Reading levels improve

The number of Grade 3 students reading at grade level continues to rise. According  thanks to the Saskatchewan government collaborative work between the education sector and the Ministry of Education is responsible for the improvement.

School division data from 2016 shows that 74 per cent of students are reading at grade level compared to 65 per cent in 2013.

“I am thrilled to see continued improvement in Grade 3 reading levels this year as our government continues to work collaboratively with our sector partners toward the goal of having 80 per cent of students reading at grade level or above by 2020,” Don Morgan, deputy premier and education minister. “Students who are reading at or above grade level are more likely to go on to be successful in school and to graduate, and are better able to reach their full potential.”

Chinook School Division director of education and leader of the provincial reading initiative Liam Choo-Foo extended credit also to teachers and students.

“This nine per cent improvement over a very short period of time is a result of the dedicated work from students and teachers in school divisions across the province,” she said. “Once again, we see the power in identifying a priority, dedicating resources and maintaining focus on achieving a specific goal.  The Provincial Reading Team also deserves credit in providing collective expertise in developing the Saskatchewan Reads framework that has been incorporated by all Saskatchewan school divisions.”

To support the Education Sector Strategic Plan goal, the provincial reading team created a resource called Saskatchewan Reads. It provides practical supports for teachers to assist students in achieving their reading goals and is a planning tool and methodology to bring people together and focus on a common goal.  A companion resource, Saskatchewan Reads for Administrators, was introduced in April 2016 to help school administrators provide leadership and direction in literacy development at the school and division level.

Saskatchewan Reads and Saskatchewan Reads for Administrators are available online in English at www.saskatchewanreads.wordpress.com or in French at www.lasaskatchewanlit.wordpress.com.

Reading level data is collected by school divisions annually.