Writing is Reading: Getting Started on the Road to Literacy

Posted by Philadelphia Education Fund on March 13, 2017

You Are Invited!

Please join us at April’s Education First Compact

Thursday, April 6, 2017
7:45 – 10:00 am

Philadelphia Education Fund Headquarters
1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Lobby
Philadelphia, PA 19103

FREE Breakfast and Registration

Writing is Reading: Getting Started on the Road to Literacy

with presenters

Dr. Diane Waff,
Practice Professor of Education and Director,
Philadelphia Writing Project,
University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education

Doria Mitchell,
Director, K-3 Early Literacy and Special Projects,
School District of Philadelphia

Awilda Balbuena,
Principal
Philip H. Sheridan Elementary

Angela Burke Beaumont
Teacher
Frances E. Willard Elementary

Literacy is the doorway to learning. It empowers young learners to navigate a complex world, inspires them to pursue their passions, and prepares students for higher-level academics. Yet, two out of three Philadelphia school children cannot read at grade level by the time they enter fourth grade. The School District of Philadelphia, working with a broad range of community partners through the Read by 4th Campaign and the Mayor’s Office, aims to double the number of fourth graders reading at grade level by 2020. Ample research suggests that when children write, their reading also improves.

This April, we’ll have the opportunity to see how two Philadelphia schools are using an evidence-based writing program to enhance literacy for all of their kindergarten and first-grade students, including young English learners. The School District of Philadelphia’s Comprehensive Literacy Framework (Pre-K to 5) defines specific grade level goals for our youngest learners in both writing and reading and the panelists will provide a look at how the program works as part of this Framework. They will facilitate a discussion about how parents, teachers, and community members can work together to implement strong literacy programs for our youngest learners. What does it take to translate policy goals into a school context for student success? How are reading and writing related? How can we support writing for all learners?

Come to learn and share your thoughts and questions.

Program Schedule:
* 7:45-8:00am Networking and Breakfast Reception
* 8:00-9:30am Program
* 9:30-10:00am Q&A

RSVP is required.

RSVP HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/philadelphia-education-fund-education-first-compact-april-2017-tickets-32352844228