Natrona County School District 1 is preparing for an overhaul of its literacy instruction following the passage of state legislation that mandates a transition to a comprehensive K-12 ‘Science of Reading’ framework. The update was presented at the NCSD1 Academic Steering Committee’s June 8 meeting.

Changes to Literacy Instruction

The new framework will require student progress to be tracked through a series of required screenings. Students in kindergarten through third grade will undergo universal screening three times per year, while all students in kindergarten through second grade are slated to receive a dyslexia screener each fall.

For older students in grades four through 12, annual screenings will be required for those who do not demonstrate grade-level proficiency. The state has not yet identified the specific screening tools or clarified how proficiency will be determined.

Students identified as needing additional support will be placed on Individual Reading Plans, or IRPs. These plans are required to be implemented within 30 days of identification and require active parent involvement during their development.

The transition also places new demands on district personnel and instructional resources. Every person employed by the school district is slated to receive job-embedded and ongoing professional development related to literacy that is tailored to their specific role.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.