Featured Session: Charter Schools and a Science of Reading-Based Approach to Early Literacy

As policymakers grapple with the realities of pandemic learning loss, the importance of leveraging effective and proven instructional methods has never been more clear. With nearly two decades of national reading progress erased, an increasing number of parents, educators, and activists have called for a reevaluation of widely adopted early literacy instruction, and advocated instead for a science of reading approach. This session will provide background on the science of reading approach to early literacy instruction and explain how charter schools are responding. Attendees will hear from an expert in early literacy policy, as well as practitioners from across the charter school sector who are responding to increasing demand for a science of reading approach in schools. Attendees will be encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussion with panelists about this hot-button issue.

Speakers:
Shan Martin, Director of Early Childhood & Elementary Literacy, KIPP Foundation
Brittany Sandora, Assistant Principal of Academics K-6, Assistant Principal
Casey Sullivan Taylor, Policy Director, Early Literacy, ExcelinED
Rashida Young, Partner, Schools, Talent, and Racial Equity, Education Forward DC

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