District leaders at Marlow Public Schools (MPS) are thrilled to announce the success and impact of the district’s efforts to strengthen literacy instruction. In 2024, the district hired two reading specialists, Jenna Derryberry and Dana Harris, to ensure more Marlow students receive targeted support earlier in their educational journey.  As the Oklahoma State Department of Education places a renewed emphasis on literacy and early reading achievement, students at Marlow Elementary School (MES) are already reaping the benefits of a structured literacy program.

Hiring two reading specialists significantly increased early intervention services, allowing the district to reach more students than ever before. “We were so lucky last year when Mr. Holland came to us and he was willing to hire two reading specialists to support our kiddos here and our staff,” Harris said. “By doing so, we’re able to service many more students than we have in the past. Now we service our Kindergarten through 5th grade.”

MPS leaders say the enhanced literacy initiative aligns closely with the direction of the state superintendent, who has pushed for stronger reading performance statewide. “While the state’s new superintendent is pushing for stronger literacy outcomes across Oklahoma, Marlow is already moving the needle in the right direction,” said Kim Kizarr, MES Principal, said.

“We know that strong literacy skills open the doors to learning in all subject areas,” added Derryberry. “And that starts with reading.” 

Students rotate in 30-minute sessions throughout the day, receiving targeted support in vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing. The district’s reading specialists provide explicit literacy instruction to students through small-group and hands-on lessons designed to build those foundational reading skills. The one-on-one instruction style teaches reading and writing directly and intentionally, rather than assuming it’s a natural process. 

The specialists also collaborate closely with classroom teachers. “Our teachers do a fantastic job, but if somebody needs a little bit more of an intervention, we get to pull them out and come to our room. By giving students one-on-one or small-group instruction, we’re taking that burden off teachers and setting our students up for success when they return to the classroom,” said Derryberry.

District leadership emphasizes that literacy improvement is a team effort involving educators, administrators, and families. “We invite families to partner with us in putting their children’s education first. The most powerful thing you can do as a parent is read with your child and show them that reading matters in everyday life,” said Harris.

MPS is committed to ensuring that every student has the tools and resources to become a confident, capable reader. For a look inside the reading classroom at MES, click here.