Literacy

The Literacy Initiative is the leading effort of Saint Paul's Project for Academic Excellence. Pioneered by the three Achievement Plus schools in 2001, the overriding goal of the Literacy Initiative is to increase student academic achievement by implementing proven practices in literacy; it focuses on a strong standards-based curriculum taught by well-trained teachers.

As established through extensive national research, the implementation of a standards-based literacy program is predicated on teachers having the necessary skill, knowledge, and materials they need to integrate a standards-based curriculum into their day-to-day teaching practice. In keeping with this research, Saint Paul's Project for Academic Excellence follows national standards for the most effective professional development program. 

As a reflection of the instructional element of the project design, the Literacy Initiative has three core components:

I. Literacy Training
 
Literacy training provides training within the best standards-based practices. In intensive courses, teachers are introduced to standards-based curriculum and instructional practices. They learn how to analyze student performance against standards, determine the strengths and weaknesses of that performance, and determine how refinement should take place. During these training sessions, or Institutes, teachers have the opportunity to begin to develop the skills of analysis and feedback, while practicing these skills on one another.

II. Extended Professional Development
 
In addition to multiple levels of literacy training, the Literacy Initiative offers extended professional development opportunities for teachers, including observing demonstration lessons, participating in Network Groups and Study Groups, and collaborating with literacy/content coaches.

III. Material Support
 
The Literacy Initiative provides significant material support, including substitutes for teachers attending professional development events, support materials and resources, and stipends for teachers attending advanced summer Literacy Institutes.

For more information, view the Literacy Initiative brochure.