Expanding the Reach is a three-year pilot project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs. The pilot is operating in three states (Massachusetts, Tennessee and Washington), 15 districts, and 26 schools. For a detailed overview of the project, please click here [pdf] [word].

Expanding the Reach is testing a professional development program for K-3 teachers in Title I schools. The project aims to increase students’ reading proficiency by improving teachers’ practice. It focuses on the five components of scientifically-based reading research (SBRR): phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension. The professional development is customized to meet the individual needs of each school and is pioneering the use of electronic technical assistance (e-TA) which offers schools a variety of electronic learning options. In addition, in-person workshops, presentations, Institute, and a project Resource Binder are also available.

The Expanding the Reach pilot project will be completed and evaluated by August 2007.

On this Web site, you can find useful SBRR resources, a calendar of upcoming Expanding the Reach events, Web links, and a monthly newsletter.