Learning how to read is not something that comes naturally. Many children need instruction from their teachers that follows the research on the most effective and efficient methods of teaching reading (often referred to as the "science of reading"). The path to literacy is supported by many actors, but states have a role in these four…

Rhode Island is committed to ensuring that all educators receive fair, accurate, and meaningful educator evaluations that provide information that can help all support professionals improve and refine their practice. Currently, local education agencies (LEAs) in Rhode Island may submit a district-designed model for approval that complies with the…

Rhode Island is committed to ensuring that all educators receive fair, accurate, and meaningful educator evaluations that provide information that can help all support professionals improve and refine their practice. This document describes the process and basic requirements for the Rhode Island Model Support Professional Evaluation and Support…

Rhode Island educators believe that implementing a fair, accurate, and meaningful evaluation and support system for support professionals will help improve student outcomes. The primary purpose of the Rhode Island Model Support Professional Evaluation and Support System (Rhode Island Model) is to help all support professionals do their best work…

Reflects on some of the issues that have been raised in this column over the past six years, including readability formulae, reading assessment, and the use of basal readers. (MM)

A report released in May by the Commission on Reading entitled "Becoming a Nation of Readers" suggests, among other things, that teachers should revise the way they teach reading. Specific comments are discussed. (MT)

Proposes ways to prepare potential reading teachers to work in business employee training programs. (FL)

Offers an answer from Marie Clay and Barbara Watson concerning training for the Reading Recovery program. Provides a list of training sites available for interested readers. (MG)

This is a workshop simulation and interpretation guide designed for Title I teachers and district personnel. The participants should have some experience with the norm-referenced evaluation model. They learn to interpret normal curve equivalents (NCE) and NCE gains. Participants are led through an interpretive hierarchy from simple, descriptive…

Provides a survey to test teachers' affective responses to reading research. (MKM)

Discusses some recent trends in teacher certification and professional development and the impact they have had on literacy instruction in schools. Argues for a multifaceted approach to meet the demand for high-quality teachers. Discusses alternative pathways to licensure. (SG)

Suggests guidelines for hiring reading teachers. Identifies four qualities to look for in prospective reading teachers: knowledge base; interpersonal skills and attitudes; teaching ability; and organization and management skills. (RS)

Proposes extending the training of reading teachers to include sociological aspects. Describes three traits that training programs for reading educators could foster: ecological thinking; cultural responsiveness; and communicative competence. Suggests changes which would align the training of reading teachers with these sociological…

Discusses a teacher's experiences at an all-day workshop on "Putting First Things First"--the third of Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." Discusses avoiding the tyranny of the "urgent"; planning, prevention, relationship-building; and kicking the "urgency addiction." Discusses…

Argues that building communication bridges with strength and understanding, clear of barriers, is the foundation for success as a reading supervisor. Also argues that keeping the lines of communication open--and sending clear messages--will enhance the reading supervisor's role and add credibility to that position. (RS)