With limited funds available for professional learning (PL), especially at the middle and high school level, Reading Apprenticeship staff are often asked how districts fund their programs. Some districts use Title I and II funds, and many double their efforts by also securing local, state, and federal grants. One of the largest sources of federal support for initiatives that include literacy-focused PL is the Striving Readers program.
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Education Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy (SRCL) program awarded more than $364 million dollars to State Education Agencies (SEAs) for multi-year comprehensive education programs that will advance literacy skills for students from birth through grade 12. States complete rigorous planning and application processes, and, if awarded, seek resources and expertise to enact their Striving Reader multi-year plans.
The Strategic Literacy Initiative (SLI) is currently working with SRCL states and districts such as the Maryland State Department of Education and Baltimore County to support their literacy and learning goals. “Efforts like Maryland’s have the best potential to result in positive changes for teachers and students because they are multi-year and systemic,” says SLI Partnership Development Director Sharon Sáez. “Maryland is giving teachers the opportunity to engage in inquiry-based professional learning, with time to practice what they learn, reflect, collaborate and improve with ongoing support from expert facilitators and coaches.”
Contact us today to explore how Reading Apprenticeship can support and inform teaching and learning in your schools.
