REAP Literacy Program Strengthens Reading Instruction

Newton County Schools’ partnership with REAP: Reading is Essential for All People is transforming early literacy instruction through structured, research‑based training for teachers and support staff. Over the past two years, REAP trainers have worked closely with educators at East Newton Elementary and South Salem Elementary to build strong foundations in phonics, decoding, and evidence‑aligned reading practices.

The collaboration began with a 2024–2025 literacy pilot that equipped kindergarten and first‑grade teachers with new strategies to help young learners become confident readers. In 2025, the initiative expanded to include paraprofessionals, who completed full‑day structured literacy training to better support students during small‑group and individualized instruction.

Newton County’s work with REAP has also gained statewide and national attention: representatives from NEF, NCS, and REAP presented their collaborative model at the International Dyslexia Conference, highlighting how this partnership is improving literacy instruction and student success across the district.

The program is funded by the Newton Education Foundation through grants and donations that are made via the PEACH Education Tax Credit.  To learn more about how you can support this important work through the PEACH Education Tax Credit, click here.