The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) invites schools to participate in the Arkansas Reading First Summer Reading Camp (SRC). This five-day professional development opportunity is designed to assist K-3 schools in the implementation of a scientifically based reading program that is consistent with the Guidelines of Reading First, the National Reading Panel Report, and the Arkansas English Language Arts Framework. Training will also assist schools in designing Intensive Reading Interventions for students not meeting grade level proficiency as required by Act 35.
Nine Arkansas Reading First schools have been selected to host Summer Reading Camp for K-3 children. The K-3 SRC classrooms will be used as laboratories for learning and enable participants an opportunity to observe scientifically based reading instruction and practice effective strategies with children. The specific sites and dates for training at each site are provided in the attachment.
This five-day professional development will provide participants the following opportunities:
• Observe in classrooms where scientifically based reading instruction (SBRI) is provided by Reading First teachers and coaches;
• Learn to use the Arkansas Reading First Observation Protocol to improve instruction;
• Engage in reflective discussions concerning instruction and the alignment to scientifically based reading research, the specific needs of struggling students, and problem solve on instructional issues;
• Learn a systematic process for analyzing the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) to plan Tier 1, 2, and 3 instruction;
• Use DIBELS assessment data to design Academic Improvement Plans for struggling readers;
• Receive grade level specific training in all areas of SBRI; and
• Network with area teachers.
Registration is open to all K-3 classroom teachers, K-12 special education teachers, intervention teachers, English Language Learner teachers, literacy coaches, and administrators who have not previously attended SRC. Though the Reading First Summer Camp focuses on grades K-3, the instructional strategies presented could be modified to benefit learners with disabilities, regardless of grade level.
Special education teachers of the elementary grades should plan to attend the first three days of the SRC professional development session, as well as the two-day session provided by ADE Special Education staff. The two-day session will focus more specifically on interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
Special education teachers for secondary grades should plan to attend the two-day special education sessions devoted to secondary students. They may also choose to attend the first three days of SRC in order to increase foundational knowledge of teaching early literacy skills. Middle school special education teachers may choose to attend either the elementary (including the three-day SRC) or secondary two-day session, depending on the needs of the students.
The Arkansas Department of Education and Arkansas Reading First will provide registration, training materials, and professional texts at no cost to schools. Registration is available online by following the directions included in the attachment. Registration opens May 1, 2007.