The Oregon Reading Association has recognized the reading program at Joan Austin Elementary Schools as the state’s Exemplary Reading Program for 2016.

The Exemplary Reading Program Award is a program of the International Literacy Association and is awarded to one school in each state in the spring of each year. Five teachers representing the school were recognized at the organization’s winter institute on February 13, 2016.

The Exemplary Reading Program Award review committee were impressed with the types, abilities and programs for writing that they observed at Joan Austin Elementary.

"Every student piece of work, whether art, science, or literacy was accompanied by a writing piece,” said committee chair and ORA President Katherine Inman. “Students were able to write in many genres.”

The committee found the emphasis on reading reflected in the growing use of the Units of Study for Reading developed at Columbia Teachers College, other curriculum and children’s books.  Joan Austin Elementary students also participate in the Oregon Battle of the Books and the Million Minutes, all of which supports an excellent learning environment for reading and writing.