The READ Act

Students in grades K-3 will be screened using FastBridge earlyReading (K-1) and CBMReading (1-3). Students will be given these screeners during the first six and last six weeks of school. 

Students in grades 4 and above, who are not proficient in reading will be screened using a tool approved by MDE. More information about how students will be determined, and which screener will be forthcoming from MDE. 

K-6 reading teachers, including EL staff will complete the Online Language and Literacy Academy (OL& LA) training during the 2024-2025 school year. 

PK reading teachers, including special education staff will complete the Early Childhood LETRS training during the 2024-2025 school year. 

K-12 special education staff will complete the OL&LA training during the 2024-2025 school year.  

Teachers of reading in grades 7-12, including EL staff, will complete a training program, approved by MDE, by July 1, 2027.  

We may continue to use our current reading curriculums until the curriculum review cycle deems it is appropriate to update our resources. When that time comes, the curriculum selected must be on the curriculum approval list from MDE.

Reading to your children every day is a critical tool in helping grow their literacy skills. Exposing your students to vocabulary and teaching them background knowledge to a variety of topics is also very helpful. Make reading a priority in your home, model yourself reading, and talking about what you and your children are reading is important. If you have concerns or questions, contact your child’s teacher for more help. 

The National Reading Panel did a study and found that Reading instruction and programs were not based on reading best practices. The podcast Sold a Story uncovered many of the shortcomings of the reading instructional strategies and resources in the Balanced Literacy approach. See the link below to listen to Sold a Story. 

Yes, upon completion of the training, all staff will receive 60 hours of CEU's.

Participants may receive three semester graduate-level continuing education units through the Dominican University of California Continuing Education Department for an additional cost of $327. These units are typically used for salary advancement. There are no additional requirements beyond successful completion of the course. Participants may register and pay for these units once the course has started.