Over and over we are reminded that reading proficiency is essential to high school success. Surely no one would refute that fact. However, we must face reality about reading if we hope to achieve the goal of reading proficiency for all students. In our elementary schools, reading instruction is given center stage, but when Indiana schools changed from K-8 to middle or junior high schools, time for reading classes was, in many cases, eliminated. Currently, reading classes and reading teachers do exist in many Indiana middle grades schools. However, until they are in all middle grades schools we will not reach the goal of building a community of readers.

     The obvious question is, of course, how do we achieve this goal?  Promoting this re-establishment of reading classes in all middle grades schools lies in the hands of local educators.  Until reading is central to the vision and mission of the school, the goal has little chance to be realized. As a first step, data related to student learning needs to be assessed.  This includes knowledge of high school retention rate, ISTEP, standardized test scores, and the results of the administration of the Middle Grades Reading Assessment. In addition, time needs to be managed to maximize attainment of the school’s goals. Schools with 0480 reading classes have as many as four full-time reading teachers, and a visit or other consultation with them will help learn how to change schedules, interview prospective reading teachers, budget for materials, and provide expectations for the new reading teachers.

     Selection of the teachers may involve existing faculty members or working with colleges and universities to find candidates.  The course descriptions for 0480 Literature and Reading found at http://mgrn.evansville.edu/middlelevelreading.htm provide the background for teachers to use.  For questions to ask prospective reading teachers, see <http://mgrn.evansville.edu/question.html>.

     Seven Indiana universities throughout the state have collections of supplementary reading materials that are available for principals and teachers to visit.  See  <http://mgrn.evansville .edu/cc.htm> for information about the collections.

     Like any classroom teachers, reading teachers must work closely with the principal on school- wide programs that lead to building a culture of reading.  These might include the following:

●  Work closely with the school librarian to promote independent reading through programs such as the Young Hoosier Book Award, Accelerated Reader, Reading Counts, summer reading, Newspaper In Education, public library, and display of posters featuring reading by national or local reading role models.

●  Provide content for the school Web site including promoting of school reading programs, links to the public library, and suggestions for parents.

●  Participate in reading professional groups such as the local reading council, the Indiana State Reading Association, and the International Reading Association.

●  Support the concept of reading role models from the faculty, older students, and community.

●  Continue professional development resulting in an Indiana Reading Specialist License.

     Indiana middle grades principals are fortunate that the timing is right to add 0480 Literature and Reading courses to their schedules.  Indiana’s colleges and universities are producing highly skilled reading teachers, and high schools are counting on middle grades schools to ensure that students are able to read well enough to be successful.  Indiana schools with reading classes are available for visitation or consultation.  They have the tools necessary to promote the success of all students by ensuring that their schools are truly a community of readers. The time is now for all middle grades schools in Indiana to commit to the return of reading classes to their schools.