What is Reading First?

To feel most beautifully alive means to be reading something beautiful, ready always to comprehend in the flow of language the sudden flash of poetry. by Gaston Bachelard

Hmmmm...What is Reading First?...Great Question!!! Reading First is a federal initiative authorized by the No Child Left Behind Act legislation. THE COMMON GOAL OF ALL STAKEHOLDERS IS THAT CHILDREN WILL BE READING AT OR ABOVE GRADE LEVEL BY THE END OF THIRD GRADE! The grant allows for additional reading staff, extensive purchase of materials, and professional development for teaching staff. The methods used to teach reading are developed around scientifically-based reading research. Red Creek uses Houghton-Mifflin Reading: The Nation's Choice as their scientifically-based core reading program. Reading instruction is concentrated on the five key areas identified as essential components of effective reading instruction: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension Every classroom in K-3 has an UNINTERRUPTED 90 minute literacy block, with a balance of whole group and small group instruction. The 45 minutes of whole group time is devoted to development and instruction of the story and skills in the core reading program. Modifications are made, as needed, to be sure that instruction targets all levels of student abilities. The 45 minutes of small group time is devoted to leveled reading groups and literacy centers that are targeted to meet the individual needs of students. Needs are diagnosed based on teacher observation and assessment. Assessment is ongoing, reliable, and valid. Reading First requires that all children in Kindergarten through third grade be assessed using the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS). These are quick 1 minute assessments that are easy to administer, yet give a lot of information about early literacy skills. Students who are at risk receive an additional half hour of reading instruction outside the 90 minute literacy block. Instruction during this time period is geared specifically toward skills that the child needs additional help in as diagnosed from the DIBELS assessments, core reading program assessments, and teacher observation. The writing of the grant was a team effort. Red Creek was eligible due to the socio-economic status of the district. Parent Reading First Presentation
Want to learn more? Here are some web-sites worth visiting.
The Center for Education Reform The Center for Education Reform [CER] provides practical, research-based information to a wide group of people, including parents, policy makers, and education reform groups. It's purpose is to ensure that US schools are delivering a high quality education for all children in grades K-12.	The Research Building Blocks for Teaching Children to Read This guide was designed by teachers for teachers, and it summarizes what researchers have discovered about how to successfully teach children to read. The five areas of reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension are examined.
Helping Your Child Learn to Read Parents can help their children become readers. Learning to read takes a lot of practice. This practice must take place both inside and outside of school. This site describes ways in which you can support your child at home.	Reading First Support This website provides information about Reading First for teachers, principals, parents, state and local education officials, and anyone with an interest in improving reading instruction and increasing student achievement.
What is Reading First? This PowerPoint explains the ins and outs of Reading First.

Home	What is Reading First?	Phonemic Awareness	Phonics
Fluency	Vocabulary	Comprehension	Literacy Schedules
Parent Page	Kid Sites	Standards	DIBELS Assessment
DIBELS- LNF	DIBELS- ISF	DIBELS- PSF	DIBELS- NWF
DIBELS- ORF	Reading Academy