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NJ RAPID Initiative

FINAL RAPID LOGO (1) (1).jpg

On February 24, 2023, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) announced the launch of the RAPID Initiative to bolster foundational literacy in the elementary grades by providing high-quality professional development to educators.  For the Love of Literacy submitted a detailed proposal and was selected to help serve Essex, Union, and Middlesex counties. Click here to read the NJDOE broadcast.

 

What does RAPID stand for?

RAPID is the Reading Acceleration Professionally Integrated Development (RAPID) Initiative issued by the State of New Jersey Department of Education.

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What does the initiative focus on?

The initiative provides professional development to teachers and administrators throughout the 21 countinues in New Jersey.  The following research-aligned best practices/topics are addressed: 

  • Orthography, Orthographic Processing, & Print Concepts

  • Phonological Awareness & Processing

  • Phonemic Awareness

  • Phonics

  • Fluency

  • Vocabulary

  • Comprehension

Note: For the Love of Literacy also recognizes the important roles played by writing, background knowledge, motivation, engagement, joy, and coordinating with families and communities.

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For the Love of Literacy is proud to work with the following literacy professionals to carry out this important work:

  • Dr. Kenneth Kunz, Founder/Director, For the Love of Literacy

  • Donna Ngai, Literacy Coach, For the Love of Literacy

  • Maria Sparacio, Literacy Coach, For the Love of Literacy

  • Kia Brown-Dudley, Board President, International Literacy Association

  • Lexis McCoy, Director of the Master of Education in Literacy Instruction, Centenary University

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Be sure to revisit this section of our website for important updates regarding the RAPID Initiative!

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