Southeast Comprehensive Assistance Center (SECAC) Resources

Note: These resources were produced by the Southeast Comprehensive Assistance Center, which was operated by SEDL from 1995-2005.

Click here to return to the resources page for the Reading Success Network.

What is the Reading Success Network?

The Reading Success Network (RSN) was a collaborative effort by the fifteen comprehensive centers to improve the reading achievement of K-3 students. Addressing the national goal to have every student read independently and well by the end of third grade, the SECAC Reading Success Network is a professional development initiative to train experienced reading teachers to become reading coaches for K-3 classroom teachers.

The Reading Success Network is aligned with Every Child a Reader and Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Childrenby promoting:

a comprehensive and balanced reading approach
ongoing collection of reading assessment data
use of data to inform instruction
proven and rigorous early intervention strategies
clear grade level standards for student progress
high quality print and electronic instructional materials
reading as a priority for the school and the community
continuous and ongoing staff development

What is the Expected Outcome for Students?

Every student will read at grade level.

What Were the Objectives of the Reading Success Network?

Provide assistance to Reading Success Network school sites in the design of their reading program for students in grades K-3.
Provide training, materials, and ongoing assistance to site coaches, reading teachers, administrators, parents, and the community.
Provide resources and support on proven instructional strategies and methodologies for all students, especially those who are disadvantaged and at risk.
Provide methods for early identification of reading difficulties and strategies for intervention.
Provide models for collecting, analyzing, and reporting assessment data on reading achievement to the school community.
Share current research on emergent literacy strategies and at-risk children, as well as research on change.
Coordinate services and share information from federal, state, and local agencies related to statewide reading initiatives, the America Reads Challenge, and the Reading Excellence Act.
Develop and maintain a Reading Success Network Web site.

How Did One Become a Participant?

Completed the RSN application.
Identified a team for RSN training.
Collected baseline data, including data from a schoolwide needs assessment.
Attended and participated in RSN trainings and follow-up meetings.
Committed to implementing the RSN principles in your district or school.

Reading Success Network Training Series

The Southeast Comprehensive Assistance Center provided the Reading Success Network Training Series for all site coaches and reading teachers identified by their schools. The typical training series consists of:

Coaching for Results
The trainer oriented participants to the concepts and skills involved in peer coaching. Participants will learn how to create a study team with teacher colleagues and how to promote ongoing conversations about student learning and literacy activities.

Assessment and Intervention
Reading intervention strategies were provided from current research. Participants learned skills that can be used to identify problem areas in the learning process of students. Use of "Taking a Reading," a teacher's guide to reading assessment, will be integrated into the training.

Data Analysis and Reading
Training was provided in data analysis with a focus on collecting baseline data. Participants were able to assist their colleagues in identifying data sources and in developing a process for how the information will inform reading instruction.