RTA Corner
Reading technical assistance specialists (RTAs) have participated in technical assistance visits with Texas Reading First partners in the past few months. From observing instruction and providing feedback to delivering professional development, RTAs and partners have worked collaboratively to target specific campus and district needs.
RTAs have also been spending a great deal of time teaming with education service centers (ESCs) to provide professional development to districts and campuses across Texas. From comprehension strategies to features of effective instruction (to name a few professional development topics), RTAs continue to provide support that will affect instruction in the classroom.
In addition to this ongoing support, numerous examples convey the dedication and commitment that goes into the role of an RTA. RTAs have either individually, or with the support of partners, contributed to the following: development of files graphing Texas Primary Reading Inventory (TPRI) and Tejas LEE data, creation of a phonological awareness continuum instructional activities book, delivery of graphophonemic knowledge and outcome assessment webcasts, and participation in middle of the year (MOY) strategic leadership meetings.
RTAs have also spent time during the past 2 months participating in team meetings with their respective project managers. These sessions have been held in various parts of the state and have focused on enhancements and developments in the field, along with refining reading instructional plans, planning for summer professional development, sharing the many successes that have occurred throughout the year, and strategizing ways to assist campuses and districts with sustaining Reading First components.