Reading is not only a core academic subject, but also a core life subject.  Students unable to read are many times more likely to drop out of school.  Even if they complete school, they are much less likely to enjoy vocational fulfillment than their reading peers.  Students with specific learning disabilities and other language-based disorders often have a great difficulty learning to read.  Students with sensory or processing deficits may be unable to adequately access the visual and auditory codes necessary to read.  However, regardless of the etiology of reading difficulty, most students can learn to read given an appropriate systematic reading curriculum delivered through highly effective instruction and guided by a well-designed assessment system.

Schuylkill IU 29 Reading Consultants are available to assist local school districts in providing:

	Specific training regarding a balanced literacy reading program
	Assessment procedures
	Instructional strategies
	Diagnosis of reading difficulties
	Strategies for promoting home-school partnerships
	Support in assessing and implementing direct instruction to adolescents who may benefit from intensive, multi-sensory reading programs
	Training in the "missing pieces" of reading instruction which include phonological awareness, the alphabetic principle, and automaticity with the code
	Assistance in developing and implementing reading curriculum