Will my child have exposure to authentic literature through the Reading Street materials?

Yes! Reading Street provides all teachers with big books, trade books, and novels that align with each grade levels' curriculum. In addition, the Reading Street adoption includes student anthologies, filled with authentic literature including selections such as Island of the Blue Dolphins, Because of Winn-Dixie, and The Stranger. These anthologies provide students with opportunities to interact with authentic literature, while applying learned skills and strategies. Key language is embedded within the anthology that allows the students the opportunity to learn new vocabulary in context, a documented best practice. With the use of Reading Street materials, all students will have equitable access to authentic literature.

Is the Reading Street literacy curriculum a test-prep program designed to teach to standardized tests such as the EOG?

Unlike other programs available today, Reading Street is a comprehensive literacy program, not test prep. We believe that through good first teaching, we will develop strong readers who will find success inside and outside the classroom. Part of the reality in education today is that under federal law, students in third, fourth, and fifth grade are required to take End of Grade tests to assess children's reading proficiency. Although we must help students prepare to take this test, our primary job as educators is to help our students become literate, productive members of our society.

In these hard economic times, has DPS spent millions of dollars on a new reading program?

Every five years, the state of North Carolina mandates each school district assess available curriculums and programs as part of a state-wide literacy adoption. The state provides funding to support this process. The Reading Street curriculum was purchased by DPS in 2006 as part of this state-wide adoption. Teachers, administrators, and parents were invited to listen to presentations of various literacy programs. These teams came to consensus that Reading Street was the best educational fit for the teachers and students in Durham Public Schools. The Reading Street adoption provides equity of materials across schools.

Is Reading Street a scripted program?

Reading Street is not a scripted program. Although Reading Street provides daily, weekly, and long range plans, teachers have flexibility to use their expertise on how to deliver the vocabulary, mini-lesson, guided reading, and word work components. All teachers are provided with the appropriate Reading Street materials for their grade level(s) to support this lesson delivery.

I heard that members of Central Office would be making unscheduled visits to classrooms to ensure teachers are teaching the curriculum.

In 2007, DPS initiated the Central Office Support Model. School based "Learning Walks" are part of this model. A Learning Walk allows schools and administrators to collaborate regarding student achievement.