As the 2023-2024 school year draws to a close, Pender County Schools takes a moment to reflect on the significant progress made in the first year of implementing new curricula. This journey has been marked by dedication, hard work, and perseverance from our teachers, instructional coaches, support staff, school administrators, district leaders, families, and our program support specialists. Their collective efforts have laid a solid foundation for continued success in the coming years.
Successes in Wit & Wisdom
The implementation of Wit & Wisdom has transformed the way students engage with reading and language arts. Despite initial challenges, the curriculum has enabled students to think more deeply about the stories they read. "Towards the end of the year, students were able to identify sensory words and the central message of a text," observed one teacher. "Their answers to questions were more thoughtful, and they were comfortable using complete sentences."
Another teacher highlighted the journey from struggle to success: "At the beginning of teaching Wit & Wisdom, keeping students focused and engaged was challenging. But after collaborating with my team, we implemented strategies that helped build stamina and facilitate effective conversations. By the end of the year, we could see the impact—it was remarkable."
Principal feedback echoed these sentiments, noting that students' engagement and depth of understanding increased significantly. The positive reinforcement strategies, such as identifying a "Wit & Wisdom Warrior" daily, motivated students and reinforced their speaking and listening goals.
Parents have expressed appreciation for the increase in vocabulary, the engaging conversations about books being read, and the heightened enthusiasm for reading and learning shown by their students.
Eureka Math Squared: Building Strong Foundations
Eureka Math Squared (EM2) has also made a substantial impact. Teachers have praised the curriculum for its comprehensive approach, which aligns with all standard goals and provides multiple problem-solving methods. "I love everything about Eureka Math Squared. It builds students' understanding perfectly and differentiates so well," one teacher shared. "The curriculum is easy to follow and prepares students for standardized tests effectively."
Teachers have also highlighted the practical benefits of EM2, such as data analysis tools and scaffolding tips. "It allows me to analyze data and understand the different standards related to each student, giving me supporting material to build foundational skills," another teacher explained.
The structured approach of EM2 has been instrumental in classroom success. One teacher described the integration of "math bins" and the daily lesson components: "The fluency segment lays a sturdy foundation for retaining skills and applying them to new lessons. I've nurtured a culture of perseverance where students know I am committed to helping them through challenges."
Parents appreciate the home connect features and the parent-friendly language that enable them to effectively support their students.
Challenges and Opportunities
While there have been notable successes, the first year of implementation has also presented challenges. Our focus will continue to be meeting the needs of every student and providing a variety of learning opportunities to ensure skills are mastered and standards are fully taught. We aim to deepen the understanding and familiarity with the curricula to offer extensions and interventions, effectively addressing the needs of all learners.
Instructional Coaches have played a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. Their dedication to learning and supporting both students and teachers has been invaluable. As one coach reflected, "Teachers put in large amounts of time to provide great instruction while keeping student needs foremost. Over time, routines were established, helping with time management and ensuring student success."
Looking Ahead: Building on Successes
As we move into the second year of implementation, the district is well-positioned to build on the successes of this year. One of the next steps is to further develop teacher-leaders in both curricula. By amplifying their voices and practices, strong instructional approaches will be spread to more teachers and students, leading to even stronger outcomes.
Dee Owens, director of elementary education, recognizes and applauds school administrators for maintaining high expectations for teaching and learning in the district. "Our instructional coaches have been instrumental in this year's implementation. They care deeply about the students and teachers they support," Owens emphasized.
"Pender County Schools have done an excellent job aligning core beliefs about teaching and learning. The commitment and perseverance demonstrated by all stakeholders have created a robust foundation for the continued implementation of Eureka Math Squared and Wit & Wisdom. As we enter the new school year, the district is ready to build on this foundation, ensuring that every student continues to thrive and succeed," said Ryan Brock, Great Minds Success Lead, Implementation Services.
In conclusion, the first year of new curriculum implementation has been a journey of growth and achievement. The dedication and hard work of our educators have resulted in significant progress, setting the stage for even greater success in the future. We look forward to another year of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in education.