Literacy and English Language Arts
Literacy Without Limits
“The ability to read defines your life trajectory and connects your sense of self to the world’s view of you. Literacy provides access to society, freedom, and security. Without literacy, you have fewer choices.” - Kareem Weaver, “The Right to Read”
Minneapolis Public Schools is committed to making sure all students learn to read, no matter their background. Reading and writing skills are crucial for our community's success and our children's future. At MPS, we believe it's our duty to teach students using proven methods.
MPS is investing in our teachers and communities by providing professional training using effective and standardized curriculum and delivering high-quality instruction. Although there are still disparities in reading achievement, we are on the right track to overcoming these challenges.
Curriculum
Intervention Programming: Removing Limits for MPS Readers
At Minneapolis Public Schools, we remove limits by providing research-based strategies that meet students where they are to help them make consistent progress. We value each student’s unique learning path and design personalized interventions that are specifically aligned to individual needs based on their assessment data.
Our teachers provide instruction that boosts students’ reading skills, improves reading ability and allows students to catch up with their peers and graduate as confident readers.
Contact Us
Brandon Button
Director, Literacy & Humanities
Brandon.Button@mpls.k12.mn.us
Julie Ripplinger
K-5 Literacy Content Lead
julie.ripplinger@mpls.k12.mn.us
Jessica Rose
K-5 Literacy Content Lead
jessica.rose@mpls.k12.mn.us
Marie Olson
K-5 Literacy Intervention Lead
marie.olson@mpls.k12.mn.us
Jourdan Coliman
6-12 Literacy Intervention Lead
jourdan.coliman@mpls.k12.mn.us
Rachel Grayson
6-12 ELA Content Lead
rachel.grayson@mpls.k12.mn.us
MPS Literacy in Action
Minnesota Legislation
In spring 2023, the Minnesota State Legislature passed the Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (READ Act). The goal of this legislation is to have every Minnesota child reading at or above grade level every year, beginning in kindergarten, and to support multilingual learners and students receiving special education services in achieving their individualized reading goals in order to meet grade level proficiency.
This makes Minnesota one of more than 40 states to pass similar legislation to improve literacy outcomes for all K-12 students.
The READ Act represents a significant investment in evidence-based literacy practices to promote reading and writing achievement. It mandates literacy screenings for students, caregiver communication, professional development for teachers, and interventions for students scoring below grade level. The READ Act requires that districts adopt a “science of reading”-based curriculum for reading instruction.
What is the Science of Reading?
The science of reading refers to the body of research from multiple scientific fields on how the brain learns to read:
- neuroscience (fMRI imaging and eye-movement studies)
- cognitive psychology
- linguistics and communication
- implementation science
- developmental psychology
- education and school psychology
The Reading League provides a common definition:
“The science of reading is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based* research about reading and issues related to reading and writing. This research has been conducted over the last five decades across the world, and it is derived from thousands of studies conducted in multiple languages. The science of reading has culminated in a preponderance of evidence to inform how proficient reading and writing develop; why some have difficulty; and how we can most effectively assess and teach and, therefore, improve student outcomes through prevention of and intervention for reading difficulties.”
Professional Learning
All educators responsible for literacy instruction will engage in extensive professional learning over the next three years. The training is designed to build teachers' knowledge of reading and language, strengthen teaching practices, provide timely and appropriate intervention and improve student outcomes.
Community Engagement
Join us for ongoing literacy events that…
- inform families about the practices we are using to teach literacy,
- create resources for guardians to help students improve reading skills at home, and
- provide fun and thought-provoking opportunities for staff, students and caregivers to get excited about reading.