THE SOLUTION CFISD asked their corps of experienced model teachers to pilot test Scholastic’s Storyworks ® magazine, and then based on their feedback, selected it for use district- wide. The magazine had a variety of genres and text types that the teachers would need for instruction. Jenifer Jones, language arts coordinator for elementary schools, appreciated that it included a Teacher’s Guide and came with “activities that even my newer teachers could utilize.” Most importantly, Storyworks featured quality texts that were highly engaging. Jones expected that students would love the magazines and have a desire to read. Accordingly, Storyworks was selected as one of several ELA supplemental programs. However, after an initial eight-year adoption and multiple renewals, Jones notes that Storyworks has “morphed into so much more than just a supplemental” to become an indispensable component of literacy instruction at CFISD elementary schools. And the district’s literacy program has been highly effective, earning an “exemplary” academic accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency—the largest district in the state to earn this rating. SUPPORTING TEACHERS IN THEIR USE OF STORYWORKS Prior to the first semester of use, Scholastic team members introduced Storyworks to the teachers during the district’s professional development week in August. Teachers had the opportunity to review the magazines, explore the stories, and ask the Scholastic team questions about their use. At that time, Storyworks was a print-based program, and the teachers were each given a binder with the Teacher’s Guide and instructional activity resources.
SCHOLASTIC STORYWORKS SUCCESS STORY: CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 3
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