The Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) is a statewide K-12 initiative managed by the Department of Education. The goal of ARI is to significantly improve reading instruction and ultimately achieve 100% literacy among public school students. The Alabama Reading Initiative training for teachers helps them teach reading in proven and effective ways.

The Alabama Reading First Initiative is a federally funded K-3 initiative managed by the Department of Education that advocates the use of reading programs and materials that are based upon scientifically based reading research. This initiative was created through President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.  Elba Elementary School has become a model school in the implementation of this program.  Click here to read more.
 

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Excerpt from WTVY's website.............December 1, 2006

Elba Elementary School Becomes an Example Nationwide

Reporter: Mike Gurspan

Elba Elementary School began the Alabama Reading Initiative last year. Test scores increased more than 20-percent within six months. The school has now become a model for educators nationwide.

The teachers came from across much of the Midwest, and Southeast to witness first-hand a true success story in progress at Elba Elementary School. The Alabama Reading Initiative raised test scores dramatically at Elba.

Other states are now following Alabama’s lead.

"The other consultants and trainers in the state are working with Alabama’s Reading Initiative and watching the fine work taking place here at Elba Elementary," said Cary Andrews of Montana Education Consultant.

It takes hard work and team work on the part of the faculty and the students. But, the results at Elba Elementary are excellent.

Elba Elementary Reading Coordinator Gina Price said, "These other people can work with schools in states that have just implemented similar reading initiative programs like here in Alabama."

For the principal, this is a true showcase here for education across the country.

“There’s a lot of pressure on myself and the staff, but we show these educators the fine job that we do here at Elba Elementary on a daily basis," said Principal Lakesha Brackens.

Just before the Christmas break, the students will be tested on their reading comprehension.

A similar test will be given at the end of the school year in May.

In his reelection campaign, Governor Bob Riley stressed that Alabama’s public school system has become the nation's leader in initiating reading at an early age.

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Excerpt from WTVY's website............. January 31, 2007

Elba Student Improvement Plan

High academic achievements by one of the smallest school districts in Alabama have caught the attention of State Department of Education officials.

This week, reading instructors from across Alabama have been sent to Elba Elementary School. The state is using the school as a model of improving student reading comprehension and test scores.

Visitors can take note of the interaction between teachers and students in the classroom.

Gadsden City School teacher Connie Klein said, “We are seeing it implemented in the classroom. A beautiful thing and we are anxious to go back to Gadsden and implement what we've seen here in Elba"

Besides state educators reading coaches from across the country have observed how Elba elementary teachers implement the reading initiative.

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