A provincial framework to support student success in reading is now in place and is available to teachers across the province. Saskatchewan Reads was developed to improve student reading in the province as identified in the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth and the Education Sector Strategic Plan.
“Reading is the key component in providing children with opportunities for a successful future,” Chinook School Division Director of Education and leader of the provincial reading initiative Liam Choo-Foo said. “Through the hard work of our teachers and our Provincial Reading Team, I am convinced that we will surpass the targets that have been set. Our initial work has had a positive response throughout the sector and our preliminary student results are encouraging.”
Saskatchewan Reads provides guidance for school divisions to build on their own reading initiatives to meet the needs of their unique student population. It provides practical supports for teachers to ensure their students are successful in achieving their reading goals.
“Having a provincial framework for reading, that builds on what school divisions are already doing, is an exciting next step toward improving student achievement in our province,” Saskatchewan School Boards Association President Connie Bailey said. “This is a great example of how boards of education continue to lead and set the direction at the local level while working in partnership toward common goals for the success of all students.”
Saskatchewan Reads was developed by the Provincial Reading Team, which includes representatives from 11 school divisions, two First Nation education authorities, Métis Nation Saskatchewan, the Conseil des écoles fransaskoises and the Ministry of Education. Feedback was gathered from across the education sector and incorporated into the document.
“The Government of Saskatchewan would like to congratulate the committee on the work that is being done to improve reading proficiencies in our province,” Education Minister Don Morgan said. “With continued collaboration across the education sector, we will be successful in improving education outcomes and ultimately, putting our students first.”
In June 2013, the provincial baseline for reading levels showed that 65 per cent of Grade 3 students were at or above grade level. As of June 2014, the provincial percentage of students reading at grade level had increased to 70 per cent – a five per cent increase in the first year. The goal of the reading priority is for 80 per cent of students to be reading at or above grade level by 2020.
“Saskatchewan Reads is based on sound research and practice,” University of Saskatchewan College of Education Dean Michelle Prytula said. “Intended as a foundational document from which divisions, schools, and teachers can build their programming, Saskatchewan Reads is likely to catalyze best practice in reading, teaching and learning across the province.”
Saskatchewan Reads is available online in English at www.saskatchewanreads.wordpress.com or in French at www.lasaskatchewanlit.wordpress.com.
