Hawley Honored With International Reading Association Award

By Larissa Lytwyn

In keeping with the Newtown school district’s tradition of curricular reevaluation and development, Hawley Elementary School’s language arts consultant, Karen Yanusas, president of the Connecticut Reading Association, believed that Hawley had strived far enough to apply for the 2004 International Reading Association Exemplary Reading Program Award.

Her instincts proved spot on.

Hawley was recently named Connecticut’s 2004 Award recipient.

Since being selected, the school has enjoyed visits from several neighboring districts. “We’ve become an example!” Principal Jo-Ann Peters said excitedly.

Though Hawley only applied for the award for the first time last fall, the school employed a continuing practice of academic evaluation and enhancement.

“We have really tried to build and improve our language arts program through increasing faculty communication,” Ms Yanusas noted.

To combat the district’s climbing school-age population, Hawley staff has also established small workgroups within larger classes.

“In this way, we can give students more individualized attention,” explained fourth grade teacher Maureen Malone. “There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach.”

“We really strive to fit each student with material that is congruent with their own particular reading level,” agreed second grade teacher Emily Smith.

The objectives for the award included an aim to “improve literacy in our society” by recognizing staff “who demonstrate excellence in reading and literacy programs.” The association approved of schools “publicizing reading and literacy related achievements to the school community,” thus encouraging “the development and refinement of exemplary reading/language arts programs.”

Reading programs were required to be “consistent with sound theory and appropriate research,” facilitating student learning through demonstrable reading success. Access to activities promoting literacy outside of school was also encouraged.

Hawley recently held its first annual “One School, One Read” program using Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz. Activities inspired by the novel were developed in every class, from physical education to art to history. Parents were also encouraged to read the book along with their children.

The school actively strives to include parental involvement. “It’s very important for the development of our children if they receive all the support possible,” Ms Peters said.

After the school was recognized as a finalist for the award in January, Ms Yanusas, Ms Malone, Principal Jo-Ann Peters, and lead teacher Judy Pesce created the required five-page essay detailing key features of Hawley’s language arts program.

The essay first described the school’s small-group instruction approach. Ms Yanusas’ background in “Reading Recovery,” a small group instruction and workshop, was noted in streamlining the more individualized instruction technique. Progress is tracked through ongoing student assessments. A core group the school’s literacy team, comprised of Ms Peters, Ms Yanusas, the school psychologist, speech/language pathologist, special education teachers, and math specialists, review the ongoing assessments.

Hawley also offers a wide range of services, from remedial courses to specialized development for highest-performing students.

Staff experience was noted; 75 percent of Hawley’s reading assistants have four-year college degrees. Many staff members belong to the state or International Reading Association.

Professional development was also emphasized. Faculty members are required to become familiarized with a number of guides and texts, including Guided Reading: Good First Teaching for All, by Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell. Eventually, Ms Peters said, the school will develop and possibly even publish its own language arts teaching guide.

“Our staff really believes in continual growth and change,” Ms Pesce said. Professional stagnation is consciously avoided.

“There is a lot of collaboration among us,” said Ms Smith. “Everyone works together.”

Hawley will receive its award during a special ceremony on May 2 in Lake Tahoe, Nev.