Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications
Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) is strengthening early reading outcomes by transitioning to structured literacy and recently invited educators from across the region into classrooms to showcase that work.
Elementary principals from across GCCISD represented their campuses at the TXRL literacy showcase at Stephen F. Austin Elementary. Photo by Carrie Pyror-Newman.
The district hosted a Texas Reads, Texas Leads (TXRL) literacy showcase at Stephen F. Austin Elementary, highlighting GCCISD’s shift from balanced literacy to a structured literacy model grounded in the science of reading. The event offered an inside look at classroom instruction, professional learning systems, and implementation strategies supporting early literacy success.
1st-grade teacher Brienne Tate works with students Oaken Bardales, Charlotte Garcia, and Brooklyn Joseph on segmenting and blending sounds to create CVC words. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.
Texas Reads, Texas Leads is a statewide literacy initiative that supports districts through high-quality professional development, collaboration, and evidence-based instructional practices. Through the TXRL partnership, GCCISD received three years of intensive support and two years of funding for a dedicated literacy fellow, Ernestine Jackson, who has guided districtwide implementation.
“Our partnership with TXRL has strengthened our efforts to ensure all students receive early literacy instruction rooted in the science of teaching reading,” said Dr. Sara Lawrence, Associate Director of K-12 English Language Arts, K-5 Social Studies, and Library Services for GCCISD. “It’s exciting to see our youngest learners developing strong foundational literacy skills.”
The showcase welcomed TXRL staff and leaders from three additional partner districts. Participants engaged in classroom walkthroughs, observed instruction in action, and took part in professional dialogue focused on early literacy systems, instructional coherence, and continuous improvement.
According to Sarah Flusche, Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction for GCCISD, the opportunity to view GCCISD’s work through the perspective of peer districts was a valuable professional learning experience.
“Meaningful literacy change grows from honest reflection, shared learning, and a clear focus on what’s best for students,” Flusche said.
Stephen F. Austin Elementary was selected as the showcase campus for its strong implementation of structured literacy practices that prioritize foundational reading skills. Classroom instruction included daily use of high-quality instructional materials and an additional instructional block for targeted small groups and personalized practice.
2nd-grade dual language students Allison Gordon and Amaya Cuevas engage in a Zone 2 activity where they partner-read a chapter from their Foundational Skills reader and then answer comprehension questions in a Bluebonnet activity in Seesaw. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.
Principal Heather Alarcon said the event affirmed the campus’s instructional approach while fostering collaboration with educators from across the region.
“Teaching children to read is one of the most powerful ways we impact their future,” Alarcon said. “This showcase celebrated the work happening on our campus and strengthened our ability to make it even more effective for students.”
The TXRL showcase reflects GCCISD’s ongoing commitment to early literacy and its investment in instructional practices that build confident, capable readers. Through partnerships like Texas Reads, Texas Leads, the district continues to advance high-quality reading instruction that supports long-term student success.