Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways
Section Objectives
At the completion of this section, participants will be able to discuss lessons learned from Pickerington Local School District’s effort to implement high-quality English language arts instructional materials.
Lessons Learned at Pickerington Local Schools
Staff at Pickerington Local School District learned the following lessons in their journey to improve literacy instruction and systems:
- Systems changes and planning at the systems level is key for real instructional change.
- The staff must understand that improvement takes continuous reflection and refinement.
- The district must provide professional learning to support the implementation of high-quality English language arts instructional materials.
- Teachers and administrators must be present and active in professional learning.
- Leadership must communicate a vision, mission, and values that guide the work of all educators.
In this video, Sycamore Creek and Violet Elementary Schools K-4 instructional coach Beatrice Horsford and English learner teacher Michelle DiPietro reflect on lessons learned from implementing high-quality English language arts instructional materials.
Written testimonial
“For the past two years, it has been holding to it and being supportive when people struggle and looking for those successes throughout the journey, because it's not a destination. If we're looking for signs of reading to be a destination where we get there, and we can say, ‘we've arrived’ and ‘we're done,’ that is not going to happen. It is a constant review, reflection, going back, supporting. And, I always say, holding the course.”
Leslie Kelly, Executive Director, Teaching and Learning
Reflection Questions
- What reflections resonate most with you and why?
- What steps are needed to apply these lessons in your district and school?
Last Modified: 5/19/2025 8:40:04 AM