For paraprofessionals at East Newton and South Salem Elementary, back to school came a few days early. Parapros provide critical classroom support for teachers and REAP (Reading is Essential for All People) knows they are critical to helping improve literacy rates.
Last year, NEF funded a pilot partnership with REAP to provide professional development in structured literacy to all K and 1st grade teachers at the ENES and SSES. The feedback from teachers and principals led to the pilot expanding this year to include four new schools and additional training for parapros. Lisa Glickman, REAP’s Director of Education, shared, “Structured literacy training for ALL, including para professionals, is imperative for improving literacy outcomes!”
On August 1st, 25 parapros got an overview of the training that classroom teachers received during 10 days of learning with REAP, allowing them to support what is happening with reading instruction in their classrooms.
Funds for Structured Literacy training are raised through the Peach Education Tax Credit which allows individuals and businesses to allocate a portion of state tax they already owe, to NEF. Learn more and consider supporting literacy by participating.
The Newton Education Foundation puts community resources to work for our kids so they can achieve academic and personal success. We do this by providing funds that help our schools remove obstacles, provide great educational opportunities that deepen learning and support teachers in meeting the learning needs of all kids.
Consider making a gift, of any amount, so that more students can have great classroom experiences that enhance learning. www.newtoneducationfoundation.org/donate