacy outcomes and ensuring all students
have access to high-quality learning experiences. By equipping
educators to use the science of reading principles with Imagine
Learning EL Education, the District aims to transform literacy
instruction. The Summer Institute provided educators with in-depth
training on evidence-based practices crucial for helping students
develop strong literacy skills. This approach supports personalized
learning and promotes equitable access to educational resources,
addressing current challenges and ensuring all students can thrive
academically.
"Embracing the science of reading is a testament to our
commitment to accelerating our students' academic achievement,"
said Tony B. Watlington Sr. Ed.D.,
Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. "The School District of
Philadelphia had the
second-fastest recovery for reading in grades three through eight
among all large urban peer districts included in the Education
Recovery Scorecard released by the Harvard
University Center for Education Policy Research and The
Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford
University. We are excited to continue leading the way in
literacy education and empowering our educators to transform their
classrooms with this Summer Institute."
Event Details:
The Summer Institute offered educators hands-on training,
interactive sessions, and opportunities to explore and implement
science of reading principles in their classrooms. Keynote speakers
Nicole Ormandy, Senior Director of
Content Development at AIM Institute for Learning and Research, and
Dr. Megan Gierka, Senior Content
Developer at AIM Institute for Learning and Research, highlighted
best practices, leveraging their expertise and insights.
District educators examined the structure and design of Imagine
Learning EL Education, gained insights into year-long planning, and
learned effective strategies to engage students and enhance their
literacy skills. Participants built their understanding and
application of effective literacy practices to support students as
they learn to read and, ultimately, read to learn.
"Imagine Learning is proud to support the School District of
Philadelphia in this
transformative initiative," said Terry
Gilligan, Senior Vice President & General Manager of
Core Curriculum at Imagine Learning. "Our role is to provide the
necessary tools and resources along with strategic professional
learning to ensure educators can effectively implement the science
of reading and foster a love for learning that extends beyond the
classroom."
The Summer Institute was a significant milestone in SDP's
ongoing efforts to enhance teaching and learning through innovative
educational solutions.
Main Takeaways:
- The Summer Institute emphasized the critical role of
evidence-based practices in literacy instruction, equipping
educators with strategies to enhance phonemic awareness, phonics,
fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- This initiative was deeply personal for the leaders and
teachers at the School District of Philadelphia. Participants expressed a strong
commitment to creating better futures for SDP students, recognizing
that it all starts with teaching every student to read
proficiently.
- The overarching goal is clear: to ensure that every student in
the district achieves reading proficiency. SDP's excellent
educators are dedicated to pursuing this ambitious endeavor,
supported by the high-quality curricular materials and practices
provided by Imagine Learning EL Education.
About the School District of Philadelphia:
The School District of Philadelphia is the eighth-largest school
district in the nation and the largest school district in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Enrollment includes nearly 198,000 students in public, charter, and
alternative schools, and approximately 19,000 employees. Under the
leadership of Superintendent Dr. Tony B.
Watlington Sr., the School District's vision is to prepare
students to imagine and realize any future they desire. For more
information about the School District, visit
www.philasd.org.
About Imagine Learning:
Every classroom, every student is bursting with potential. That's
why we pursue relentless innovation at the intersection of people,
curricula, and technology. Imagine Learning creates K–12
digital-first solutions working alongside educators to support 15
million students in over half of the districts nationwide. Our core
portfolio includes Imagine IM, Imagine Learning EL Education,
Twig® Science, and Traverse®. Our robust
supplemental and intervention suite equips learners with
personalized instruction for English and Spanish literacy, math,
coding, and more. Imagine Edgenuity® is our flagship
courseware solution, complemented by Imagine School Services'
Certified Teachers. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more
at imaginelearning.com.
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SOURCE Imagine Learning LLC