Prioritize evidence-aligned literacy

To maximize student achievement, all stakeholders must prioritize evidence-aligned literacy instruction. That means creating district and school-based literacy plans with specific goals and measurable action steps to improve student outcomes. Other district initiatives (e.g., district policies, strategic plans, portrait of the graduate, etc.) all integrate with the plan and are clearly communicated among administrators, staff, and families to ensure a consistent and coordinated literacy vision. The plan is revisited on a consistent basis throughout the school year to check progress and adjust action steps as needed.

How are Connecticut districts and charter schools creating literacy plans to improve student outcomes?

District Literacy Plan - Naugatuck School District

The first goal of these leadership plans focuses on leadership. The Superintendent establishes the Literacy Leadership Team, which develops the vision and mission statement and communicates with stakeholders. The team reconvenes on a consistent basis to review the plan and make any adjustments.

Read the plan

What Action Steps Can School and District Leaders Take to Increase Reading Achievement?

Five Action Steps for School and District Leaders Implementing the Science of Reading

“Leaders’ actions can increase student achievement (Grissom et al., 2021), but they must first understand and become willing to advocate for the science of reading.”

Read the article by Dena Mortensen. Published in The Reading League Journal – May/June 2022 Edition.

What Role Do Board of Education Members Play?

A School Board Member's Insights

“As a pediatrician, I was accustomed to the sense of urgency one experiences in an emergency room when a patient with a dire situation rolls in. Everyone has a critical role to play and works urgently, systematically, and calmly to diagnose the condition and care for the patient. Why can’t we do that with reading difficulties?”

Read the article by Brenda Warren. Published in The Reading League Journal – January/February 2024 Edition.