Have you checked out the Principal Difference blog by NASSP principal Mel Riddle?  It contains a wealth of information on literacy from the principals perspective.  His last post contained a link to an intriguing article.

Brains can be “molded”

 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09344/1019898-115.stm

This article speaks of a study conducted by scientists at Carnegie Mellon University.  I highly encourage you to read the article.  It basically states that when students are given intensive reading instruction, their brain actually changes.  Those who are proponents of critical literacy programs, always “kind of” knew this, but it is nice to see the science that backs it up.

I sent this article to my staff late today.  I plan on discussing it at our leadership meeting Monday morning.  I think it has major implications and gives incredible support to a literacy program.  It gives the proof that all students can learn.

All students

I actually use the term all students will learn.  I think when we say they can learn, we leave it up in the air.  Maybe they will, maybe they won’t.  I think it is vital that we express this as all students WILL learn.  It is the least we owe them.  We are currently modifying our second semester remediation plan.

One of the keys to our success, is supplying the time for reading at our school.  We are constantly working on reading strategies (pre, during and post) and following the research on all things literacy.  We use Kelley Gallager’s approach of not under teaching yet not over teaching reading as well.  The first step in this process has been getting books in the hands of kids.  We know how important the strategies are, especially for non-readers, but we feel the first step is developing or re-developing, the love of reading.

What are you doing at your school to increase reading achievement?

What have been your road blocks?