Strengthening Structured Literacy and Cursive anon-Mac CANON-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
At Canon-McMillan, literacy goes beyond just learning to read. In grades K-2, the comprehensive Structured Literacy program helps students become confident readers, write complete stories in cursive and develop the critical thinking skills they need to succeed.
" This is more than a reading program," said Superintendent Dr. Greg Taranto. " We have built a true, comprehensive approach to structured literacy where reading and writing are married together. They cannot exist exclusive of one another."
That philosophy is at the heart of the District ' s literacy instruction. Rather than treating reading and writing as separate subjects, Canon-McMillan intentionally integrates research-based instruction to develop phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, writing and oral language simultaneously.
Students learn through Wilson Language Training Fundations ®, Geodes ® knowledge-building decodable readers and district-designed writing activities that connect directly to the stories they read.
The District has also made a renewed commitment to teaching cursive writing, a practice that has become less
" Every decision we make is centered on maximizing student learning and giving teachers the time and resources they need to focus on instruction."
44 CANON-MAC common in many schools but one that Canon-McMillan believes continues to offer significant academic benefits.
" I am proud that we have been teaching a structured cursive writing program for the past three years, and we will continue to do so," Dr. Taranto said. " Teaching cursive is about much more than learning a handwriting style. It creates more robust language development through dual coding, improves fine motor skills and strengthens memory retention."
That commitment is already making an impact in classrooms, with more than half of a Wylandville Elementary second-grade class choosing to write their final book reports in cursive.
Canon-McMillan ' s approach is also grounded in the science of learning, which emphasizes instructional practices proven to support long-term retention and student achievement. Classrooms prioritize explicit teacher-led instruction, structured group learning and active student participation through discussion and whiteboard work while minimizing unnecessary technology during literacy instruction.
" Our goal is to use the instructional practices we know work best for children," Dr. Taranto said. " Every decision we make is centered on maximizing student learning and giving teachers the time and resources they need to focus on instruction."
To further strengthen the program, the District has standardized its English Language Arts block across elementary classrooms by aligning instructional time, curriculum and teaching materials.
" I am incredibly proud of our teachers, school board, administration, principals and entire school community for embracing this work," he said. " Together, we are creating the absolute best early elementary experience for our students and giving them the skills they need to become successful."