“This school and district truly lead the way when it comes to advancing student success,” Thurmond said. “Their practice of integrating screening and coaching, components of California’s Approach to Literacy and Biliteracy, is producing results. The confidence and joy that come from reading are something students can carry with them for life.”
Tracy Elementary has demonstrated notable growth in literacy achievement. Last year, the school recorded a 6.4 percentage-point increase in English language arts/literacy, compared with a statewide increase of 1.8 percentage points.
During the visit, Thurmond joined students in Ms. Jaclyn Rivera’s second- and third-grade combination class, where he observed a Thinking Maps activity centered on the qualities of a good friend and listened as students read and shared short stories they had written. Thurmond then read I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde with the class.
The classroom visit concluded with an informal conversation between Thurmond and students about their favorite books and what they hope to become when they grow up. Thurmond also shared stories about his upbringing in San Jose and spoke about the role education and literacy can play in creating opportunities for students.
Beyond the classroom, Thurmond met with Tracy Elementary Principal Dr. Laura Rodriguez and Literacy Coach Claudia Barba to learn more about the school’s approach to literacy instruction, intervention and collaboration. The conversation focused on the strategies contributing to student growth and opportunities to amplify Tracy’s work as a model that could benefit other schools.
Barba was also recognized during the visit for her leadership in literacy instruction and efforts to translate reading research into practical strategies educators can use in the classroom. Barba previously received the Structural Literacy Luminary Award from the Los Angeles County Office of Education, which recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership in evidence-based reading instruction and structured literacy.
Tracy Elementary’s literacy work reflects a collaborative approach involving classroom teachers, literacy support staff, administrators and families. Through targeted strategies, coaching and intervention, the school continues to strengthen literacy instruction and build a culture in which reading extends throughout the campus.
Joining Thurmond for the visit were Deputy State Superintendent Dr. Erika Torres; representatives from the offices of state Sen. Susan Rubio and Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio; Mara Shinn Smith, coordinator of Reading/Language Arts with the Los Angeles County Office of Education; Tracy Elementary Parent Volunteer Leader Karla Rubio Hernandez; and Baldwin Park Unified Board of Education members, District administrators, educators and staff.
“Having our State Superintendent visit Tracy and see our students and educators in action was incredibly meaningful for our entire school community,” Tracy Elementary Principal Dr. Laura Rodriguez said.