Guiding Principles

Our literacy plan focuses on four key areas:

Rigorous, Standards-Aligned Curriculum: We implement a challenging curriculum aligned with state and national standards. Guided by frameworks such as Understanding by Design and the Danielson Framework, our instruction is purposeful, differentiated, and vertically aligned across grades. Cross-curricular integration helps students apply literacy in real-world contexts, deepening understanding and engagement.

Data-Driven Support and Intervention: Using a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and universal screeners, we identify students needing additional help and deliver targeted, research-based interventions. Enrichment opportunities challenge advanced learners, ensuring equity and growth for all. This approach closes achievement gaps and supports personalized learning paths.

Professional Development for Educators: We invest in ongoing professional development to support high-quality instruction. Training aligns with Pennsylvania’s educator competencies and emphasizes the Science of Reading, best practices, and technology integration. Specialized support is provided for reading specialists, primary teachers, special educators, and content-area instructors.

Strategic Partnerships: We collaborate with community organizations, the Intermediate Unit, and PaTTAN to enhance our literacy efforts. These partnerships offer valuable resources and shared expertise, fostering a district-wide culture of literacy and lifelong learning.

Council Rock’s literacy plan integrates proven practices with the latest research to create a dynamic and responsive system. By focusing on curriculum, student support, educator growth, and partnerships, we are building a strong literacy foundation that prepares students for lifelong success.

Council Rock School District Literacy Plan: Embracing Diversity as a Core Value

At Council Rock School District, we celebrate the diverse cultural, linguistic, and experiential backgrounds of our students. Our literacy program not only develops essential reading and writing skills but also fosters an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and understood.

Diverse Curriculum Representation: Our curriculum reflects the diversity of our student body and the broader world. Through inclusive literature, history, and contemporary studies, students engage with a variety of voices and perspectives. By exploring diverse narratives, we promote empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of global and local cultures.

Inclusive School Culture: In partnership with Dr. Herbert T. Monroe III, Council Rock prioritizes a school environment where every student feels supported. We implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to cultivate respect and responsibility. Peer mentoring and diversity-focused student clubs empower students to learn from one another and lead inclusively. Celebrations of cultural traditions and holidays foster belonging and mutual respect throughout our schools.

Support for English Language Learners (ELL): Our robust ELL program provides targeted academic and literacy support. Beginning in the 2024–25 school year, we will launch a high school English and Study Skills course for ELL students. We currently use Reading Horizons and Elevate to build foundational literacy, and in collaboration with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, we are enhancing our English Language Development services through a comprehensive quality review.

Family and Community Engagement: Diversity and inclusion extend beyond the classroom. Council Rock actively involves families and community partners in school initiatives and advisory groups. Collaborations with local organizations, including inter-faith and cultural associations, enrich our students’ experiences and strengthen community ties.

At Council Rock, through inclusive curricula, supportive environments, and community collaboration, we prepare students to succeed in a diverse world as thoughtful, compassionate, and engaged citizens.

Council Rock School District Literacy Plan: Upholding High Expectations for All Learners

At Council Rock School District, we believe every student can succeed with access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction. We are committed to maintaining high expectations for all learners—regardless of background or ability—through a rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum that equips students with the skills needed for college, career, and life.

Rigorous and Differentiated Literacy Instruction: Our curriculum is built on academic standards and research-based practices, providing a strong foundation in reading, writing, and communication. Instruction is intentionally differentiated to support diverse learning needs, allowing teachers to meet students where they are and help them grow through increasingly complex texts and tasks.

Comprehensive Support Systems: To ensure all students meet high expectations, we implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to identify those needing intervention or enrichment. Ongoing assessments and universal screeners inform instruction and monitor progress. Students with exceptional needs receive specialized support aligned with rigorous academic goals, ensuring they have equitable opportunities to succeed.

Preparing Students for the Future: Literacy is the foundation for learning across all disciplines and is essential for future readiness. Our programs develop students’ critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills—preparing them to thrive in a global society. Whether students pursue college or careers, they will be equipped to meet the challenges of a changing world.

Empowering Educators to Drive Success: Teachers are central to our vision of high achievement. We invest in continuous professional development to ensure they have access to current, evidence-based strategies. Council Rock educators foster supportive, high-expectation classroom environments that encourage students to strive for excellence.

Through rigorous instruction, personalized support, and strong educator development, Council Rock School District ensures all students develop the literacy skills necessary for lifelong learning and success. Our commitment to high expectations empowers every learner to reach their full potential and become thoughtful, future-ready citizens.

Council Rock School District Literacy Plan: Evidence-Based Decision Making as a Guiding Principle

At Council Rock School District, we are committed to evidence-based decision-making to enhance student learning, inform instruction, and evaluate the effectiveness of our literacy programs. Data-driven practices guide our efforts to ensure every student receives the support needed to succeed. Central to this approach is our balanced assessment system, which helps monitor progress, evaluate equity, and ensure accountability.

Purpose of Assessment: Assessment serves multiple purposes at Council Rock: supporting instruction, informing grading and reporting, evaluating programs, monitoring equity, and ensuring accountability. These efforts provide a comprehensive picture of each student’s literacy development, empowering educators and families to make informed decisions.

Balanced Assessment System: Our District Assessment Plan incorporates multiple measures to ensure a shared understanding of learning outcomes and instructional effectiveness. By analyzing this data, we support student growth and make informed curriculum decisions.

Universal Screeners & Progress Monitoring: We use universal screeners such as DIBELS and Acadience for grades K-6 in English Language Arts and Math. These tools identify students needing additional support or enrichment and allow us to track progress throughout the year, ensuring instruction is responsive and targeted.

State and Local Assessments: Students also participate in state assessments like the PSSA (grades 3–8) and Keystone Exams (grade 10). Locally, formative and summative assessments in reading, writing, listening, and speaking guide daily instruction and curriculum planning. Programs like Reading Horizons and Wonders at the elementary level, and a blend of program- and teacher-generated assessments at the secondary level, ensure consistent, evidence-based literacy instruction.

Data-Driven Instruction: We leverage tools like the Classroom Diagnostic Tool (CDT) to monitor progress toward standards. Teachers collaborate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), grade-level and department meetings, and Data Analysis Team (DAT) to analyze data, share strategies, and continuously refine instruction based on student needs.

Equity and Consistency: Assessment data helps us identify and address disparities in instruction and outcomes. Adherence to research-based programs supports consistency across classrooms, ensuring every student has equitable access to high-quality literacy instruction.

Council Rock District Literacy Plan: Professional Learning

At Council Rock School District, we recognize that the professional growth of our educators is crucial for student success. Our commitment to high-quality professional development equips staff with the knowledge and tools necessary to prepare students for future contributions to a global community. This ongoing investment in professional learning helps refine instructional strategies, thereby enhancing student achievement and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Building a Community through Induction: Council Rock fosters strong partnerships among administrators, teachers, support staff, students, and parents. New teachers are welcomed through a comprehensive induction program, receiving support aligned with Danielson’s Framework for Teaching. Each new educator is paired with a mentor who guides them in curriculum implementation and classroom management, with additional support from professional development facilitators.

Ongoing Professional Development for All Staff: Professional development is vital for all educators, not just newcomers. Our programs align with Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching and focus on competencies necessary to meet diverse learner needs. Each initiative is research-based, with objectives aimed at increasing student achievement, ensuring that teachers access effective teaching strategies.

A Collaborative and Reflective Learning Environment: Professional development at Council Rock emphasizes collaboration through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Teachers engage in dialogue and data analysis, fostering professional growth and modeling lifelong learning for their students.

Supporting the Implementation of Best Practices: We ensure that professional learning translates into classroom practice through principal observations and feedback. Student achievement data informs future professional development needs, while ongoing support from facilitators helps teachers integrate best practices into daily instruction.

Commitment to Lifelong Learning: By investing in high-quality, research-based professional development, we empower educators to remain at the forefront of literacy instruction. Our focus on professional learning cultivates a culture of growth among teachers, students, and staff, ultimately preparing students to become engaged citizens in a changing world.

Council Rock’s approach to professional learning is centered on the belief that educator growth directly impacts student achievement. Through comprehensive and collaborative professional development, we equip teachers to meet diverse student needs, ensuring their effectiveness in guiding students toward success.