• LETRS: Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling

    Overview:
    Halifax County Schools is participating in the Corhort 3 LETRS training.  The district began the NC LETRS coursework in August of 2022.  "North Carolina continues to acknowledge that reading is the foundation for student success and maintains that a student’s ability to read proficiently by third grade is a critical milestone. As reading is the gateway to lifelong achievement, North Carolina students deserve a strong start on their path to success."  (LINK)
     
    Halifax County Schools LETRS implementation consists of three cohorts: Pre-K, K-5, and Admin Primer.  The LETRS coursework is managed by the district's Point of Contact and Coursework Manager.  The district's Point of Contact ensures the coordination and communication of training dates, coursework licenses & materials, and technical assistance.  The Coursework Manager monitors course completion, unit updates, and kickoff training needs.  A school-level LETRS Ambassador is assigned at each elementary school to monitor & assist with school-level questions, LETRS PLCs, and coursework reminders.  
     

    Empowering Pre-K–5 Educators and Leaders to Improve Student Literacy

    1. Who is eligible?

    The state is providing funding for the following staff members to participate in LETRS® professional learning:

    • Homeroom classroom teachers working with pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students, including CTE preschool teachers
    • One administrator per school who will support/evaluate for alignment
    • One instructional coach per school (this position is to support the schoolwide integration of LETRS into PLCs and PD consistently to increase systematic and sustainable practices)
    • Lead teachers working with children in the North Carolina pre-K program and onsite administrator (including North Carolina pre-K in child care and Head Start settings)
    • Elementary EC Resource Teachers
    • Elementary ELL Teachers

    FAQ Quicklinks:

    1. What is LETRS®
    2. LETRS® Training Requirements
    3. LETRS® Training Logistics: Structure, Organization, and Communication
    4. LETRS® Training Continuity
    5. Accountability for Training Completion
    6. LETRS Support Resources
    7. District Support Planning Document

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    Background Knowledge:

    During the April 2021 legislative session, North Carolina legislators passed an act to modify the implementation of the Read to Achieve legislation to attain statewide reading proficiency by the third grade. SESSION LAW 2021-8 SENATE BILL 387 identifies educators as pivotal in the role of reading instruction and requires every pre-K–5 teacher to be highly equipped with the knowledge and skills to apply the science of reading. This legislation prioritizes the need for systemic and explicit reading instruction in the early grades and reinforcement of these practices in the higher grades. It also reiterates the need to provide additional support and offer intervention techniques for struggling students.

    This student-centered legislation will ensure children develop the skills and techniques needed to become successful readers, through proven, evidence-based practices. North Carolina is writing a new chapter, with a renewed focus on instruction, to create a new future for the state and improve outcomes for all students. (Link)