Wilson Reading System’s Professional Development Recognized as Quality Program by National Panel

The National Staff Development Council, with the financial support of the NEA and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, launched a continuation of their successful Results-Based Staff Development Initiative, which focuses on identifying results-based K-12 literacy (reading, writing, literature) staff development programs that increase student achievement and teacher knowledge.

We were recently notified that The Wilson Reading System was approved for inclusion in the forthcoming book, What Works in K-12 Literacy Staff Development, to be published in 2005 by the National Educational Association and the National Staff Development Council. A National Advisory Panel of ten members with expertise in K-12 Literacy met at NEA headquarters on November 20 and 21 to review programs and materials, choosing Wilson as one of eight to be approved at the time. The National Advisory Panel included three National Board Certified Teachers, and representatives from the National Education Association, the National Staff Development Council, the International Reading Association, the National Reading Conference, the National Council of Teachers of English, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Wilson’s approval by this review panel and inclusion in the forthcoming book serves as an indicator of quality to schools and districts considering adoption or continuation of staff development programs for K-12 literacy. Selection by the Panel signifies distinction and achievement, however, it does not constitute endorsement of the program by the NEA or NSDC. To learn more about the Results-Based Staff Development Project, visit www.nsdc.org/connect/projects/resultsbased.cfm.