CO-DIRECTOR'S PAGE

Susan Popielski

Deb Fulton

The Reading First initiative builds on the findings of years of scientific research, which at the request of Congress, were compiled by the National Reading Panel. Five key elements were identified by the Panel as necessary components of early reading instruction: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension.

The federal Reading First initiative provides an avenue for Pennsylvania to fulfill its commitment to improving the reading abilities of all children in the Commonwealth.

The purposes of Pennsylvania Reading First are to:

• Provide assistance to school districts and schools in the selection and implementation of scientifically based core reading, supplemental and intervention programs;
• Assist school districts and schools in developing effective instructional strategies for improving reading achievement for all children;
• Provide high quality professional development for teachers, including special education teachers, so that they have the technical knowledge and the practical training to ensure that every child gets the help he or she needs to excel in reading;
• Assist school districts and schools in developing a comprehensive assessment system, including screening, diagnostic, progress monitoring and outcome measures;
• Support school districts and schools in analyzing assessment data to inform instructional decisions;
• Strengthen coordination among schools, early literacy programs, and family literacy programs to improve reading achievement for all children.

The challenge of ensuring that all children become successful readers by the end of third grade is enormous. However, we believe that through the coordinated efforts of all Reading First stakeholders, we will experience success.

Sincerely,
Susan Popielski and Deb Fulton
Pennsylvania Reading First Co-Directors