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Read-To-Lead Initiative Launched
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | January 5, 2012
Governor Walker, DPI Superintendent Evers, Sen. Olsen, and Rep. Kestell announced the results of the “Read-to-Lead” task force yesterday in Greendale. The initiative started in March 2011 with the formation of a task force on reading in Wisconsin. The task force charged with establishing the programs to increase the reading success rates of students. Recommendations include:
- Early literacy screening of all kindergartners
- Improvements in teacher preparation programs around reading
- Professional development opportunities to increase reading instruction
- Creations of a public-private partnership to engage businesses and communities in ensuring all students can read by the end of 3rd grade
Governor Walker said Department of Children and Families will be implementing steps within the YoungStar program. DCF will be providing 11 targeted sessions in 2012-13 for YoungStar providers to help identify reading challenges and get technical support for addressing reading issues.
Superintendent Evers said beginning in the 2013-14 school year prospective teachers will be required to pass a literacy test. Evers said right now the testing and assessment is lacking in expertise in teaching reading, so DPI is launching a professional portal for teachers and parents to help support reading. Eventually the portal will be an interactive site for everyone to share best practices.
Sen. Olsen and Rep. Kestell will be submitting legislation to implement the kindergarten screening requirements. Both legislators said helping parents and teachers understand where children are when they begin kindergarten is one of the best ways to invest education dollars and get the most “return on investment.” In addition to kindergarten screening, school districts will be identifying one person as the “point person” for reading. This person will be a person for other teachers to contact for assistance and advice. Olsen said, “We have a lot of excellent reading teachers…a lot was on the job training…the longer you’re there, the better you get at it. Senior teachers will be able to share that information with newer teachers.”
Link to the task force report.
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