Austin ISD Reads

Reading is foundational to all learning. Part of Dr. Mays’s vision as Interim Superintendent is to bring together district staff, students, and community partners to Re-vitalize and Re-Invest in the importance of reading through AISD Reads, a literacy-focused initiative. We are excited about the investment from community partners and the opportunity to build excitement for reading. 

Overarching Goals:

1. Improve reading proficiency. 
2. Build a community culture of reading. 
3. Engage families and community members in partnership for improved literacy development.

 A few of the proposed strategies are highlighted below. 

AISD Literacy MENtors

AISD Literacy MENtors is a reading initiative to increase children’s success in school through read-aloud experiences with caring volunteers while at the same time encouraging male involvement in our schools. Through this initiative, male reading volunteers commit one hour, once per month, to read a book to a class of third-grade students. 

One Million Minutes Reading Challenge

Dr. Mays is challenging our school community to read one million minutes this school year. It’s an ambitious goal, BUT all our students and staff are encouraged to participate. The Million Minute Challenge includes a healthy reading competition between schools. Each learning community's campus that logs the most minutes will receive a prize. 

Community Based Literacy Action Plan

Literacy Action Plan

To provide a roadmap that articulates literacy improvement goals and describes the strategies to achieve them. A comprehensive District Literacy Action Plan addresses key areas representing four interconnected best practices in literacy development. 

Winter Book Drive

The importance of reading cannot be underestimated. In every aspect of their lives, students will need to rely on strong literary skills. The best way for students to become stronger readers is to read every day. However, many children do not read at home because they do not have books at home. The goal of the Winter Book drive is to ensure that students have access to books to read at home over the winter break. 

Austin ISD Partners