Reading First is the academic cornerstone of the
No Child Left Behind Act.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Pennsylvania Reading First funds are allocated by the state, school districts, and schools to provide professional development. The goal is to prepare kindergarten through third-grade teachers, K-12 special education teachers, and K-3 ELL teachers so they can identify the specific reading barriers facing their students and acquire the tools to effectively help their students learn to read. Professional development is also provided for Reading First building principals and district contacts to support the implementation of Reading First requirements.

Pennsylvania Reading First is committed to providing high-quality professional development that is ongoing and closely integrated to classroom application.
The scope of professional development includes:

• periodic training sessions for coaches, principals, and district contacts
• a summer institute for Reading First coaches
• summer academies for teachers
• summer symposiums
• regional meetings for coaches
• on-site technical assistance
• online courses for teachers and principals
• LETRS training

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