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Media Contact: Aimee J Lewis at aimee.lewis@gmail.com or (585) 414-9838
Rochester Area Charter Schools Team up to Improve Elementary Literacy
Rochester, NY– August 22, 2024 — EDceptional, Inc., a charter sector support organization, is sponsoring five local charter schools to improve elementary literacy proficiencies. This is a first of its kind collaboration between independent charter schools. Forty teachers will gather in person this Friday to begin LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) by Lexia training.
“Literacy is the foundation upon which all learning is built,” says Sebrone Johnson, CEO of EDceptional. “Fostering collaboration in this area not only enhances academic achievement but it also cultivates a supportive community where both students and teachers can unlock their potential and thrive.”
Five schools, Exploration Elementary Charter School for Science & Technology, Innova Girls Academy Charter School, Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts, Rochester Academy Charter School, and Rochester Academy of Science Charter School will participate in the year-long intensive training. Leaders from these schools believe that empowering and training teachers to deeply understand the science of reading will lead to more students in Rochester reading on grade level. Good curriculum delivered by excellent teachers who believe in students will improve student learning.
Jennifer Doyle, chief academic officer at Rochester Academy Charter School said: “The dream is that every student, regardless of where they go to school, leaves elementary school reading on grade level. All learning depends on the ability to understand text, and we want to be sure our students are prepared, not just for middle school, but for the positive life outcomes that come with proficient reading. Our students deserve it!”
LETRS is a professional learning course for instructors of reading, spelling, and related language skills. It provides educators with in-depth knowledge and tools that they can use with any reading program.
The efforts align with Governor Hochul’s “Back to Basics Initiative” to ensure teachers are trained in science of reading-based approaches to literacy. EDceptional will offer additional instructional expertise to complement the training.
EDceptional is the only organization supporting all 14 Rochester charter schools to achieve enrollment goals and academic excellence. Learn more at EDceptional.org.
