NEFEC
The Florida Reading Initiative: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Florida Reading Initiative?
The Florida Reading Initiative is a research based, school-wide reform effort with a goal of 100% literacy. This initiative focuses on extensive professional development, including a two week Summer Reading Academy, and follow-up throughout the year.
How do I become a Florida Reading Initiative school?
In the fall of each year, an orientation is held for principals and district level staff of interested schools. Applications are made available online at www.nefec.org. Schools must meet the identified criteria in order to be selected for participation. NEFEC member districts receive priority in the selection process. Applications are due in December of each year.
What are the criteria for participation in FRI?
The following criteria must be met to be eligible:
- 85% of the faculty must pledge to attend the two-week summer academy
- the principal must attend the academy
- school documents previous efforts of school reform
- commit to employing a Reading Coach
- commit to attending monthly cadre meetings
How may schools participate in FRI?
Currently, there are over 50 schools in 17 districts in Florida. Here is the list.
Do schools have to reapply to participate in FRI each year?
Schools that have applied and not been selected must reapply to be considered.
What does it cost my school to participate in FRI?
The Florida Reading Initiative is partially funded by the legislature, therefore the cost of training, materials, coordination and follow-up are free to schools. Schools are expected to pay for teacher stipends and travel, student assessments, and a reading coach position at each school.
How many schools will be accepted for FRI in 2004?
Approximately 12 to 15 additional schools will be selected to participate beginning in 2004.
What do I learn during the Summer Reading Academy?
Faculties participate in professional development that includes assessment, phonemic awareness and phonics, language development and vocabulary, comprehension strategies, reading/writing connection, reading in the content areas, and intervention strategies. More information is available here.
Do all teachers have to attend the Summer Reading Academy in order to participate?
At the elementary level, 85% of the entire faculty, including the principal, must commit to and attend the Summer Reading Academy. At the middle and high school levels, 85% of the core teachers, and the principal must attend. Core teachers are defined as teachers of math, science, social studies and language arts (including reading remediation and ESE teachers).
Where are the Summer Reading Academies held?
Locations for the Summer Reading Academies are determined upon the location of the schools selected. Previously, Summer Reading Academies have been held in Gainesville, Starke, Lake City, and Palatka, Florida.
Do teachers receive inservice credit towards recertification?
Yes. A minimum of 60 points are awarded for completion of the two week Summer Reading Academy. Opportunities for college credit through the University of Florida are also available for a fee.
If a teacher cannot attend the Summer Reading Academy with their school, when do they get trained?
Individual schools are responsible for providing initial training for teachers who did not attend the Academy. Those teachers will be expected to attend the Summer Reading Academy the following summer.
How many Summer Reading Academies will be offered during 2004?
One Academy will be held from June 7– June 18, 2004.
What kind of follow-up support do schools receive after the training?
Reading coaches attend a 3 day institute following the Academy. Beginning in August, reading coaches and principals attend monthly meetings and professional development. Service providers and consultants provide professional development on site to schools once a month.
How are FRI schools improving student achievement?
Visit this page for evaluation information.
As a principal, how do I get my staff interested in becoming an FRI school?
A variety of materials are available through NEFEC for school orientation purposes. Videos, CDs, powerpoints and brochures can be obtained by contacting Sabrina Crosby.
How do I learn more about what an FRI school is like?
Demonstration schools invite individuals to visit their school site. School staff are available to answer questions. Please review the list of schools to schedule an appointment to visit a Florida Reading Initiative school.
