Former Educator and Author Shares Keys To Successful Implementation Of Direct And Systematic Reading Practices

PreK-12 school educators wishing to adopt direct and systematic curricula can learn keys to a successful implementation from Tony Pedriana, a retired elementary school principal who spent more than 30 years working with children in Milwaukee's central city. Author of "Leaving Johnny Behind: Overcoming Barriers to Literacy and Reclaiming At-Risk Readers," Pedriana's new webinar is now available at SRADirectInstruction.com.

Pedriana, who was instrumental in Milwaukee's implementation of McGraw-Hill Education's Direct Instruction research-based methodology, presents the critical factors in a successful implementation including building consensus, overcoming logistical issues, developing staff, monitoring implementation, establishing effective district policies, and providing principal leadership and oversight.

"Program fidelity will allow you to bring every child to grade level," said Pedriana.

During the one-hour session, Pedriana explains that explicit instruction is not necessarily at odds with the holistic approach and that systematic phonics instruction can be a pathway toward literacy. He suggests principals are at the heart of the implementation and must ensure that the program is used properly to see results.

Webinars on SRADirectInstruction.com include both live and pre-recorded presentations on a wide array of topics related to Direct Instruction and intervention teaching. Guest presenters include educational consultants, authors, teachers, and publishing industry representatives.

Previously recorded webinars at SRADirectInstruction.com include "What You Should Know about Adolescent Literacy" and "Building Adolescent Literacy in an RtI Model." These two webinars offer educators important information on research related to adolescent literacy and ideas for providing multiple levels of support in a Response to Intervention (RtI) system. They are hosted by Drs. Nancy Marchand-Martella and Ronald Martella, authors of SRA/McGraw-Hill's Read to Achieve program, which provides instruction in comprehension strategies that adolescent students can apply successfully to content-area classes, such as science and social studies.

Educators who join Signals, an online community interested in Direct Instruction and intervention, automatically receive notices of live webinars. Anyone who registers for an event is sent reminders so they will not miss the live presentation. They also receive notification when the recorded webinar is posted online for later viewing.

About McGraw-Hill Education

McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), is a leading global provider of print and digital instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 65 languages. Additional information is available at MHEducation.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

SOURCE: SRA/McGraw-Hill

CONTACT: Karen Sorrentino, SRA/McGraw-Hill, +1-614-750-7277,
karen_sorrentino@mcgraw-hill.com; Melina Metzger, Paul Werth Associates,
+1-614-224-8114 Ext. 236, mmetzger@paulwerth.com

Web Site: http://www.sradirectinstruction.com/