Plum School District seeks state grant for dyslexia and early literacy intervention

Plum School District officials hope to improve their early literacy initiatives through using state funds.

Administrators applied for a $80,000 Dyslexia and Early Literacy Intervention grant through the state Department of Education.

Assistant Superintendent Rick Walsh said early intervention is critical. Research shows students who get lots of high-quality reading practice every day are more likely to be ready for college and a career.

Data also suggests youths with untreated dyslexia are more likely than their non-dyslexic peers to drop out of high school and become unemployed, underemployed or jailed.

The grant, should it be awarded, would be used districtwide at the elementary level.

“Through the implementation of a multi-tiered system of support, the district plans to reinforce the links between curriculum, assessments, and instruction to increase the levels of achievement and academic rigor for all students,” Walsh said. “Our new assessment plan will provide our teachers and parents specific assessment data to target strengths and needs.

“In addition, (the state Education Department) will work with the district to offer technical assistance on research based resources, interventions, and instructional approach to benefit all of our primary students.”

It’s unclear when the grant may be awarded.