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Concord Community Schools

Our mission is to ensure all students’ academic success in a safe and connected environment.

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Foundational Reading at Concord

A student’s ability to read is the most foundational and important skill a student will master and their success on that skill will impact their education and life.  While teaching a student to read is not an easy task, Concord has made some strides in how we teach reading and writing in our early years. 

A teacher helps two students in a library, surrounded by bookshelves.

TEACHING THE COMPONENTS OF READING

First, we need to have a strong core curriculum to teach the five components of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary), that aligns with the Science of Reading.  During the 2022-23 school year, Concord implemented Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) by Amplify in grades K-5.  The components of the lessons are very specifically designed to systematically teach students the skills they need.

TARGETED READING INTERVENTION

While we have a strong core curriculum, we know that all students do not learn at the same pace.  In our early years, we utilize a screening tool called mClass DIBELS to identify areas of student mastery as well as areas of need.  With this in mind, Concord has created a schedule to provide up to one hour of intervention time that is focused on each student’s greatest need to grow as a reader.  Teachers oversee this support by using researched interventions and constant checks to determine if the intervention is supporting growth or if changes are needed.

A teacher and a student sit on the floor in a school hallway, looking at a tablet.

Two children sitting on the floor, engrossed in reading their books, surrounded by a cozy indoor environment.

READ EVERY DAY

Finally, new in 2023-24, our students will have access at times during the school day as well as at home to grow as readers through Boost Reading.  While fun and engaging, this program allows students to practice their reading skills. As a parent, we encourage you to find time each day for your child to read to themselves or with you.  

While our students all learn at different paces, we know that all students can learn at high levels.  Our focus on the early development in reading is clear and systematic, while also challenging and fun.  However, if you feel your child is struggling as a reader or you have concerns about your child’s reading skills, please contact your child’s teacher or principal for support.