This spring I heard an upsetting comment. My school district has been conducting district wide assessments in the area of math and reading in the elementary schools. As the district team completed their testing, one of the teachers replies that she was returning to her home school to try to finish up Rigby Testing on the rest of some students. My heart just sank. In no fault of this teacher, who I believe is a great teacher, her school still is not understanding or is choosing to listen to the research that is out in the field of best practices for teaching reading instruction. As a teacher, learning coach, or a school administrator, you should be assisting educators to understand the research so they can make good decisions about their reading instruction.
The Rigby Benchmark Reading Test is a one on one assessment with your students to find out the level of your students reading ability. The Assessment (Rigby Benchmark Kit) designed to be used four times during the school year. It will tell you is your students are progressing through the levels of reading in their grade level or not. It using the 3 cues systems to assist in the scoring of assessment. It also has a comprehension assessment that goes along with each story asking students to reply to what they just read out loud to you.
We have to confess that we have used the Rigby assessment in our classroom for many years. But after reading articles, listening to professionals/researchers on podcasts, and reading on our own time many professional books in the area of reading instruction, this is not best assessment to use for the best practices in reading instruction. We have beat ourselves up with the feeling of guilt knowing we should of know better.
But at the time we truly thought that we were doing what was best. No teacher including ourself purposely means to hinder a young developing reader in their classroom.
Large school district often adopted new curriculum for teachers to provide reading instructions to their students, but do not take time to educate their staff on the "why" of choosing that particular curriculum. Did they make the best choice? Did they use the correct evaluation tools in choosing that curriculum? Where the members of the curriculum team educated in the area of "science of reading" of all the research out there.
So if your district is not supporting professional development to you in the elementary setting, here is a couple of reasons why ongoing education for you as a classroom teacher is is crucial.
Staying Current with Research: Education is a field that continually evolves based on new research and insights. Ongoing professional development allows teachers to stay updated with the latest findings in literacy instruction. For example, new studies on brain development, reading interventions, or technology in education can inform more effective teaching practices. There are so many great professional books, articles, and podcasts to help you stay current with the research.
Adapting to Changing Needs: Each year, teachers encounter students with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles. Ongoing education helps teachers adapt to these changing needs by learning new strategies for differentiation and inclusion. It also enables them to address emerging challenges, such as supporting English language learners and struggling readers. Continue to have conversations with your colleagues about this issues and keep reading about these topics.
In conclusion, being knowledgeable about effective instructional strategies in reading is fundamental for elementary teachers. By continuing your education ensures that you can remain effective and adaptable, enhancing your ability to meet the evolving needs of your students and stay informed about advancements in the field of literacy education. If your district is not supporting you, create a support group within your own building or team.
When we know more, we do better. Keep learning!
Heidi and Michelle
References
The Science of Reading Evidence for a New Era of Reading Instruction by Laura Stewart , Author and National Director for The Reading League - Link
The Art & Science of Teaching Primary Reading by Christopher Such - Link
The Literacy 50, A Q&A Handbook for Teachers, Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night by Mellisa Loftus & Lori Sappington - Link
7 Mighty Moves by Lindsay Kemeny - Link
Shifting the Balance, Grades 3-5: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into Upper Elementary Classroom by Katie Cunningham, Jan Burkins, Kari Yates - Link
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