ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – On Friday, the Georgia Department of Education announced a new measure to increase elementary school reading scores.
Sixty literacy coaches will be placed in schools across the Peach State.
The coaches will be in the 5% of lowest-performing elementary schools, according to the Department of Education.
“We are focused on improving literacy outcomes for every student, in every school across our state,” Richard Woods, state superintendent, said. “Our goal is to create a truly statewide literacy coaching model, leveraging the talented teachers and leaders already in place in districts and schools and targeting intensive supports where they’re most needed. The coaches announced today will work directly with the schools in greatest need of improvement and ensure they have the resources to deliver high-quality early literacy instruction to every child.”
The Georgia Early Literacy Act, which was signed into law in 2023, requires schools to screen for reading deficiencies in kindergarten through third-grade students.
Amy Denty, the literacy program coordinator, said the elementary school years help build a foundation for learning.
“This is a long-term plan ensuring the success of our students because they are going to be our leaders of tomorrow,” said Denty.
Georgia’s Statewide Coaching Model is overseen by Nicholas Philmon, who played an integral role in the development of a literacy program in Marietta City Schools.
Philmon will work with a design team of experts to create a detailed coaching plan, direct the hiring process for regional literacy support coaches and the 60 school-level coaches, and provide training to regional and school-level coaches and educators throughout the state.
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