The Journey Begins: Setting Reading Goals
Reading is a cornerstone of education, serving as the gateway to all other learning. The Oregon K-12 Literacy Framework underscores the importance of setting and achieving measurable reading goals as a fundamental responsibility of schools. These goals not only anchor a school's comprehensive reading plan but also pave the way for student success throughout their academic journey and beyond.
The Importance of Early Literacy
In the early grades, K-3, the focus is on establishing a strong foundation in reading. Research-based formative reading goals are set to track students' progress in essential reading elements, helping them become grade-level readers as soon as possible. Achieving these goals means students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle a variety of academic materials, deepening their understanding across instructional areas.
Progressing Through Grades 4-12
As students advance to grades 4 through high school, the reading goals evolve. The primary objective remains: ensuring students read at grade level or higher each year. This is crucial as it allows students to use reading as a tool to learn challenging content across various subjects. The summative goal, measured by the Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (OAKS) in Reading/Literature, ensures that students can read with understanding, paving the way for lifelong learning and success.
Reading Goals and Legal Compliance
Reading goals are aligned with the Response to Intervention (RTI) framework, ensuring all students, including those with disabilities, are supported. The framework emphasizes the need for schools to provide the necessary instruction and interventions for students who do not meet grade-level goals, thereby improving their chances of success.
The Role of Teachers
Teachers play a pivotal role in helping students achieve reading goals. In grades 6 through high school, educators are increasingly expected to explicitly teach reading strategies necessary for understanding complex texts across subjects like science, literature, and mathematics. This expectation is growing, highlighting the need for teachers to support students in developing strong reading skills.
Overcoming Challenges
For students reading below grade level, the challenges are significant. Schools must devote resources to help these students develop foundational and advanced reading skills. Instructional strategies must be adjusted to meet the needs of students struggling with subject-specific texts. The focus is on ensuring all students are on track to graduate, prepared for postsecondary education, meaningful employment, and lifelong learning.
The Path Forward
Setting reading goals is just the beginning. It is essential that schools implement a comprehensive assessment system to measure student progress and provide high-quality reading instruction. By doing so, they ensure that students have the opportunity to meet and exceed reading goals, ultimately leading to success in school and beyond.
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