Literacy Connection Projects

Low-level literacy skills have a devastating impact on a student's opportunity to become a productive citizen and positive contributor to society. Researchers report that "millions of middle and high school students lack the reading and writing skills they need to succeed in college, compete in the workforce, or even understand their daily newspaper" (Alliance for Excellent Education, 2006).

The Coalition for Juvenille Justice reports that adolescents that have weak literacy skills disproportionately find themselves in the juvenile justice system. Independent student reading is a foundational necessity to achieving high levels of literacy proficiency (Krashen, 2004). However, structured and scaffolded independent student reading is often a vital missing ingredient in many school district's literacy curriculum.

Based upon research, Connection Consultants strongly recommends that school district policymakers adopt and implement a district policy that requires students to participate in a structured independent reading program. This type of literacy focused policy can have a positive influence on increasing the amount of time students spend reading and ultimately improve literacy achievement.

Student's reading achievement has been shown to correlate with success in school and the amount of time they spend reading independently (Cullinan, 2011). Please contact us to receive more information on how your school or district can participate in the Independent Student Reading Policy Campaign.

The Book Connection Program is focused on students in grades 4-12. These grades represent a crucial time frame in the development of students' literacy proficiency. Our goal is to provide support for achieving high levels of literacy achievement and access to high-quality literature for individuals in under-served communities. We believe that if students are to become better readers, then they must spend time reading rich, engaging literature(Krashen, 2006; Cullinan, 2011).

Organizations selected to participate in the Book Connection Program would benefit from the following:

• Complete classroom library with a minimum of 100 books.
• Professional development and training to increase independent student reading.
• Professional development for the implementation of a structured independent student reading program.

Additionally, the Book Connection Program facilitates partnerships with local community organizations to improve literacy achievement through independent reading. We provide high quality classroom libraries and professional development for classroom teachers to ensure that students develop a positive attitude about reading while participating in a structured independent reading program. Please contact us to receive more information on how your school or district can participate in the Book Connection Program.

L. Andrews, Retired Assistant Superintendent
for Curriculum and Instruction

"It is with great respect that I offer my recommendation of Connection Consultants and the work of Karen Walker. The professionalism of Ms. Walker as she represents Connection Consultants, is undeniably of the highest level of integrity and trust. In every instance, she more than met our expectations and should be credited with making a real difference in the quality of teaching in our district."

L. Novak, Director of Curriculum

"Connection Consultants offer long term, reliable, research based information that benefits teachers, students and administrators. Consultants have provided entire day programs at district sponsored Institute Days, small group programs for specific grade levels and sessions for administrators."

"For each of the workshops, Connection Consultants met with the school personnel to determine staff needs and were willing to customize professional development to meet those needs. Without exception, teachers were pleased with the professional development sessions. Westchester Public Schools has benefited from the consistent high level of professional development provided by Connection Consultants."

V. M. Watkins, Director of Literacy

"It gives me great pleasure to share how truly satisfied we have been with Connection Consultants. This company has provided outstanding and extensive research-based Literacy opportunities for our Intermediate classroom teachers."

"Dr. Walker has worked with veteran and novice teacher to set up literate environments that benefit the teacher and the students. All of the embedded professional development that is provided is highly enriching for the teachers and the district as a whole. Our teachers, administrators and students truly valued and appreciated the services provided by the Connection Consultants."

C. Willis, 4th Grade Classroom Teacher

"I benefited greatly from the help that I received in my classroom from Connection Consultants. After participating in professional development focused on literacy practices such as Reciprocal Teaching, Independent Student Reading and Reader Response, I was able to implement progressive literacy practices with high levels of success and benefit to my students. I can't say thank you enough!"