The Effective School

The Center for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement (CIERA) identifies research-based principles for improving student reading achievement.

At successful schools:

• Entire school staffs, not just first-grade teachers, are involved in bringing children to high levels of achievement.
• Goals for reading achievement are clearly stated.
• High expectations are shared with all participants.
• Instructional means for attaining these goals are articulated.
• Shared assessments are used to monitor children’s progress.

Instructional programs in successful schools have many components, including:

• A range of materials and technology
• A focus on reading and writing
• Parental involvement in their children’s reading and homework
• Community partnerships, including volunteer tutoring programs

Source: CIERA 10 Principles,
Full text on-line at http://www.ciera.org/ciera/information/principles/principles.html

Source: National Research Center on English Learning Achievement, 1998
http://cela.albany.edu