Reading
“In an effort to improve student learning outcomes in Lockport, we had to first evaluate our current practices and programs and educate ourselves more in reading research,“ said Marianne Currie-Hall, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. “In doing so, we are better equipped to understand the core principles of structured literacy and identify a comprehensive reading program suitable for all students in grades K through 8.“
Instructional coaches, department chairs, and experienced educators across grades K-6, thoroughly evaluated 14 literacy programs and selected five for in-person presentations. After careful consideration, Benchmark Advance was the chosen K-6 program to pilot due to its comprehensive, structured, literacy approach. The district began piloting the program in all four elementary schools and Emmet Belknap Intermediate School in December 2023.
Benchmark Advance is a knowledge-based program that aligns with NY State next generation standards, Science of Reading research, and provides a cohesive structure for the development of literacy skills and content knowledge. It covers all essential aspects of literacy development, including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.
It is designed to empower students to build skills and content knowledge within and across grades; to expand both general and academic vocabulary in support of reading, writing, and constructive conversation; and to provide inclusive resources that meet the needs of each learner through culturally responsive content. It also supports students and teachers through a scaffolded approach; progressing from modeling to guided practice and ultimately independent application.
Grades 7 and 8 teachers and administrators are currently reviewing programs and will begin a pilot very soon.
“The program is rigorous and very detailed,” said a Special Education teacher at George Southard. She’s been piloting Benchmark Advance along with a first grade teacher at the same school. Together the two have experienced the robust tool library of additional resources, interventions, and assessments. The classroom teacher added, “Benchmark Advance exposes students to more vocabulary and the use of background knowledge. The reading, writing, and phonics also ties into Social Studies and Science topics, too.”
A third grade teacher at Charles Upson Elementary is also piloting the program with her students. So far, she values the comprehensiveness of Benchmark Advance and the way it incorporates other subjects into a reading-based program. “The kids are actually turning and talking to interact with each other about the text, which is thrilling to see,” said the teacher.
Another Benchmark Advance bonus: kindergarten through sixth grade students will learn about the same topics around at the same time, but the lessons will be appropriate for each grade level. Not only does this bring unity across grades and within schools, but it connects students throughout the district.
Moreover, this has the potential to impact discussions surrounding the "Tell me about your day" inquiry within the household. Siblings who may be in different grades will delve into similar topics, such as animal adaptation or outer space, fostering engaging conversations within the home.
The district teachers will continue to pilot the program throughout the spring. While doing so, we will continued to examine the effectiveness of Benchmark Advance and then recommend adopting the program or regroup to discuss another option. Once a formal decision has been made, the announcement will be sent to all students, staff, and parents.
Mathematics
Similar to ELA, a K-8 mathematics curriculum review is currently underway. Again, instructional coaches, department chairs, and administrators, have gathered to screen several research-based, comprehensive programs. Publishers of five different programs have presented to the group. The team will narrow down the search to find the program that best suits Lockport’s community of learners. Visitations to districts using the programs and additional consultations with the publishers are the next steps. “I am confident with the high level of teacher leadership we have, teachers who know ‘math’ well and helped grow our current program, will select the best for our students.” said, Marianne Currie-Hall, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.
STEM and Science
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives continue to be a priority in the district. In fact, the district’s K-12 STEM programming has been recognized, as a ‘STEM Pathway District’ by WozEd, a nationally recognized program designed for students to explore careers in the tech industry as early as kindergarten and throughout grade 12. Whereby, at the high school, two STEM courses and the Cyber Lions have evolved and continue to grow. Recently, the K-4 elementary schools in Lockport were recognized nationally for becoming a ‘Science Pathway School’ district. Both the STEM and Science curriculum is inspired by (and named after) Steve “Woz” Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple. Woz is deeply entrenched in the success of his vision; developing learning programs that inspire curiosity and engagement while educating students.
The Lockport City School District is known across the country as one of the leading districts who have adopted and use WozEd programming. Several presentations by Lockport staff are highlighted at the annual WozEd Pathway Conference. Lockport teachers and administrators foster hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications which lead to opportunities to more than ten STEM focused industries, which include Animation, Artificial Intelligence, AR/VR, Coding, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Drone, Engineering, Mobile Development and Robotics. Students are engaged and eager to participate in both the STEM and Science curricula.