A partnership between Baldwin Wallace University (BWU) and Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School (CHES) is strengthening early literacy skills for the district’s youngest learners while also giving future teachers meaningful classroom experience.
“We are excited about this new partnership and the opportunities it creates for both our students and future educators,” said Kelly Cummins, Speech-Language Pathologist/Pre-K coordinator.“The partnership allows our students to get focused practice on the skills they need most.”
Last school year, in an effort to expand early literacy support for students, the district began looking beyond CHES for creative ways to provide additional learning experiences. “When BWU contacted us this year, we were excited to avail ourselves of this opportunity,” Cummins explained.
Beginning February 19 and continuing every Thursday through March 25, 19 Early Childhood and Special Education teacher candidates descend upon CHES to work with select students from grades kindergarten through third grade. Another six undergraduates attend later in the day, bringing the total number to 25. Mostly BWU sophomores and a few freshmen who have gone through training in phonics, they work with CHES students either one-on-one or in small groups in the school cafeteria.
The CHES students were recommended by their classroom teachers and include a mix of general education and special education students who would benefit from additional literacy practice. Kindergarten through second-grade students receive 30 minutes of support each week, while selected third-grade students receive 30 to 60 minutes of instruction.
The BWU teacher candidates plan the lessons with guidance from their professors and input from the CHES staff. Instruction is based on the Science of Reading teaching approach and may include phonics, fluency, writing, vocabulary, and reading comprehension, depending on each student’s needs.
“By building a relationship with BWU’s Education Department, we are creating a partnership that benefits both groups of students,” noted Cummins. “Our CHES students receive additional individualized support, and the BWU teacher candidates gain valuable experience working directly with students and planning lessons.”
