Dalton Reads!

Get ready for a powerful new literacy initiative at Dalton Public Schools, aimed at fostering a culture of reading excellence and empowering every student to unlock their full potential. With the state of Georgia spearheading groundbreaking literacy legislation, the landscape of reading instruction is evolving like never before. We're blazing a trail towards a future where every individual, regardless of background or ability, has the power to unlock the magic of reading and script their own success story.

Get ready to ignite the passion for literacy and unleash the potential within every learner - the adventure begins now!

About Dalton Reads! 

Dalton Reads!  is a comprehensive literacy initiative based on key literacy legislation from the state of Georgia. Our mission is clear: to equip all students grades K-12 with the literacy skills they need to succeed academically and beyond.

House Bill 538 and Senate Bill 48:

At the heart of our initiative lies the transformative House Bill 538 and Senate Bill 48, passed in 2023. These legislative bills are reshaping the landscape of reading instruction in Georgia, mandating the implementation of Structured Literacy based on the Science of Reading. We are eager to join this educational revolution, embracing evidence-based practices to ensure that every child has the opportunity to become a proficient reader. 

Explore More About Georgia's New Literacy Laws:

Understanding the Science of Reading: 

Central to our approach is an understanding of the Science of Reading, a body of scientifically based research from the last five decades informing how reading and writing develop, why students struggle, and how we effectively address these difficulties. This research emphasizes the importance of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. By tailoring our instruction to how the brain learns to read, we can meet the diverse needs of our students and set them up for lifelong success.

Structured Literacy:

Structured Literacy serves as the cornerstone of our program, providing explicit, systematic, and cumulative instruction in reading and writing. Through this approach, we break down language concepts and provide ample opportunities for practice and reinforcement, laying a solid foundation for literacy acquisition.

Professional Learning for Teachers:

Central to the success of Dalton Reads! is our commitment to providing high-quality professional learning opportunities for our teachers. Through professional learning sessions and ongoing coaching, our educators will gain the knowledge and skills they need to effectively implement Structured Literacy instruction in their classrooms.

By investing in our teachers, we're investing in the future of our students.

The Need for High-Quality Instructional Materials:

No literacy initiative is complete without high-quality instructional materials. That's why Dalton Public Schools is dedicated to sourcing and providing educators with research-based resources that align with the principles of Structured Literacy. From early phonological and phonemic awareness to the depths of morphology, our goal is to ensure that every classroom and teacher is equipped with the tools and resources necessary to support student learning.

Join us on this exciting journey as we unlock the power of literacy and empower our students to thrive in school and beyond. Together, we're building a community where every child has the opportunity to become a confident and proficient reader.

Let's embark on this adventure to literacy excellence together!

Resources

Teaching and Learning Staff

Brandi Moore
Associate Superintendent of Academics
Email Brandi Moore
706-463-5335

Nick Sun
Deputy Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools
Email Nick Sun
706-876-4011

Leslie Dixon
Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools
Email Leslie Dixon
(706) 876-4026

Ali Finley
Director of Literacy
Email Ali Finley
(706) 876-4044 ext. 631201