Great things have been happening in the Seaford School District, recently landing the district on a nation-wide stage with their implementation of the Bookworms reading curriculum.
Kareem Weaver, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Fulcrum and the Oakland NAACP's 2nd Vice President and Chair of its Education Committee, recognized the work that was happening in Seaford around the Bookworms reading curriculum. He is making significant strides in advocating for high-quality instructional materials and literacy education through his organization, Fulcrum. By connecting with Sharon Walpole and becoming an advocate for the science of reading, he is working towards ensuring that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have access to effective reading instruction.
Fulcrum, and Bookworms author Dr. Sharon Walpole, worked with Seaford School District’s Director of Instruction Dr. Krissy Jennette, to plan a visit. Organizing events like the one in Seaford, where educators and advocates from various parts of the country can witness successful implementation of high-quality instructional materials, is a praiseworthy effort. It allows for sharing best practices and inspiring others to adopt similar approaches in their own communities.
Dr. Jennette, along with building principals, developed a visitation schedule that would allow observations of the Seaford School District’s K-5 literacy block, a panel discussion including many stakeholders, and data analysis and reflection on the literacy journey in Seaford.
The Seaford Board of Education President, Mrs. Kimberly Hopkins shared, “My Seaford pride is overflowing. Seaford School District believes in Success for All Students. I always thought of this applying to our town but I can say it applies nationally. It was such an honor to be recognized across the Nation for the work we have been doing here in Seaford. Our Board was pleased to welcome the visitors into our schools to showcase our dedication to literacy education.”
On February 23, Seaford welcomed nearly 40 individuals from New York, New Mexico, Georgia, Missouri, and California. This group included board members, district and school level administration, staff from institutes of higher learning, and national advocates for literacy, all jumping at the opportunity to see the pathway to literacy development in Seaford.
Blades Elementary, West Seaford Elementary, Central Elementary, and Frederick Douglass Elementary all welcomed guests into their three components of literacy instruction; Interactive Read Aloud, Shared Reading and Differentiated Instruction. Each morning was spent in small groups, observing the use of high quality instructional materials, Bookworms. In the afternoon, the guests enjoyed a presentation from Dr. Walpole and participated in a question and answer session with district leaders. In the evening, a panel discussion was held with various stakeholders in attendance. This opportunity allowed the visitors to ask questions of administration, board members, and specialists. Thoughtful questions and discussions were had and it was both a celebration of Seaford’s literacy journey and a reflective learning experience for all. One topic that stood out was the role of the leadership during the Bookworms implementation. From the Board of Education, to the district and building administration, to building staff, Seaford operates as one cohesive unit with strategic plans to reach goals. They function as though everyone’s role is an obligation, a collective responsibility to ensure the success of students.
Principal of Blades Elementary, Mrs. Christy Parsons said, “The feedback from the visitors during the debrief confirmed for me what I already knew, ALL staff members at Blades go above and beyond to meet all student needs . Things that we do as part of our normal, everyday practices were recognized and celebrated as exemplars that others should follow.”
Dr. DiGirolamo shared, “These conversations really made me appreciate what we have here in Seaford. The framework that has been set over the last ten years has provided coaching for teachers, structure for administrators, and ultimately success for our students. We are thankful for the continued support of our Board, the Seaford Education Association, and our community. By going through this experience, we see that there are varying circumstances that impact districts and their ability to impact student learning.”
“After this experience, Dr. Jennette and I have spent time brainstorming ways we can take these successes at the elementary level and adapt them to processes we use at the secondary level.” said Superintendent, Dr. DiGirolamo.
By bringing together individuals from different regions and backgrounds, Mr. Kareem Weaver is fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge and experiences can be shared to further the cause of literacy education. This kind of advocacy and hands-on demonstration can have a significant impact on shaping education policies and practices nationwide. The Seaford School District is thankful for the opportunity to partner with Dr. Sharon Walpole and Fulcrum in this learning and reflection opportunity.