Gwinnett County Public Schools will prioritize literacy for the 2024-25 school year. Teachers will receive training in evidence-based literacy practices, following the Science of Reading and structured literacy research. This includes high-quality, explicit, systematic, and multisensory instruction. The training aims to prepare teachers to use our locally adopted and state-approved curriculum, EL Education for grades K-5, and HMH Into Literature for grades 6-12. The EL Education curriculum is based on the Science of Reading, including structured phonics, which empowers students to read complex grade-level texts and master literacy standards, ensuring students develop strong foundational skills. HMH Into Literature is a comprehensive English language arts solution that provides engaging and rigorous texts to build intellectual stamina and tenacity while developing analytical readers, independent thinkers, and proficient writers.

 

Early Literacy Initiative

     GCPS is part of Georgia’s state-wide early literacy initiative, which includes House Bill 538 and Senate Bill 48. These laws require all K-3 students to take a state-approved literacy screener for dyslexia. GCPS will use i-Ready for this purpose, helping teachers identify students needing extra reading support and create intervention plans. By identifying and addressing trouble areas early on, the district aims to help students read at their grade level as quickly as possible.

 

K-3 Teacher Training

     Kindergarten through 3rd-grade teachers will complete state-approved training in structured literacy. This training is required by Georgia law and is based on the Science of Reading research. It builds on the training that our Kindergarten through 5th-grade teachers have been doing since 2022, providing them with the knowledge and tools to support each and every student. Additionally, grades 6-12 teachers will also receive ongoing professional development in the latest literacy practices and strategies, creating a consistent learning experience across all grades.

 

Math Curriculum Adoption

     For the 2024-25 school year, Gwinnett County Public Schools will introduce new math curriculum resources for Kindergarten through Grade 2 and Grades 6-12. These resources align with new K-12 Mathematics Standards and emphasize understanding, problem-solving, and collaboration. Additionally, the curriculum resources offer differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Teachers will receive professional development to use these resources effectively.

 

Design Thinking in Science

     The Science Office is integrating the Design Thinking process into K-5 Science and STEM. This helps students develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills by applying their learning to real-world problems. STEM-certified schools like Mason Elementary and Lovin Elementary use this process to create quality STEM experiences.

 

Play 2 Learn and Pre-K Science Fairs

     In the 2023-24 school year, the Science Office and the Department of Early Learning and School Readiness piloted classroom science fair projects in some Play 2 Learn and Pre-K classrooms. In the 2024-25 school year, all Play 2 Learn and Pre-K students in GCPS will participate in these projects. For more information about the pilot and the 46th Annual Regional Gwinnett Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair, visit the Gwinnett Science Fair website. Contact your local school for details about classroom science fair projects and the school science fair. 

 

Support for Multilingual Learners

     For the 2024-25 school year, Gwinnett County Public Schools will expand support for multilingual learners (ML), who comprise 27% of the student population. At the middle and high school level, new curriculum resources will enhance English language development through vocabulary, reading, speaking, listening, writing, and grammar instruction. At the elementary school level, a new program will support ML newcomer students (those in the U.S. for less than three years) with a focus on English Language Development (ELD) across subjects. Teachers will receive professional development to support these new resources.