Events

WNY Science of Reading Conference

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 14:08:14 +0000

Join us at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center for a day of learning more about the science of reading and how we can work together to change reading outcomes for the students of Western New York. This literacy conference will bring in experts in the field to speak to multiple aspects of reading. For teachers, school administrators, professors, education organizations, literacy advocates, parents, media, policy makers, and all those interested in literacy outcomes, this conference will be the first of its kind in Western New York.

“Understanding the ELA Curriculum Landscape” with K-12 Curriculum Expert Karen Vaites

Thu, 12 May 2022 20:17:40 +0000

Virtual 'Science of Reading' Admin Day for Superintendents & Teams

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 11:59:26 +0000

Town Hall Discussion with Literacy Leader Kareem Weaver

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:15:48 +0000

Town Hall Discussion with Literacy Leader Kareem Weaver

Kareem Weaver & "The Right to Read": Buffalo Screening & Community Engagement

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:21:10 +0000

Kareem Weaver & "The Right to Read": Buffalo Film Screening & Community Engagement

Kareem Weaver at the University of Buffalo: "Literacy as a Civil Right"

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:26:32 +0000

"Literacy as a Civil Right" - Kareem Weaver Speaks at the University of Buffalo

Screening of "The Right to Read" & Discussion with Kareem Weaver: For Philanthropies & Community Leaders

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 17:06:24 +0000

Research shows that more than 95% of all students are able to learn how to read. However, less than 30% of economically disadvantaged students in Western New York are reading proficiently.

What can we do to address the reading crisis in our region?

To explore this important question, the 25 partners in the WNY Literacy Initiative invite the members of the Buffalo Education Equity Task Force, along with philanthropic organizations in Western New York to a lunch and screening of the documentary film “The Right to Read”, followed by an in-depth discussion with Kareem Weaver.

Kareem Weaver is a Co-Founder and Executive Director of FULCRUM, which partners with stakeholders to improve reading results for students. He is the Oakland NAACP's 2nd Vice President and Chair of its Education Committee; his advocacy is featured in the film The Right to Read. Mr. Weaver previously served as New Leaders’ Executive Director of the Western Region and was an award-winning teacher and administrator.

Kareem Weaver at Akron CSD!

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 17:19:14 +0000

Akron Central School District invites parents, community members, and educators to a special presentation by Mr. Kareem Weaver, a nationally recognized champion of literacy reform. Weaver is co-producer of “The Right to Read,” a documentary film that shares his story, and that of a teacher and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read. The event is sponsored by the WNY Education Alliance and will be held in the Edward Allen Auditorium at Akron Schools on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 3:30 PM.
Weaver is an award-winning teacher and administrator formerly with Oakland, California and Columbia, South Carolina schools, and an NAACP activist fighting for what he believes to be our most important civil right. He is the co-founder of FULCRUM (Full and Complete Reading is a Universal Mandate), a non-profit working relentlessly to get the science of reading and evidence-based strategies adopted so that the maximum number of students are reading on time – now! FULCRUM’s mission is “To accelerate a movement of leaders who embrace and apply evidence-based literacy practices to improve student reading outcomes.”

For School Board Members: "The Right to Read" Screening & Discussion with Kareem Weaver & WNY Teachers

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 17:22:21 +0000

Research shows that more than 95% of all students are able to learn how to read. However, less than 30% of economically disadvantaged students in Western New York are reading proficiently.

What can school boards to address the reading crisis in our region?

To explore this important question, the 25 partners in the WNY Literacy Initiative invite all school board members in Western New York to a screening of the documentary film “The Right to Read”, followed by a panel discussion with Kareem Weaver and school teachers from across the region.

“The Right to Read” is an award-winning documentary that shares the stories of NAACP activist Kareem Weaver, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read.Kareem Weaver is a Co-Founder and Executive Director of FULCRUM, which partners with stakeholders to improve reading results for students. He is the Oakland NAACP's 2nd Vice President and Chair of its Education Committee; his advocacy is featured in the film The Right to Read. Mr. Weaver previously served as New Leaders’ Executive Director of the Western Region and was an award-winning teacher and administrator.

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The event will take place in the Clarence Middle School Lecture Hall. Please park in the front of the school and enter through the main doors.

Buffalo Public Schools District-Wide Screening of "The Right to Read" & Discussion with Kareem Weaver!

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 17:24:56 +0000

  A district-wide screening of The Right to Read Film for Buffalo Schools followed by a discussion with film producer, literacy advocate, & NAACP leader, Kareem Weaver!
 

  Saturday, 10/7 - doors open at 9:30am, film starts at 10am! Teachers, students, families, community - everyone is invited!
 
  At W. Hertel Academy, PS 94

Zoom: The February Meeting of WNY LIT: Literacy Instructors Together

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 22:10:41 +0000

The New York Campaign for Early Literacy: What is it and how can YOU help?

Please join us for the February meeting of "WNY LIT: Literacy Instructors Together"! This month will be a virtual gathering. All educators are welcome.

The New York Campaign for Early Literacy, a new statewide movement led by The Education Trust—New York, is designed to build on the significant momentum for evidence-based literacy instruction across New York and the nation. The Campaign is focused on:

* Continuing to raise awareness and urgency with state and local leaders about the literacy crisis facing New York children from birth to age 8.

*Advocating for policy changes and instructional shifts that promote evidence-based literacy instruction aligned with the science of reading in the classroom and in professional learning/teacher training.

*Supporting effective implementation of new policies and instructional shifts by amplifying promising practices, analyzing early literacy data, and providing continued advocacy for these changes at the state, school, and community levels. T

his session will share more about the Campaign, including policy and practice updates. Join EdTrust-NY's Interim Executive Director Jeff Smink as he shares opportunities for WNY LIT members to participate in upcoming activities. This is also an opportunity for members to share their on the ground perspectives to inform the Campaign’s strategies moving forward.

Jeff will also be in conversation with Janine DeTine and Kristin Corser, both Literacy Coaches in Akron Elementary School, about how they helped shift their school district towards evidence-based instruction and curriculum in the pursuit of literacy for all. You can register for the event here.