News Summary
In Florida, teachers will soon be required to complete mandatory training to improve student reading scores as part of a statewide initiative. New requirements specifically target educators who teach students needing intensive reading support. This follows a national report showing a drop in reading test scores among students. Representative Dana Trabulsy underscores the need for teachers to obtain reading endorsements to effectively support struggling readers. The initiative aims to reverse declining literacy achievements and promote effective teaching practices, enhancing educational opportunities for all students.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Some teachers in Florida will soon need to undergo mandatory training before the start of the upcoming school year as part of a statewide initiative designed to improve student reading scores. This move comes in light of a recent national report card indicating a concerning drop in reading test scores among 4th, 8th, and 12th graders across the country.
Lawmakers have established new requirements that specifically target educators who are responsible for teaching students needing intensive reading support. Representative Dana Trabulsy has stressed that any teacher involved with struggling readers must obtain a reading endorsement or micro-credential. This endorsement is vital for equipping educators with the strategies necessary to support students in overcoming reading challenges.
Teachers seeking this new endorsement have several options for professional development, including online training programs that offer flexibility and accessibility. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reverse the declining reading achievements and foster a stronger foundation in literacy for students.
Highlighting the emphasis on reading education, Augusta Raa Middle School teacher Trikia White has recently gained recognition within Leon County Schools for her outstanding contributions. White, a seasoned educator with over a decade of teaching experience, has served as a reading coach, 8th grade language arts teacher, and team leader. Her commitment to education has earned her the title of 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year for Leon County Schools.
White’s impact extends beyond her classroom, as she has also been honored with the Glenn-Howell Distinguished Educator of the Year Award for two consecutive years (2016-2017 and 2018-2019). In addition to her instructional roles, she has taken part in district training and served as an instructor for The Foundations of Language and Cognition Reading Endorsement Course, showcasing her dedication to professional development in reading education. Moreover, her involvement in the Superintendent’s Teacher Leader Academy reflects her leadership among peers.
The selection process for the Teacher of the Year accolade involved a comprehensive review by the LCS Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, which consisted of district administrators, school principals, and community members. From a competitive pool of 44 candidates, five finalists were selected, demonstrating a high standard of excellence within the district’s teaching community.
As Florida educators gear up for the new training requirements, the state’s educational system aims not only to address the immediate concerns surrounding reading proficiency but also to cultivate a long-term culture of effective teaching practices. Empowering teachers with the necessary tools and knowledge is a crucial step in supporting struggling students and ensuring equitable learning opportunities across the board.
In conclusion, the implementation of mandatory reading endorsement training for teachers in Florida arrives at a pivotal time. With recent data highlighting the decline in student reading scores, these measures aim to enhance literacy education and better equip educators for the challenges they face. By focusing on reading outcomes, lawmakers and educational leaders hope to foster a generation of proficient readers and lifelong learners.
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HERE Resources
Leon County Sheriff’s Budget Linked to Third-Grade Reading Scores
Additional Resources
- WCJB: New School Year Brings Reading Training Requirement for Some Florida Teachers
- Wikipedia: Education in Florida
- Politico: Florida Set to Overhaul How Schools Train Teachers
- Google Search: Florida Teacher Training Requirements
- Tallahassee Reports: FAMU Ranks #1 in State for Elementary Education Programs
- Google Scholar: Florida Education System
- Tallahassee.com: Trikia White Named Leon County Schools Teacher of the Year
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Reading
- Politico: Florida Takes Its Biggest Leap Into School AI Programs
- Google News: Florida Reading Scores
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
