Reading League of Washington, D.C.

The Reading League of Washington, D.C., often referred to as The Reading League – DC, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing evidence-based reading practices in Washington, D.C. It aims to build a community of practice among educators, promoting literacy instruction rooted in scientific research.

Mission and Activity

The organization's mission is to improve reading outcomes for all students in the district by disseminating knowledge on effective literacy education methods. It focuses on fostering a community that supports teachers in adopting evidence-based reading practices, which include phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and early speech and language development[2][4].

The Reading League – DC hosts both in-person and virtual events to support this mission. These events often feature expert discussions and workshops aimed at enhancing teacher knowledge and skills in literacy instruction[1].

Leadership

The organization is led by a diverse board of experienced educators. Key figures include Mary Clayman, who serves as the president and is a reading specialist in the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). Other notable members include Dori Klar, the vice president, and Vaani, who works as a literacy specialist for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)[2].

Partnership and Events

The Reading League – DC has established partnerships with local institutions, such as Planet Word, where it holds in-person events. This partnership supports its goal of providing accessible professional development opportunities for educators across Washington, D.C.[1].

Public Engagement and Awareness

The organization emphasizes the importance of addressing literacy challenges in the education system. It notes issues such as the significant number of students scoring below proficient levels in reading assessments, highlighting the need for effective instructional strategies[1].

Funding and Structure

As a nonprofit entity with the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 862388241, it relies on donations and potential grants to support its operations. The organization offers free membership and events to promote inclusivity and accessibility in the literacy education community[3].

[1] https://dc.thereadingleague.org [2] https://dc.thereadingleague.org/about/ [3] https://www.thereadingleague.org/faq/ [4] https://www.thereadingleague.org [5] https://www.thereadingleague.org/chapter/