ReadingAcademic Excellence : Minnesota Department of Education

Reading

Reading

Reading Literacy is the cornerstone of all learning. In each subject area, the ability to read and comprehend the material is of the highest importance. The major components of literacy include: fluency, phonics, phonemic awareness, comprehension, and vocabulary. The goal of every reading program is for all students to read and comprehend material at grade-level or above.

The K-12 Minnesota Academic Standards in Language Arts include standards specific to reading education and define a common foundation of literacy to be learned by all students. The language arts standards cover reading and literature; writing; and listening, speaking and viewing.

The Minnesota Reading Licensure coalition and the Quality Teaching Network for Reading have created an overview presentation, sample interview questions, and an evaluation chart to assist districts in hiring the best reading educator to fit the needs of their students, staff and community. These materials can be found on the Educator Licensing-Licensure Resources page.

Browse the section below, or use the related links at left to find information on current reading legislation and licensure rules.

Training opportunities for teachers are available throughout the year on various reading topics. See section below for current workshops.

Contact: Terry Alvarado at 651-582-8749.

Note: By clicking on the links on this page you will leave the MDE site. Please read the copyright notice at the bottom of the page for our disclaimer regarding these sites.

Training Opportunities-Reading

Reading Quality Teaching Network Highlights PDF Version 11Kb (7/23/05)
     Join the Quality Teaching Network in Reading!

Legislation-Reading

120B.12 Reading Intervention Tools PDF Version 188Kb (12/6/07)
    
Reading Clock Hours PDF Version 18Kb (11/28/05)
     guidelines for Minnesota Rule 8710.7200 related to the reading clock hour requirement for teachers
Reading Legislation and Related Resources PDF Version 127Kb (5/2/06)
     Current Minnesota reading legislation affecting schools and districts and helpful links to related resources.
What Do Educational Leaders Need to Know about Reading? Native Version 75Kb (9/26/05)
     presentation about Minnesota reading legislation and Reading Next (updated 2005)

Resources-Reading

Internet Resources for Reading PDF Version 10Kb (8/31/05)
     collection of web links, created Jan 2005
Internet Resources on Reading Topics PDF Version 86Kb (6/12/08)
     Descriptions and URLs for Websites on literacy, research and other reading topics.
National Reading Panel: Elements of Reading Instruction PDF Version 38Kb (7/23/05)
     Fluency, phonics, phonemic awareness, comprehension and vocabulary are described and explained (created Jan 2005)
Picture Books to Share with Children PDF Version 106Kb (6/12/08)
     Titles, authors and descriptions of picture books parents can share with their children.
Read Aloud Books to Share with Children PDF Version 124Kb (6/12/08)
     Titles, authors and descriptions of books parents can read aloud with their children.
Reading Research for Grade 6-12 PDF Version 82Kb (6/12/08)
     List of books and research studies on reading topics related to students in grades 6-12.
Reading Research for Grade K-5 PDF Version 101Kb (6/12/08)
     List of books and research studies on reading topics related to students in grades K-5.
Secondary Level: Adolescent Literacy Initiatives and Research PDF Version 35Kb (4/26/06)
     List of online resources including reading research, policy and initiatives related to adolescent literacy (grades 6-12).
Secondary Level: Model Plan for Secondary Reading Intervention and Development PDF Version 356Kb (7/11/07)
     This model provides guidance to districts or schools as they develop or revise reading courses at the secondary level.
What is Balanced Literacy? PDF Version 224Kb (5/21/08) Native Version 722Kb (5/21/08)
     This is an overview of the reading components of balanced literacy and the research that supports this framework for reading instruction, assessment and intervention.