The Reading Coaches in Walton County have many important responsibilities. They oversee the entire reading program at the elementary schools. They provide materials, lesson plans, leveled readers, strategies, and professional development to all reading teachers. One of their most important roles is to place students in small differentiated reading groups that are always changing to meet the students' needs - whether struggling or above average. Their expertise is used to make instructional decisions based on the assessment data of each individual student. Interventions are developed for students in need of immediate intensive intervention. Teachers are given the support they need to provide these interventions by the reading coach. The progress of these students is monitored carefully, and changes are made when necessary.
Reading Coaches work carefully with the principals and the district office to provide the best reading instruction possible. Consultants from around the country work with the coaches and the teachers to enhance the reading program with the most up to date reading research-based strategies and programs.
Reading Coaches are very valuable to our school district. They are the heart of the reading program. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts they will be shared among several schools. The Reading teachers in our district are very knowledgable and will continue to work very diligently with all of our students, with less support from the Reading Coaches. Our children are in good hands.
