Before welcoming students back to the classroom, reading teachers from Jeff Davis Primary School, along with educators from other schools, spent the day investing in professional learning designed to strengthen reading instruction and improve student success.
The training focused on UFLI Foundations, an evidence-based literacy program developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI). The program provides teachers with research-backed strategies to help students develop the foundational reading skills needed to become confident, successful readers.
UFLI Foundations emphasizes phonics, decoding, and other essential literacy concepts while providing students with repeated opportunities to practice until skills become automatic. The program is designed for use as core reading instruction in the primary grades and can also be used as an intervention for struggling readers in any grade level. It combines structured lesson plans with the flexibility for teachers to respond to individual student needs, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Through the program, educators deepen their understanding of:
- The science of how children learn to read
- The linguistic foundations that support literacy development
- Evidence-based instructional practices proven to improve reading achievement
Jeff Davis Primary School educators say they are excited to bring the new strategies and ideas back to their classrooms and look forward to helping students grow as readers during the upcoming school year. As schools continue to place a strong emphasis on early literacy, professional learning opportunities like this help ensure teachers are equipped with the latest research and instructional methods to give students the strongest possible foundation for future academic success.
Why It Matters
Research consistently shows that strong reading skills developed in the early elementary years are one of the greatest predictors of future academic achievement. By investing in ongoing professional learning, Jeff Davis County Schools is demonstrating its commitment to providing students with high-quality, research-based instruction that supports lifelong learning.
