Image courtesy of First State Educate

Tonight’s Board Matters discussion will examine the Science of Reading, student data and how school boards can turn research into action

WILMINGTON, Del. — Improving Delaware students’ reading skills will require more than changes inside individual classrooms, according to First State Educate, which is putting a spotlight Wednesday night on the role school boards can play in strengthening literacy outcomes.

First State Educate will host its October Board Matters webinar at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, bringing together state and local education leaders for a discussion about literacy, evidence-based reading instruction and the governance decisions that can influence student achievement.

The online event will feature Kathy Kelly, associate secretary of academic excellence at the Delaware Department of Education, and Dr. Amy Trauth, a member of the Christina School District Board of Education.

The discussion comes as Delaware schools continue working to improve reading proficiency and expand the use of instructional approaches grounded in the Science of Reading.

School boards have an important role in that effort because they approve budgets, establish district priorities, monitor academic performance and help determine how resources are directed toward classroom instruction.

From research to boardroom decisions

First State Educate said the webinar will focus on how board members can better understand literacy challenges and use student data and academic research when evaluating district programs and investments.

Topics are expected to include the Science of Reading, evidence-based instructional practices and ways boards can hold school systems accountable for improving student outcomes.

The Science of Reading generally refers to a large body of research examining how children learn to read and which instructional practices are most effective. Delaware has increasingly emphasized evidence-based reading instruction as part of broader efforts to improve literacy performance.

For school boards, that can translate into decisions about curriculum, professional development, staffing, intervention programs and how districts measure whether students are making progress.

Building stronger education governance

The webinar is part of First State Educate’s Board Matters series, which is designed to give Delaware school board members access to information, research and experts that can help them make more informed governance decisions.

The organization has increasingly focused on strengthening school board leadership as one component of improving Delaware’s public education system.

First State Educate also is developing a broader statewide literacy initiative focused on expanding evidence-based reading instruction and helping school leaders translate research into classroom practice.

The organization argues that improving literacy requires cooperation among educators, administrators, school boards, families and community leaders — with governing boards playing an important role in establishing priorities and tracking results.

Wednesday’s discussion is open not only to school board members but also to educators, parents and community members interested in Delaware’s literacy efforts.

TO GO

• What: First State Educate Board Matters webinar, “Improving Literacy Starts With Leadership”
• When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28
• Where: Online via Zoom
• Featured speakers: Kathy Kelly, associate secretary of academic excellence at the Delaware Department of Education, and Dr. Amy Trauth, Christina School District Board of Education
• Topics: Science of Reading, evidence-based literacy instruction, student performance data and the role of school boards in improving academic outcomes
• Registration: Register for tonight’s event.

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