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Task force finalizes recommendations with aim to improve reading outcomes

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A student at Mocksville Elementary School in Davie County. Liz Bell/EducationNC

The State Board of Education Literacy Task Force unanimously approved its recommendations Monday on changes the state should make to improve K-3 reading instruction.

“I think the recommendations that we are advancing to the State Board for consideration on June 3 create opportunities for children across our state to develop a love of literacy as all of us have and to improve the educational outcomes for our youth in the state of North Carolina,” said Ann Clark, task force co-chair and former Charlotte-Mecklenburg superintendent.

Look for EdNC coverage later this week of the State Board meeting and discussion of the recommendations. Go here for all of EdNC’s literacy coverage.

The task force was formed in 2019 as part of a larger effort to improve lagging reading scores across the state. In 2018-19, 57% of third-graders scored proficiently on end-of-grade reading tests. Go here to see the most recent reading proficiency rates by district.

The recommendations, embedded below, cover how teachers should be prepared to teach children to read while in preparation programs, how districts should choose high-quality curricula and instructional materials, and how teachers and principals who are currently in schools should be trained in effective teaching strategies.

These recommendations will be updated with minor amendments before Wednesday’s presentation to the State Board.

Below is the task force’s membership. The co-chairs — Clark and Crystal Hill, Cabarrus County Schools assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction — as well as the subcommittee leaders, will present the recommendations Wednesday.