A position statement of the Keystone State Reading Association

SCHOOL SUCCESS FOR CHILDREN AT RISK

Among students “at risk” are certainly those whose reading performance makes success in school, and beyond, improbable.  While research supports the fact that we are doing a better job of teaching children to read, the Association agrees with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the State Board of Education that there remains a significant percentage of the population that has not adequately learned.  Recent initiatives in the Commonwealth, including that of serving children at risk in the least restrictive environment, in classrooms with their peers whenever possible, hold the promise of making a difference for these students, of turning their stories into success stories.

We in KSRA believe that the expertise of reading specialists is critical for Instructional Support Teams; because the majority of children who are referred to IST have reading needs, those teams must include certified reading specialists. New assessment procedures allow teachers to screen students and identify those who need special attention.  Beyond initial screenings, reading specialists are needed to assess specific needs of students and to serve those students directly and/or plan interventions to promote their progress as readers and writers.   

Specialists sometimes determine that students’ reading needs can be met by enrichment.  Reading specialists provide training and monitor classroom professionals, paraprofessionals and volunteers who provide rich and varied literary experiences, hands-on activities, opportunities to dialogue - above and beyond those experiences that are a part of the regular curriculum.  However, when students’ reading needs are determined to be complex, those students must be served directly by highly trained professionals.  Certified reading specialists and supervisors, working in close collaboration with classroom teachers, assure that students get high quality and congruent instruction in classroom and support programs.

KSRA looks forward to the role reading professionals play as Pennsylvania puts the least restrictive environment concept into practice, helping to assure every child the right to a program that will empower him or her with literacy.

                                                                                                            Revised 4/95

©2008 Keystone State Reading Association

Last Modified 07/17/2008    Website Coordinator: Eric C. MacDonald