Courtesy of the Hollister School District:
The Hollister School District has adopted the district wide use of the Orton Gillingham (OG) reading program. For many years, the district researched reading support programs that could be taught throughout the district, but each year the progress stalled.
Superintendent Diego Ochoa said: “About 12 months ago, a group of teachers and principals advocated for this program. I had prior experience with (OG) and knew it to be the best program for helping children who struggle with reading, writing, and spelling.”
The OG approach specifically teaches that connection between letters and sounds. Though it has been in existence for decades, it has been bolstered by recent brain-based research.
Some schools applied for and received grants to have their staff trained in the use of OG during the 2019-2020 school year. R.O. Hardin Elementary, Ladd Lane Elementary, and Calaveras School all reported seeing huge gains for students in just the first year. The key, it turned out, was investing in teacher training, training for instructional assistants, and purchasing support materials.
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, district administration worked with site staff to arrange Orton-Gillingham teacher training for every K-3rd grade teacher in the district that had not received the training. Director of Educational Services Caroline Calero was instrumental in arranging the training and coordinating with all school sites which took place June 1- June 9.
Superintendent Diego Ochoa said,”When our schools resume classes on August 17, 2020, students will receive reading instruction using the OG approach from their trained teacher.”If you have any questions or concerns, please email Superintendent Diego Ochoa at [email protected].
