FERRIS SCHOOL STORY

At Ferris Elementary, early literacy lies at the heart of our school-wide focus and vision. Recognizing that foundational literacy skills are essential for lifelong learning, our school story centers on fostering strong literacy development in all students, with particular attention to our developing and emerging language learners. We believe that all students deserve the opportunity to become confident readers and writers, and our approach and learning journey aims to be grounded in data-informed practices, staff collaboration, and responsive teaching.

To understand our learners and guide our instructional decisions, we have drawn upon a diverse range of data sources. These include Kindergarten/Gr.1 SPARK assessments, ELL and resource teacher evaluations, FSA (Foundational Skills Assessment) results, classroom-based assessments, student learning surveys, report card data, and anecdotal feedback from staff. We’ve also tapped into inquiry grants and utilized staff meetings as a platform to collaboratively interpret data trends. Our teacher-librarian has played an integral role in gathering insights on student interests and preferences in literature. Through this comprehensive data collection process, we’ve been able to identify specific areas where students excel and where they require more targeted support.

One of the key findings from our data is that comprehension and decoding strategies are two critical areas that students need ongoing support with. We’ve listened carefully to what our students are telling us—both explicitly and implicitly—about what they enjoy reading, what they find challenging, and what they would like to learn more about. This feedback has helped us and continues to help us shape classroom practices and prioritize resources that not only align with curriculum outcomes but also spark curiosity and engagement in young readers.

To ensure that our literacy practices are responsive and impactful, staff have engaged in regular 10- 15-minute conversations at staff meetings to reflect on student progress and explore instructional strategies. These conversations have been extended and enriched by our teacher consultant who collaborated with grade groups on our Collaborative Inquiry Projects (CEF), providing support and guiding the development of targeted literacy initiatives. Through this collective inquiry model, we have built a culture of professional learning and shared responsibility for student success.

In support of our literacy goals, we have developed and implemented a range of practical resources, including literacy kits for our primary learners. These kits provide hands-on, engaging materials to support early reading and writing skills. In addition, comprehension kits have been designed to complement our work with the “Reading Power” framework and coding workshops, helping students make connections, infer meaning, and think critically about texts.These resources are accessible, adaptable, and designed to meet the diverse needs of our student population.

Importantly, our approach to literacy instruction is also rooted in equity and inclusion. We recognize that many of our students are learning English as an additional language, and our programming reflects this. Our ELL teachers work closely with classroom teachers to differentiate instruction and ensure that all students receive the support they need to thrive. We also strive to reflect the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of our learners in the literature we provide, making sure every student can see themselves in the stories they read.

Student voice has been a guiding force in shaping our literacy journey. We’ve made a concerted effort to include students in the conversation, asking them about the types of stories they enjoy, the topics they are curious about, and how they feel about their own progress as readers. This student-centered approach not only strengthens engagement but also reinforces a growth mindset around literacy development.

With HEART, Ferris Elementary’s school story is one of collaboration, responsiveness, and a JOURNEY to improve early literacy. By grounding our efforts in meaningful data, valuing student input, and fostering a community of professional learning, we continue to grow a literacy culture that supports all learners. Our journey is ongoing, and we remain dedicated to refining our practices to ensure every student is empowered with the skills and confidence to succeed as a reader and learner.