Reading Initiative for Student Excellence—R.I.S.E. Arkansas

Literacy skills are vital for success in school and in life. To improve reading across the state in 2017, Arkansas launched the Reading Initiative for Student Excellence (R.I.S.E.) program. The Batesville School District has been all in: the Community Schools Team, in collaboration with instructional specialists, plans opportunities to share guidance, tools and involvement experiences with its community.  Focusing on the “Science of Reading,” the goal has been to create a culture of reading throughout the community. Strategies have included book vending machines in collaboration with Save the Children and literacy restaurant placemats, all meant to engage community and to provide families with literacy resources.