Anatomy of a reading lesson: Inside a second grade classroom

NJ teacher uses small groups to personalize literacy instruction

April 15, 2024 | Hannah Gross, Education and Child Welfare Writer

One classroom where an evidence-backed approach to reading instruction is being used is Teresa Dispenziere’s second grade class at College Achieve Public Charter School in Asbury Park.

NJ Spotlight News joined Dispenziere’s class in February to observe reading instruction. After a whole-group lesson led by reading specialist Kathleen Deeken, students split into three groups of around six students each, to focus on different skills.

Inside a second grade literacy lesson: Video by Laura Galarza

[NJ teacher uses small groups to personalize literacy instruction]

“Small-group is our most important part of the day because that’s when you can work one-on-one with each of the kids,” Dispenziere said. “That attention helps them grow and learn at a quicker pace.”

Dispenziere said the school uses skill-based assessments and teacher observation to determine where students could benefit from more support in a smaller group. Students take bi-weekly timed tests where they read words aloud for a teacher to assess accuracy, speed and fluency.

Teachers also communicate often with Deeken, who works with different classes to provide small-group instruction. Deeken also helps teachers with professional development and provides mentorship focused on literacy, which she said is a passion of hers.

The resurgence of SAT requirements by elite colleges is another challenge, particularly for low-income students of color. These standardized tests can serve as a barrier to entry, exacerbating existing inequities in the admissions process. In fact, in New Jersey, the SAT was taken by only 11% of Black students in 2023, contrasting starkly with the 40% of white students who took the test. Additionally, a mere 8% of those from the lowest family income quintile participated, while 50% from the highest quintile did so.

“What’s so energizing is that the kids are producing the work that shows they understand,” Deeken said.

This growth will carry over to other subjects, such as math, science and social studies, Dispenziere said.

“It’s not just about the reading. Some kids we have love math. They’re realizing now, the better they’re becoming at reading, the better they’re becoming at math,” she said. “Reading is going to open up every door for you.”