In 2019, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) took significant steps to enhance support for students with reading challenges throughout the province. Recognizing the crucial role of reading in academic achievement and life opportunities, the OHRC initiated an inquiry that resulted in the influential Right to Read Report. This Report emphasized the necessity for improved reading education and presented 157 impactful recommendations for schools. The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) responded to this call to action by developing a comprehensive plan to ensure that every child has the necessary tools to succeed as a reader.
OCSB’s Commitment to Right to Read
At OCSB, we are fully committed to empowering future readers. We have developed a three-year plan to address the recommendations in the Report, starting with the basics of language development. Our approach is simple: give students a solid foundation in reading while making the learning process engaging and accessible for all.
Phonemic Awareness and Phonics: Laying the Foundation
For the 2023-2024 school year, we placed a special emphasis on phonemic awareness and phonics—the building blocks of reading. Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate sounds in words, which is crucial for young learners as they begin their reading journey. Our goal is to equip every child with the skills to become confident, lifelong readers by making these essential lessons fun and interactive.
A Team Effort: Multidisciplinary Collaboration
The recommendations from the Right to Read initiative brought together experts from various OCSB departments to create a strong, student-focused framework. By using our deep learning model, we’re not just teaching reading—we’re fostering a love of learning that incorporates technology, enriched environments, and strong partnerships between students, teachers, and families.
Supporting Multilingual Learners
Our commitment to equity means recognizing the unique needs of our multilingual learners. Through early screening, evidence-based interventions, and on-going progress monitoring, we’ve tailored our approach to ensure all students—no matter their language background—have the support they need to succeed. By creating a more inclusive learning environment, we’re helping every student find their voice.
Key Initiatives Making a Difference at OCSB
- Reading Intervention Programs: Every OCSB school now offers evidence-based reading interventions, such as the Empower program, to support students who need extra help.
- Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Curriculum: This curriculum provides explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness from Kindergarten through Primary levels, giving students a strong start in reading.
- Flyleaf Emergent Reader Series: Designed for Grade 1 students, this series combines explicit phonics instruction with decodable books, helping students develop the essential skill of word reading.
Investing in Teachers and Resources
We understand the importance of teachers in student success, so we have made significant investments in their professional development. All Grade 1-6 English teachers received training on foundational reading skills, while over 150 educators attended our Summer Institutes focused on best practices for phonological awareness and phonics. Additionally, more than 100 educators participated in a book study on the latest reading research, ensuring our classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge strategies.
Proactive Screening and Assessment
At OCSB, we believe in early intervention. Kindergarten students are screened using tools like the Speech-Language Checklist and the Phonological Awareness Screener so no child is left behind. We’ve also expanded our assessment toolkit to include the Heggerty PA Assessment and CORE Phonics Survey, empowering teachers to identify reading challenges early and tailor interventions accordingly.
Creating a Brighter Future for Our Students
Our commitment to the Right to Read recommendations is already making a difference. By focusing on foundational reading skills and ensuring that every student has access to the support they need, we are laying the groundwork for academic success and a lifelong love of learning. Together, we’re empowering the next generation of readers and setting them up for a future full of possibilities.
