Reading First Professional Development

To successfully meet the reading goals for all students (K-3) in Florida, a federal grant was awarded to the state of Florida from the No Child Left Behind legislation. It outlines a comprehensive plan to ensure that teachers in the K-3 classrooms implement scientifically based reading research. Research, professional development, high quality classroom instruction, and continuous progress monitoring of student results are critical components of this initiative. Reading First Professional Development, the Florida Center for Reading Research, and the Just Read, Florida! Office at the Department of Education collaborate to develop, implement, and sustain this initiative. Eligible elementary schools, in coordination with their school districts, apply for funds to support the professional development efforts.

Professional development through regional Reading Academies for Reading First schools will be provided to K-3 teachers, reading coaches, and administrators in schools receiving funds through Reading First. The content of the Reading Academies focuses on the five components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. In addition, the Reading Academies will also focus on the four important types of assessment to guide reading instruction: screening, diagnostic, progress monitoring, and outcome measures.

For additional information please visit http://rfpd.ucf.edu