School of Education Kicks Off Summer Reading
Institute for High School Teachers

For one week this summer, teams of high school teachers, principals and counselors in this region communed at SSU to hone in on practices that will improve content literacy at their high schools. In collaboration with SSU faculty from the English department, School of Education and math department, the 34 participants learned how to expand their repertoire of teaching strategies to match the academic needs of college-eligible students while implementing approaches to improve academic literacy.

The Reading Institute for Academic Preparedness Institute provides professional development across all high school grade levels and content areas. As a component of the CSU’s Early Assessment Program, teams of RIAP teachers and administrators will take a leadership role in their departments and at their school sites to fully implement the Early Assessment Program. They will address the foundational concepts that are the building blocks for college readiness.

After securing funds for the Institute in December, RIAP co-directors Dr. Kelly Estrada (School of Education) and Katheryn Horton (EAP Coordinator) introduced the program to teachers and administrators on several campuses. Participating school teams from Novato to Leggett, and east into Middletown began meeting at SSU on Saturdays during April to prepare for the summer learning session. The Institute involves 10 face-to-face sessions, several distance learning sessions and a case study. Upon completion of the RIAP experience, all teachers received a $750 stipend. 

Four more Saturday sessions are planned for the fall. For further information, contact Katheryn Horton at 4-4351.