Strong Readers

2019’s House Bill 3 provided billions in new funding for public education, including for Reading Academies that emphasized the science of literacy acquisition. Our Strong Readers Bright Spot series explores how this has benefitted students: Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/g4iugSdG

Early literacy skills set the foundation for future academic success. Let’s ensure every child gets the support they need from the start. Learn more about our work at https://lnkd.in/gEBzNk35.

Every child in Dallas County deserves to be a Strong Reader. ?? Are you interested in screening "The Right to Read?" Visit https://lnkd.in/gz28h4X3 for our customizable, robust set of tools for an impactful screening event! Interested in becoming a Strong Readers partner? Fill out our interest form here! https://lnkd.in/g-njg-D8

The educational landscape for English Language Learners (ELLs) in Texas presents significant challenges that require immediate attention; and as DFW schools continue to serve increasing numbers of emergent bilinguals, Strong Readers is increasingly prioritizing what model ELL instruction looks like. Let's collaborate to ensure every child in Dallas County becomes a strong reader. Visit --> https://lnkd.in/ge89-d8R to learn more! #Education #ReadingInstruction #ELL #Literacy #StrongReaders #TexasEducation

Dr. China Pippin, an Early Literacy Instructional Coach at Mesquite ISD, emphasizes that literacy “is beyond academics – it’s about how you communicate and understand what you communicate. [Literacy] builds the foundation for students to function in life as they grow up.” With a focus on literacy in their latest Pre-K-3 initiatives, Mesquite ISD has introduced skills-based small-group instruction to meet individualized student needs. These efforts not only enhance academic success but also reflect Dallas County’s continued focus on strong foundations to improve early outcomes.

Understanding the process of learning to read is crucial in early childhood education. The Reading Rope, introduced by Dr. Hollis Scarborough, illustrates the complexity by weaving together strands like language comprehension and word recognition. #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ScienceOfReading #Literacy #ReadingRope

At Strong Readers, we believe in empowering our community with the knowledge and resources they need to excel. In honor of National Literacy Month, we’re spotlighting the top three books used by institutions that implement the 5 core components of the Science of Reading, as highlighted in The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) Reading Foundations Technical Report. With fall around the corner, we're already looking ahead to next summer! A systems change priority for Strong Readers is ensuring summer learning programming is aligned to the Science of Reading. School districts that decide in the fall to offer a summer learning program and begin planning no later than January run a smoother program with fewer logistical problems. A five-to-six-week summer learning program with three-to-four hours of academics a day will give a typical student who attends 75% of the time enough hours of math and reading to see a boost on standardized tests. Districts should use application and orientation materials to let parents know that attendance isn’t optional. Summer programs benefit from having a director who devotes at least half of their time to planning the curriculum and enrichment activities at least six months before they’re launched. Are you a school leader looking for resources to help boost your summer programming? Reach out to us! #NationalLiteracyMonth

New data from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) reveals significant shortcomings in the preparation of future early elementary educators. Programs often lack grounding in the research and best practices of the Science of Reading (NCTQ, 2023), leaving many of our future educators unprepared for rigorous literacy instruction. Commit is actively working with Dallas County district partners to improve early literacy outcomes. Additionally, Dallas College is innovating the educator preparation program space by offering the first Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Education degree in Texas. Their coursework is one of the few in the state that emphasizes teaching reading through scientifically proven components of reading instruction. This educator pipeline is working to bridge the gaps and will positively impact students across DFW! Learn more about Dallas College's EPP program here: https://ow.ly/wgg750TgyB6

The Science of Reading uses research-based strategies to improve students' reading and writing. Hear from Grand Prairie ISD coach Christy Ellison about the specific classroom targets she tracks in our Strong Readers' Science of Reading Bright Spot series. #scienceofreading