Introduction

As Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union reading teachers, we want our students to become, in Nancie Atwell’s words, “Skilled, Passionate, Habitual, Critical Readers.” In this document we have laid out the foundational steps for reading instruction based on the K-8 Vermont Grade Level Expectations. This will provide a consistent continuum to guide reading instruction throughout the BRSU.

Although this document breaks reading into components, we recognize that reading is a fluid process, interweaving many aspects at once. The six components of reading we have identified are:

      Early reading skills and strategies

      Word Identification skills and strategies

      Vocabulary

      Accuracy and Fluency

      Comprehension

      Reading Habits

There are no easy answers or quick solutions for teaching this life long process, Research continues to inform best practices for reading instruction, challenging educators to help all children become successful readers. At the BRSU, we are committed to the continuous study of best practices for helping all students to become proficient readers.