The department concentrates on the following areas:

• Develop advanced student learning using leading-edge research on powerful forms of reading instruction.
• Develop a system for collecting the expresses needs of teachers.
• Provide attention to the learning context and diversity of the student population.
• Link professional development activities to reading standards, assessments and district needs.
• Provide adequate time for follow-up in specific classrooms and grade-levels where appropriate.
• Instill a culture of deep understanding of reading among both teachers and students.
• Focus on a well-articulated reading purpose that is clear to all teachers. Teachers understand what they are to do with the knowledge they receive.
• Content focus is implemented and sustained over time.