Do they use Word Study developmental spelling in Williamson County? (Knoxville: how much, transfer)

[LauraH831]

I am considering relocating to TN. I have researched Knoxville, but I'm not sure that is where we need to be with two young school age children. We are coming from the Northern Virginia area and I was wondering what kind of resources Williamson county public schools use? Here we use Scott Foresman and Breakthrough to Literacy in K and Scott Foresman for 1-5. We do use Word Study for the spelling program which is a developmental spelling program versus memorizing a list of words each week. I am a K teacher here in Northern Virginia and I am certified in Word Study and have been using it in my K class. I am also completing a Reading First academy online through the University of Virginia ( I am not a reading first school) to help with my very high population of English Language Learners in my class (more than 50%) and am wondering what Williamson county uses to teach reading/language arts instruction. We also do guided reading here in Kindergarten, when does that start in this area? I have checked the website for the school system and it didn't offer too much. The TN curriculum/standards are very close to our Virginia SOLS. Any information would be great!

[the profs]

Sorry, I cannot answer your question. However, I would like to make a suggestion (you may have done this already): check the counties with the highest ESL population (look at the census breakdown on city date forum website) and then contact schools (also on the website) directly. Perhaps direcet contact will prove beneficial to you.

peace and positive vibes

[j.s.t]

I don't know how much this will help or if you have already found out the information. While I cannot help you out on Williamson Co., I teach K here in Nashville. I am at a Reading First school and we start Guided Reading form the beginning. Our district implemented DSA (Word Study) this year. While its only "required" in 2-4, in K-1 we use it or variations of it thru the year. I would imagine that Will. Co. is doing the same, but I really cannot tell you for sure.
We have been using Scott F. in K, but we purchased (our school) two other phonics/PA supplements to go with it. We are supposedly getting a new Reading adopt. for the next school yr so everything is kinda up in the air with that.

hope that helps...if you need any more info about Metro Nash, I can hopefully help.

[j.s.t]

About the GR...meant to say this, I have only taught at one school here, but I have realized that Guided Reading varies greatly from school to school (even Reading First schools). I have had a student transfer in Feb and never had GR at all. I think its just what school you are in. If you would like to know more about Will. Co. schools, i can ask around. I have friend who lives there and is familar with the schools.