Noble School implements deliberate reading strategies to improve student literacy

The Tiffin City Schools Board of Education meeting on February 24, 2025, focused heavily on the critical issue of literacy and reading instruction within the district. The discussion highlighted the alarming statistic that approximately 35 percent of children in the United States struggle with reading, emphasizing the importance of effective literacy programs.

The speaker underscored the complexity of reading, noting that it requires both instruction and practice over time. Recent brain research indicates that the neurological pathways for language and cognition are not inherently efficient for reading, which presents challenges for educators. The concept of the "science of reading" was introduced, which integrates insights from various fields, including psychology and neuroscience, to improve reading instruction.

A key visual aid presented was Scarborough's Rope, which illustrates the two essential components of reading: word recognition and language comprehension. The speaker explained that effective reading instruction must address both areas to enhance students' reading comprehension skills.

To combat reading difficulties, the district has implemented several strategies. These include the adoption of the CKLA program for grades K-5, which exposes students to diverse texts and builds background knowledge. Additionally, the introduction of a title teacher has provided focused instruction on phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension, yielding positive early results.

The speaker also emphasized the importance of community involvement through programs like "Read to Succeed," where volunteers assist students with reading. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, the speaker expressed optimism about the progress being made in literacy.

In conclusion, the meeting called for continued support from the school board in providing professional development opportunities for teachers. The speaker urged board members to advocate for the district's needs at the state level, ensuring that the voices of Tiffin City Schools are heard in discussions about educational improvement.