Leveling Up Literacy in Salem-Keizer

Here in Salem-Keizer, students are at the center of all that we do, and we take responsibility for their learning and growth, especially in the area of literacy.

We know that we need to make significant gains when it comes to our students' reading at grade level, and we want to share a few key upcoming opportunities for you and planned investments to help us work together to support our students.

Oregon State Test Results Coming Soon

In the coming weeks, you may hear a lot about literacy as Oregon releases last year's state test results. These test results will tell the story of Salem-Keizer’s progress, and that progress is the result of dedicated staff who are making literacy a priority.

Trajectory-changing work takes a plan–and our plan has three parts:

• First, every one of our 65 schools is prioritizing reading. Everyone is reading intentionally every day.
• Second, teaching students to read is both an art and a science, so our elementary teachers are getting some of the best training in the country.
• Finally, Salem-Keizer students and staff deserve the best curriculum available, and they are getting it. Two years ago, our middle schools started using new English language arts curricula and are getting results. Next year, we will introduce a new literacy curriculum in all elementary schools.

How You Can Partner With Us

Together, as educators, family members, and community members, we all need to participate to help our students thrive. Here are a few ideas that can help:

Ensure Daily Attendance

As a family member, you have a role to play. First, we need students to come to school on time every day. We cannot teach them to be great readers if they are not in our classrooms. Learn more about the power of regular attendance.

Read With Young Children

If you have young children in your family, read to them every day. In the early years, reading is like eating and sleeping. Students love hearing stories and reading books and those routines that you build at home will help them be better prepared for school. Learn more about available resources.

Check In on Student Progress

You will receive progress reports and have the opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher. Use those moments to ask the question, “How is my child doing in learning to read, write, listen, and speak?” Learn more and save the date.

Salem-Keizer, as a district and as a community, is taking responsibility and taking action to level up literacy. Together, we can do this!