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being done by school systems across the state!

Wilcox County Schools: A Literacy Turnaround

Wilcox County Schools has emerged as a statewide leader in early literacy. With visionary leadership, purposeful investments and a steadfast focus on student success, the system is demonstrating that reading achievement is possible for every student.

A recent Alabama Daily News article highlighted Wilcox County’s achievement: 96% of third-graders met the state’s reading benchmark this spring, with the remaining students reaching proficiency after summer reading camp. The results are especially striking in a school system where more than 90% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, the highest rate in Alabama. Data shows that schools with a high concentration of economically disadvantaged students tend to produce lower scores on standardized test, but Wilcox County has beat the odds. 

Wilcox County Superintendent Dr. Andre’ Saulsberry told the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) that the system is "reaping the benefits of investments we made years ago." Those investments, careful planning and belief in literacy as a foundation for lifelong learning are the root of Wilcox's success. 

Key strategies that made a difference in Wilcox County Schools included: 

• Early childhood programs such as First Class Pre-K, Head Start and HIPPY, which provides home visits to parents of children between the ages of 2 and 5, established a strong foundation well before kindergarten.
• Instructional leadership grounded in literacy, with principals and administrators trained in the science of reading through the LETRS program.
• Strategic support from the Governor’s Turnaround School Initiative provided K-2 aides, academic interventionists and intensive coaching at two elementary schools.
• Ongoing professional development, including classroom modeling, retreats and peer collaboration that have built a consistent literacy culture across the district.
• Summer learning opportunities, ensuring that struggling students received extra time and support to meet proficiency benchmarks.

Like many districts, Wilcox County is now focused on sustaining its progress and expanding success into the middle and upper grades. Leaders are committed to building on the momentum created by early literacy gains, ensuring that students continue to thrive as they advance through school.

For Wilcox County, this literacy achievement is proof that systemic change is possible even in the face of significant challenges. With literacy as its anchor, the district is charting a new path forward.

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