Q & A: L4L interviews Science of Reading Instructor, Ramona Brown

Literacy & Justice for All is an initiative funded by the United Way of Greater Atlanta and the Whitehead Foundation to bring the Science of Reading to children within the community by partnering with area organizations to reach students through the adults who serve them, providing language and literacy support from prenatal through the third grade.

This initiative launched in Marietta and has been expanded to 14 of Atlanta Public Schools this fall, including all five KIPP Public Charter Schools.

Through the partnership, teachers receive training and coaching through the Atlanta Speech School’s Rollins Center for Language & Literacy.

L4L sat down with Ramona Brown, Science of Reading Professional PD Coach at Rollins, to learn more about the science of reading in metro Atlanta Schools.

Why do you think the Science of Reading is important?

The Science of Reading, also known as structured literacy,  is important because it serves to level the playing field for all students. Teachers who are equipped with the principles and practices of the Science of Reading are able to provide high quality Tier 1 instruction in a structured way to reach all students – with and without learning disabilities.

Why are you excited to partner with KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools?

We are excited to partner with KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools because they serve children from some of the most vulnerable communities. KIPP’s commitment to providing high-quality education to students is in alignment with the mission and values of Literacy & Justice for All, supported by the Rollins Center. The shared value of literacy and the understanding that literacy leads to liberation provides the engine to address systemic shortfalls that, for generations, have prevented equity in education.

What do you expect teachers to learn from the Science of Reading Professional Development this year?

Teachers want to be equipped to meet their students where they are. Through Literacy & Justice for All, we expect them to gain not only expertise, but agency.

I expect teachers to learn that 95 percent of students can and will learn to read with evidence-based and research-proven approaches to teaching literacy, guided by the Science. I expect them to rediscover the art and science of teaching and their sense of self-efficacy to grow and impact students. I expect them to learn that structured literacy, when delivered well, leads to incremental changes over time that create substantial improvements in student outcomes.

As a result of teacher instructional shifts, what do you think the impact will be on students?

Research tells us that a student’s literacy achievement impacts several life outcomes including self-esteem, graduation rates, employment opportunities, health and many other quality of life indicators. The instructional shift is the tool all students need to become literate. Students will have the knowledge and ability to take control of their own lives, influence and/or advocate for the lives of others – so the impact goes beyond each child and extends into the community and the future of our city.

If you would like to help scale this incredible work. You can join the Early Literacy Network here.