2023 -24 FOCUS ON COLLEGE AND CAREER READING SKILLS
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We hope this message finds you and your family well and filled with anticipation for the upcoming academic year. As we prepare for another year at Arrowhead, we wanted to take a moment to emphasize the critical role of college and career ready reading skills in shaping your child's future. Arrowhead High School is committed to preparing students for their futures and the opportunities of tomorrow. In alignment with our vision and mission, Arrowhead will focus on the goal of improving reading comprehension for all students over the next several school years.
In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, possessing strong reading skills is no longer a mere advantage; it has become an absolute necessity. Whether your child envisions pursuing higher education or entering the workforce directly after high school, their ability to comprehend, analyze, and communicate through reading will profoundly impact their success and opportunities in the future.
Here are some key reasons why focusing on college and career ready reading skills is of utmost importance:
College Admissions: Many colleges and universities place a significant emphasis on reading proficiency when evaluating applicants. A strong reading foundation will not only enhance your child's chances of gaining admission but also enable them to excel in their coursework and effectively engage with complex academic materials.
Career Preparedness: In today's job market, employers seek candidates who can quickly grasp written information, adapt to new challenges, and communicate effectively. Proficient readers are more likely to excel in job interviews, handle workplace documents, and keep abreast of industry trends.
Critical Thinking: Reading is a gateway to critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills. Students who can delve into texts with depth and insight are better equipped to confront challenges and make well-informed decisions in their personal and professional lives.
Lifelong Learning: Reading expands horizons and nurtures a thirst for knowledge. Cultivating a love for reading during high school lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning and self-improvement.
As a school, we are committed to equipping your child with the necessary tools to thrive in the future. To achieve this goal, we will focus on the following initiatives:
Offering a diverse range of reading materials to cater to various interests and learning styles.
Implementing in class - targeted reading instruction in all subject areas that focus on close reading strategies.
Continued interventions to support students at different proficiency levels.
Teachers will be building in strong expectations of accountability for all students when it comes to reading for learning, knowledge and information.
We also understand that parents play a crucial role in nurturing your student’s reading abilities. Here are some ways you can actively support your child's journey to becoming college and career ready readers:
Engage in regular discussions on the texts and novels students are reading for their classes.
Create a reading-friendly environment at home.
Encourage your child to review their reading strengths and growth areas, set reading goals, and celebrate their progress.
By collaborating as a cohesive team of educators, parents, and students, we can ensure that our young adults graduate from Arrowhead High School well-prepared to face the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
Thank you for supporting this important goal and area of focus for our school.
Sincerely,
Sue Casetta
Director of Learning