Doral Academy Charter has initiated a literacy trend that has spread like an epidemic. The Administrative team (Principal Francisco Jimenez and Assistant Principals Jose Baca and Athena Guillen) has worked rigorously with the staff, parents, and students to create a information-rich environment. They have implemented a literacy team and a reading framework that is followed by all content area teachers. This framework allows students to see a continuum of the reading process, not just in their reading classes, but throughout all of their classes. Enlarged posters have been placed around their schools so that everyone knows the activity of the day. Students have taken ownership of this literacy project and created their own posters and have painted murals with reading quotes. Reading Coach Annie Marrero has provided and assisted in the school’s professional development, as well as the implementation of the reading framework. Assistant Principal Baca has involved the community, parents, and businesses around the area to support the school’s reading initiative. He has gone far beyond the call of duty to reach the community for incentives, not only for the students but for the teachers as well. A community night was held at a local restaurant where the importance for their children to be reading on a daily basis was discussed with parents. Assistant Principal Guillen has provided individual test talks with the students to inform them of their levels based on their bi-weekly and quarterly assessments. Media Specialist Rosy Vallejo and Activities Director Amy Gonzalez have worked together to create a pull-out program to assist the Level 1 students by providing them with one-on-one tutorial services before, during, and after school. The teachers at Doral Charter Academy have welcomed other reading coaches and educators into their classroom to share their knowledge and experiences. All of these accomplishments have been through the leadership of Principal Francisco Jimenez. He has taken his team and led them to where they are now.
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