FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
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John L. Winn
Commissioner of Education
F. PHILIP HANDY,
Chairman
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Vice Chairman
Members
DONNA G. CALLAWAY
ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ
PHOEBE RAULERSON
KATHLEEN SHANAHAN
LINDA K. TAYLOR
January 31, 2006
M E M O R A N D U M
TO:
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District School Superintendents
FROM:
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John L. Winn
RE:
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Comprehensive Reading Plans, and
Guidelines for the 2006-07 Plans
I am confident that this year will bring wonderful things for Florida’s students and educators.
We continue to lead the nation in rising student achievement, and I appreciate your leadership in
making Florida a model for other states.
Enclosed you will find data related to the current implementation of the K-12 Comprehensive
Reading Plan in your district. As you know, for th
history, the Legislature
orida Education Finance Program (FEFP). The
at students reading below grade level are receiving
The data enclosed, taken from October’s survey 2, show the percentage of your Level 1 and
Level 2 readers enrolled in a reading course this year in grades 6-11. Data from all districts are
included to show you where you stand compared to other districts.
In some districts, students whose needs are not as extensive are being served in content area
courses and will not be reflected here. Also, several districts are providing reading courses for
all students regardless of their FCAT reading level, and I commend you for meeting the reading
needs of all your students. However, in many districts, far too few Level 1 students appear to be
receiving intensive reading services. You do have the opportunity, in upcoming survey periods,
to correct the data submitted during October, in the event that the data reflected here does not
accurately represent the enrollment of students in reading courses.
325 W. GAINES STREET • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0505 • www.fldoe.org
Memo to District School Superintendents
Page 2
The 2005 Legislature expressed its strong desire to ensure that all struggling readers receive
intensive reading services. In fulfilling the mandate, the Just Read, Florida! office has been
working with you and your staffs on providing targeted research-based instruction while
providing the flexibility needed to make implementation as smooth as possible. Enclosed in this
memo is a guidance document to assist you in planning for the 06-07 K-12 Comprehensive
Reading Plans. This guidance provides further flexibility while maintaining the focus on
intensive reading instruction.
As you work to update your district reading plans, I urge you to serve 100% of your Level 1 and
Level 2 students in a reading intervention class for the 2006-07 school year. You have all seen
the data showing the difficulty that secondary Level 1 and 2 students have in moving up to the
next reading achievement level. You may recall that in April of 2005 the State Board of
Education approved a new course description for Intensive Reading. We will continue to
provide assistance to you in implementing this course.
Lastly, all district 2005-06 K12 Comprehensive Reading Plans are posted at
www.justreadflorida.com. For more information on how to access your plan online, please
contact Terri Harrison at terri.harrison@fldoe.org or at 850/245-0503.
Thank you again for all you do for reading in Florida.
JLW/mlo
Enclosures
