The RFTEN Mission

The Reading First Teacher Education Network (RFTEN) engages professors who prepare teachers in a series of collaborative seminars designed to enhance their knowledge base of scientifically-based reading strategies which are incorporated into their curriculum and instructional practices. RFTEN professional development in reading serves approximately 40 faculty from 25 primarily minority-serving institutions the first year, 60 the second year, and 30 the third year. Sessions conducted by the Vaughn Gross Center for Reading and Language Arts (VGCRLA), along with experts from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHHD), ultimately improve the preparation of preservice teachers preparing to teach reading at the K-3 level or special education.

RFTEN engages deans and presidents in the process of change to ensure support for the implementation of scientifically-based reading strategies. Administrators ensure that learning from the seminars is extended to other faculty responsible for preparation of pre-service teachers. In the process they provide the infrastructure for building a professional learning community which includes supporting alignment of the reading program with NCATE accreditation standards and IRA standards. Quality Assurance Consultants assist administrators in formulating action plans that support the implementation of scientifically-based reading strategies.