Primary reading specialists work with individuals or small groups, using information gained from skill-level assessments to create intensive, corrective instructional plans that target students' needs and help them meet the goals of in-class curriculum. The materials used for these lessons vary, with some schools supplying kits that contain all resources, lessons, assessments and even scripts needed to teach struggling readers. Others schools rely on reading specialists to independently gather and/or create the tools needed for effective instruction, based on reading standards, classroom goals and administrators' expectations.
Familiar with methods and processes used to monitor students' reading development, specialists rely on grade-level expectations and assessment tools to measure student progress. Skills monitored include oral language, phonological and phonemic awareness, concepts of print, comprehension, vocabulary development and written language. Primary reading specialists also administer formal and informal assessments to identify students with learning disabilities.
Schools often expect primary reading specialists to serve as leaders in school-wide literacy instruction by evaluating and supporting classroom teachers' work, monitoring the effectiveness of curriculum, and providing guidance for paraprofessionals, administrators and the community. They also may work cooperatively with peers to plan literacy programs, organize professional development opportunities that meet staff needs and provide leadership in student advocacy.
Best practices in reading instruction evolve as new research emerges, governmental policies and laws come into effect or school districts evaluate students' reading progress. As expectations change, primary reading specialists often take on additional responsibilities, sometimes without preparation or training, according to 2010 research by Troy Jones, et al., published in the "International Journal of Education." By staying abreast of the latest literacy research and best practices, reading specialists can initiate and/or predict changes. Continued success, however, requires a clear understanding of evolving expectations and open lines of communication with teachers and administrators.