Building a Culture of Reading: Desoto Parish Schools’ Innovative Approach to Literacy

Desoto Parish Schools (DPS), located in Mansfield, Louisiana, has garnered a long-standing reputation for being an innovator at fostering a strong reading culture.

DPS has transformed how students engage with reading and learning by implementing a suite of Renaissance products: myON, FastBridge, and Nearpod. This strategic use of technology has led to significant improvements in reading and assessment scores, ultimately driving higher student performance district-wide.

A student-led approach to literacy

DPS Supervisor of Student Learning Willa Smith, also the district’s ELA specialist and a passionate advocate for fostering a love of reading, plays a key role in the district’s literacy initiative. “It was really fascinating for me to look at the different struggles that come with reading. But I found across the board that if students enjoy reading, they are going to progress quicker toward their goals,” she says.

Smith strongly advocates allowing students to explore reading independently, a practice supported by the district’s Accelerated Reader program—which sets goals and rewards students—and the wide accessibility of myON’s digital library. “I think we’ve used myON as a district pretty successfully,” Smith shares. “In 2021, we were ranked #9 for our state reading scores; then in 2022, we were ranked #6; and in 2023, we were ranked #3.” (Check out the table with District Performance Score achievements later in the story.)

myON: A revolutionary digital reading platform

One of the standout tools in DeSoto Parish’s literacy toolkit is myON, a digital reading platform that provides students access to an extensive library of books. According to Smith, myON is instrumental in encouraging independent reading and supporting various subjects like science and social studies.

• Independent reading: myON allows students to choose from thousands of titles, fostering a love for reading by catering to individual interests and reading levels.
• Research and cross-curricular support: The platform is also used for research projects and to complement lessons in other subjects, making reading an integral part of the learning experience.
• Data-driven decisions: The district strongly emphasizes data-driven decision-making. The insights gained from myON usage help educators tailor their instruction to meet each student’s needs.

Using technology to reach educational goals

DPS has embraced technology as a key element in reaching its educational goals. myON’s digital reading platform provides students with a wide range of books tailored to their interests and academic needs. With devices readily available in all grade levels and a two-to-one (2:1) ratio for younger students, the district ensures that students have access to technology both at school and home. Smart boards in every classroom further enhance the learning experience.

Smith explains that technology makes reading fun, educational, and beneficial for students and teachers. The district uses myON to bridge the gap between instruction and student goals.

The platform’s flexibility keeps students engaged with reading, even during challenging or out-of-school periods. “It’s really nice to have that access [to myON] throughout the summer as well and on holidays and breaks,” Smith adds, noting that some were surprised to find students actively reading during summer and winter breaks, further solidifying DPS’s strong reading culture that is fostered by teachers and staff. “It [has been] hugely beneficial for students to have resources at their fingertips.”

Overcoming resource challenges with innovative solutions

Like many districts, DPS faces challenges such as the scalability of educational resources and financial constraints. However, the district has turned these challenges into opportunities by leveraging myON.

• Cost-effective learning: myON offers a vast library of digital books, reducing the need to purchase physical textbooks and other library resources.
• Personalized learning: The platform’s ability to offer personalized reading experiences ensures that each student can progress at their own pace, addressing the diverse needs of the student population without relying on increased headcount.

myON also offers detailed reports that give teachers real-time insights into student engagement and achievement. This data allows educators to guide students more effectively, monitor their progress, and celebrate milestones, keeping literacy a continuous focus throughout the year.

Maintaining a positive reading culture by celebrating accomplishments

Celebrating student success with trophies, ribbons, certificates, and even parties, contributes significantly to student motivation and engagement. DPS also emphasizes the necessity of:

• Involving families: The district maintains strong communication with families through social media and parent portals, fostering a supportive community around student reading initiatives.
• Reducing test anxiety: The consistent use of myON and other Renaissance tools has improved reading scores and reduced testing anxiety among students as they become more confident readers.

Expanding success: how DPS leverages other Renaissance tools for assessment, instruction, and learning

FastBridge, a powerful assessment tool that delivers actionable data to guide instruction, has been effectively integrated into DPS’s educational strategy.

• Comprehensive assessments: FastBridge offers a range of reading assessments that help educators understand student progress and identify opportunity gaps.
• Professional development: The district prioritizes job-embedded support from its master teachers to ensure effective use of FastBridge assessment data.

Nearpod, an interactive, standards-aligned instructional platform, strengthens DPS’s core instruction.

• Interactive lessons: Nearpod embeds a wide array of interactive tools so students can participate in whole-group instruction in a way that is comfortable for them.
• Real-time feedback: Nearpod creates feedback loops by providing important formative data to DPS teachers on which students might need additional support

A testament to excellence

The strategic use of Renaissance products has propelled DPS to impressive heights. These achievements demonstrate the district’s dedication to excellence and the successful integration of educational technologies.

District Performance Score achievements

• Ranked third in the state of Louisiana with a District Performance Score of 90.3 in 2023
• Progress Index of 96.8
• Recognition with an “A” rating from the state in 2016 and received an “A” rating for overall performance and student growth in 2022–23
• District Award of Excellence for Educator Effectiveness in 2019

A beacon for future educators

DPS demonstrates the transformative power of a positive reading culture in achieving high academic performance. By embracing digital tools like myON, FastBridge, and Nearpod, the district has created an environment where students thrive, grow in confidence, and develop a lifelong love for reading.

For educators and school administrators seeking to replicate this success, the key lies in a strategic, data-driven approach that prioritizes student engagement and celebrates achievements.

As DeSoto Parish Schools continue to innovate and evolve, their story is an inspiring example of what is possible when technology and vision come together.

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