DCSD celebrates Reading Recovery and Early Literacy training graduates
Teachers who graduated from Reading Recovery and Early Literacy training courses. PHOTO COURTESY DARLINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Darlington County School District (DCSD) recognized the nearly dozen teachers who graduated from Reading Recovery and Early Literacy training courses in June after completing a full year of graduate-level coursework. The instruction is offered through DCSD’s partnership with Clemson University’s Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Training Center, under the guidance and leadership of Kim Floyd, DCSD’s Reading Recovery Teacher Leader. “These teachers became a part of a community of learners dedicated to teaching young striving readers and improving instruction and student outcomes for all students,” said Kacy Keels, DCSD’s director of early childhood. “On behalf of DCSD, we want to extend our sincere appreciation to this group of outstanding educators for their dedication and commitment in making a positive difference in the lives of students.” At the conclusion of the training, four of the teachers became certified in Reading Recovery. They enrolled in four graduate-level courses through Clemson University and earned a total of 12 graduate credit hours. In addition, they received credit for the Add-On Literacy Endorsement through Read to Succeed. The graduate Reading Recovery Teachers are: Ellen Oldland, Thornwell School for the Arts Irby Dubose, North Hartsville Elementary School Ashleigh Chaplin, Pate Elementary School Patricia McFadden-Moyd, Clarendon County School District 2 Additionally, Early Literacy teachers trained alongside the new Reading Recovery teachers. These teachers are primary classroom teachers who serve in schools where there is a Reading Recovery teacher or a Reading Recovery teacher in training. The Early Literacy teachers enrolled in two graduate-level courses through Clemson University and earned a total of eight graduate-level hours. The courses are approved for two of the required Read to Succeed classes: Instructional Strategies for Reading and Assessment Strategies for Reading. Throughout the training, the teachers learned how to apply Reading Recovery instructional procedures to design-focused lessons with the goal of accelerating literacy learning for all students. The Early Literacy Professional Development teachers are: Amanda Woodard, Pate Elementary School Carmen Blakney Bennett, Pate Elementary School Leigh Hixson, Cain Elementary School Kinsey Johnson, North Hartsville Elementary School Jennifer Brigman, J.L. Cain Elementary School Kim Edgerton, J.L. Cain Elementary School Breana Adger-Canty, Clarendon County School District 2
