Contact: Xanthi Soriano, Executive Director, Communications
Office: (916) 228-2713 • Cell (916) 261-6219 • Email: xsoriano@scoe.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Sacramento, CA—At its September 10 meeting, the Sacramento County Board of Education unanimously adopted Resolution No. 24-18, which affirms the Board’s commitment to improving literacy outcomes for all students in the region. Knowing what’s at stake for all learners, this action is transformational and marks a significant step in addressing the urgent need for literacy improvement across Sacramento County.
The Sacramento County READS Guiding Principles are grounded in the science of reading and designed to create an educational system where every student, inclusive of background or disability, has access to high-quality literacy instruction. These principles include promoting linguistic and cultural diversity, ensuring equitable access to instructional materials, and engaging family and community partners in literacy initiatives.
Board President O. Alfred Brown, Sr. praised the resolution, stating, “By committing to these principles, we are acknowledging the literacy challenges in our community, and we are taking definitive action to change the learning trajectory for every student in Sacramento County. Our Board’s leadership in this area is a testament to our unwavering commitment to educational equity and excellence.”
The Board’s resolution also emphasizes the importance of early intervention, the use of comprehensive literacy assessment systems, and the empowerment of educators through ongoing professional development. These components are vital to creating a sustainable culture of literacy that can significantly improve student outcomes.
Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon added, “The Sacramento County Board of Education’s adoption of this resolution demonstrates our collective resolve to ensure that all students are equipped with the literacy skills they need to succeed in school, in their careers, and as active participants in our democracy.”
The Sacramento County Board of Education encourages all community members, educators, and partners to join in this crucial effort to make literacy a cornerstone of education in Sacramento County. Together, by operationalizing these Guiding Principles, every student can become a proficient reader.