Exemplary Reading Award

1. Exemplary Reading Award Exemplary Reading Programs Are an Investment For the Future

2. Purpose Recognize outstanding reading and language arts programs at all grade levels throughout the country.

3. Objectives • To improve literacy in our society • To recognize school staffs who demonstrate excellence in reading and literacy programs • To encourage the development and refinement of exemplary reading programs. • To report to the public noteworthy efforts to improve literacy • To disseminate specific information about high-quality programs so that other professionals can use it to improve their own instructional efforts

4. Criteria • All schools are eligible if the school has at least one IRA member. • The school must apply with its entire reading program, not just one segment. • The fully completed application form must be signedby thesuperintendent and returned to IRA. • The winning program should serve as a model for other schools and teachers. • A school receiving the award cannot apply again within a period of five years. • A school is not eligible to apply if a current state officer is employed by the school.

5. Selection Process • All applications received at IRA headquarters will be forwarded the ARA Exemplary Reading Award Committee Chair. • A committee of literacy professionals will then review each application, applying the criteria listed in the guidelines using a standardized scoring rubric. (10 criteria in the guidelines) • Schools receiving a set point value will be visited by the committee.

6. Selection Process (continued) • The school having the highest rating in each state will be the Exemplary Reading Program Award winner for the state. • IRA headquarters will notify each winning school of the honor and invite representatives from each school to attend the IRA annual convention, where the awards will be presented.

7. 10 Guidelines To Follow • The reading program is consistent with sound theory, research, and practice. • The reading program facilitates student learning. • Students have access to a wide variety of reading materials. • Students demonstrate success in reading • Comprehension strategies are taught and applied across the curriculum.

8. 10 Guidelines To Follow • Listening, speaking, viewing, and writing are being integrated into the reading program. • Administrators and teachers provide leadership and vision for the building and/or district reading program. • The school and/or district offers support services to the program. • Literacy activities occur outside of school. • The community is involved in the reading program.

9. 2009-2010 There were no qualifying schools this past year.

10. Deadline: Must Be Postmarked ByNovember 15, 2010 Send the application form and program description directly to IRA

11. Mail to:Exemplary Reading Program Award International Reading Association 800 Barksdale Road, P.O. Box 8139 Newark, DE 1917-8139, USA Faxed applications will not be accepted.

12. For information contact: Pam East State Committee Chair eastp@conway.afsc.k12.ar.us 501-450-4800 Ext. 255