Leading English Language Arts Experts Join Curriculum Associates' Team of Ready® Authors

NORTH BILLERICA, Mass., May 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Curriculum Associates has enlisted leading industry experts to further develop its comprehensive Ready® Common Core Reading program, which is designed to improve teaching and learning outcomes on the new, more rigorous standards. The authors will help ensure the validity and sound instructional design of the program by using their wealth of knowledge and research expertise in specific areas related to career and college readiness and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts.

"Ready has been proven to raise student achievement on the new standards," said Adam Berkin, Vice President of Product Development at Curriculum Associates. "Now, with the industry-leading expertise of our esteemed team of new authors, who are all current or former teachers, researchers, and practitioners, we will be able to enhance and expand our programs further to drive teaching and learning outcomes."

Ready Reading was built from scratch for the Common Core and provides K–8 students with rigorous instruction on every Common Core standard and uses a proven-effective, gradual-release approach that builds student confidence. The program prepares students for more complex assessment items with full-length practice tests and interim assessments. The new team of authors will be instrumental in further developing both the student content and teacher resources, as well as providing guidance on Curriculum Associates' new Ready® Writing program launching this fall.

Each author brings a vast knowledge of the literacy field and, in particular, CCSS, in areas such as close reading, text complexity, reading comprehension, vocabulary, assessment, writing, and more to Curriculum Associates. Jim Cunningham of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is a member of the Text Complexity Committee for the CCSS in English Language Arts. Maureen McLaughlin of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is the current president of the International Reading Association (IRA) and is on the IRA Common Core Standards Committee. Brenda Overturf, previously of the University of Louisville, is the founder of Literacy Perspectives, LLC and is the chair of the IRA Common Core Standards Committee. Finally, D. Ray Reutzel of Utah State University is very actively engaged in teaching and training on the topic of the CCSS, specifically regarding foundational reading skills and reading assessment.

To learn more about Ready Common Core Reading, visit www.readycommoncore.com.

About Curriculum Associates

Founded in 1969, privately owned Curriculum Associates, LLC, designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. The company's products and outstanding customer service provide teachers and administrators with the resources necessary for teaching diverse student populations and fostering learning for all students. For company and product information, visit Curriculum Associates on the Web at http://www.CurriculumAssociates.com or call 800-225-0248.

SOURCE Curriculum Associates