Central Elementary Named 'Science Of Reading Spotlight School'

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa City Schools on Tuesday announced that Central Elementary School has been named a “Science of Reading Spotlight School” by the Alabama Department of Education.

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The designation was given to only 12 schools in Alabama.

"Our teachers are on the frontlines every day making sure our boys and girls are well-prepared at CES," Central Elementary Principal Jerry Collins said. "Our focus at Central Elementary is to be intentional and supportive to our students 100% of the time. We have seen tremendous academic growth this year."

TCS pointed out that 15% of Central Elementary kindergarten students were proficient in reading in the fall of 2021, but by the spring semester, over 74% of the school's kindergarten scored proficiency.

"We contribute this success to our teachers in addition to the SOR," Collins said. "With the Science of Reading being our guide, the sky is the limit for us."

The recognition highlights schools and systems which take steps to improve read proficiency for students in kindergarten through third grade, and in addition to ensuring students are reading at or above grade level by the end of third grade.

TCS said leadership in the “spotlight” schools worked alongside the school’s local reading specialists and teachers to improve their understanding of the science of reading through professional learning.

Three teachers at Central Elementary have also completed the "science of reading" process and all others are in either year one or two of the training.

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