“We strongly believe in early literacy and getting the students ready [for kindergarten]. A lot of the students that are considered at risk... it's not because they aren't as smart as other students. It's because they hadn't had print-rich environments, academic conversations that build vocabulary, or anyone to read to them. If we can work with our parents [of kids from birth to three years old], I think we'll help all our kids be successful.”
In this episode of Science of Reading Leadership, Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick, Superintendent of Lancaster County School District joins us to highlight some of the district’s initiatives aimed at accelerating reading achievement.
Learn why Lancaster County School District prioritizes:
- - Data-driven intervention
- - Early literacy support to get students ready for kindergarten
- - Partnering with community organizations such as Head Start and Early Steps
- - Engaging parents in supporting early literacy development
In this episode:
00:00 Lancaster County School District Introduction
01:13 Strategies for Accelerating Reading Achievement
02:23 Initiatives for Early Literacy (infant - 3 years old)
03:50 Overcoming Challenges
06:16 Advice for School Leaders
Connect with Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick
LinkedIn
Science of Reading Resources
The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know
Learn more about early literacy and brain development with Dr. John Hutton
If you liked this episode, listen to this one with Dr. John Hutton, Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics, next.