Innovative Strategies for Building a Community Around Literacy

 “We were putting pieces into place to move the needle…identifying the components of a literacy program that we needed to have in place. It gave our teachers confidence, having guaranteed a viable curriculum behind them, supporting them. It gave them direction.”In this empowering conversation with Dr. Dan Streeter, Superintendent of Marana Unified School District, we explore the district's comprehensive approach to accelerating reading achievement in the wake of the pandemic. Dr. Streeter shares inspiring insights into the district's diverse community in Tucson, Arizona, and the innovative steps taken to address effective literacy instruction including evaluating and enhancing their reading programs and engaging parents as active participants in literacy instruction. We discuss:Literacy challenges revealed by the pandemic Steps taken to involve as many trained adults as possible in students' literacy developmentHow the district has increased parental involvement by training parents in literacy strategies and having them run reading groupsThe importance of including various voices in discussions and staying the course through the challenges of changeIn this episode00:00 Introduction of Marana Unified School District’s Diversity01:38 Addressing Literacy and the Pandemic's Impact03:36 - Creating Commitment and Immediate Actions04:14 Evaluating and Enhancing the Reading Program06:11 Parent Engagement and Volunteer Training08:42 Challenges and Overcoming Resistance11:11 Advice for District LeadersConnect with Dr. Dan StreeterWebsiteLinkedInScience of Reading ResourcesThe Science of Reading: What You Need to KnowA Guide to High-Quality Structured Literacy Materials If you liked this episode, listen to this conversation with Dr. Gyimah Whitaker to learn about a visionary plan to foster a high-performing and inclusive educational system for every child