Action Steps for Elementary School Educators

Teachers, principals, superintendents, and other school personnel have a direct impact on student reading gains. In addition to local initiatives, educators and administrators can consider the following:

As early as possible, assess each child’s developing reading ability and determine appropriate interventions.

Support high-quality professional development for teachers in research-based instruction and allow sufficient time for teachers to coach and support each other.

Seek opportunities to consult with knowledgeable and experienced reading specialists to discuss school-wide strategies for literacy improvement on an ongoing basis.

Implement research-based strategies to promote a school-wide focus on literacy, including allocating extended blocks of time to reading and writing in the early grades.

Find ways to increase one-on-one reading between children and adults by recruiting volunteers or re-deploying staff members during the school day, after school, and during the summer.

Develop relationships with community organizations and private industry for aid in offering high-quality professional development.

Promote independent reading, at least 30 minutes a day, by providing students and parents with specific reading assignments, age-appropriate reading lists, and home assignments linked to class work that involve family members.

Teach children whose first language is not English to read in their native language if instructional guides, learning materials, and locally available proficient teachers are available.

Encourage parents to stay involved in their children’s education. Encourage open communication between home and school to enhance a child’s progress and success. Consider initiating a specific compact on reading between schools and families.

Contact local libraries, literacy groups, houses of worship, businesses, and community members to provide at-risk children with high-quality, after-school, and summer learning opportunities that support and encourage literacy development.