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Springfield Museums Takes the Lectio Approach Toward Literacy
Jan 20, 2021
Devoted to the development of literacy, creativity, and artistic expression within the community since its inception in 1857, Springfield Museums are still pursuing resources that help encourage this goal. The Museums, with five locations all within downtown Springfield, Massachusetts, work to inspire children with passions for art, history, and science through their exhibitions and collections.
Springfield Museums recently participated in the Lectio Institute to further foster learning experiences and professionally develop early literacy goals.
The Lectio Institute guides stakeholders through an intensive process focused on improving the quality and results of their early learning and literacy programming services. Reading Success by 4th Grade (RS4G) brought the Lectio Approach to the Springfield literacy ecosystem. RS4G invited community partners and literacy leaders with a footprint in the city to learn more about early literacy, improvement in science, and creating and refining the literacy landscape.
The Lectio Institute upholds that “despite great promise and tireless efforts, many of today’s literacy programs, instruction, and services are not adding up to impact.” Through a different approach and analysis of goals, they work toward “unlocking the power of our collective commitment to America’s youngest readers.”
Larissa Murray, the program leader and Director of Education at Springfield Museums, emphasized the opportunity for reflection and growth through the Lectio’s services and framework development.
“The Institute helped our education team take a step back and think more in depth about our institutional goals around literacy,” said Murray. “While we found our outcomes match our goals and we are confident we are doing our best work, it is always helpful to take the time to think critically about the impact our programs have on the community goals of reading success by fourth grade.”
Murray’s team at Springfield Museums also participated in a Lectio session in 2016, and is excited to renew and implement fresh programming for 2021. She commented on the value of professional development and “meeting with colleagues in the larger community of literacy programs in Springfield to learn how our programs are part of a larger system at play.”
The program applies research and creates strategy for organizations to encourage widespread literacy, however, Murray acknowledges a current obstacle in this mission: “While the framework goals are applicable to the programs we offer, the challenge will be reaching the right audiences in a COVID-19 world.” Nevertheless, the museums are continuing to navigate this barrier through virtual offerings, safety and distancing protocols in buildings, and limited capacities that preserve the opportunity for curiosity and growth.
Kay Simpson, President of Springfield Museums, highlights the goal for revolutionary learning in her mission statement: “Our Museums are transformative places that inspire people to explore the realms of human experience embodied in our collections. Our capacity for impact is limitless.”
As the Museums work to fulfill this mission, the Lectio Institute professional development program helps refocus strategy and further achieve goals for literacy and art. With participation and teamwork from additional organizations within the area, like RS4G, the community can create cohesive and realistic frameworks that enhance learning experiences, imaginative creativity, and innovative knowledge for children.
Springfield Museums, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, comprises five world-class museums inspiring the exploration of art, history, and science, plus the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and National Memorial Sculpture Garden. https://springfieldmuseums.org
Facebook: @SpringfieldMuseums Twitter: @SpfldMuseums
Reading Success by 4th Grade is a community-wide initiative to get all of Springfield’s kids reading proficiently by the end of 3rd grade. Their projects bring people together to learn, share, and advocate for early literacy in Springfield, Massachusetts. www.readby4thgrade.com
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn: @ReadBy4thGrade
The Lectio Approach: Our mission is to unlock the power of our collective commitment to America’s youngest readers. We work to ensure that all children's literacy efforts and those they serve reach their potential, and that all stakeholders see the results and impacts they intended. www.lectioapproach.com
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Chrissy Howard
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Reading Success by 4th Grade
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