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Office of Reading Proficiency & Information Literacy

Executive Director, Ms. Gwendolyn Watson
615-532-4710
Email: Gwendolyn.Watson@tn.gov

Director, Mr. James Herman
615-741-3387
Email: James.Herman@tn.gov

Tennessee Reads!

A PreK-12 reading initiative with an emphasis on grades four through twelve.

Purpose: To provide guidance and offer professional development for teachers to build on basic reading skills to advance reading achievement and information literacy during the middle and high school years.

Mission: To focus the instruction of middle and high school teachers on teaching students the necessary skills to read to learn.

Overarching Goal: Establish a culture of reading throughout Tennessee which includes district personnel, principals, teachers, students, school support personnel, boards of education, parents and caregivers, communities, nonprofit and service agencies, higher education personnel, and all State Department personnel. Tennessee graduates will be skilled in reading, comprehending, locating and using information needed to be successful in college and the workforce and to make meaningful contributions toward the welfare of their communities.

“Reading is the key to a successful education.  While we have made reading a priority with early learning initiatives like Books from Birth, it’s now time to apply that same level of focus to keep reading on the forefront for middle and high school students as we increase standards this year.”- Governor Bredesen

“It’s critical that our students have excellent reading skills if we expect them to be prepared for college and the workforce.  That’s why reading remains important from kindergarten to graduation.” - Commissioner Webb

Reading & Information Literacy Resources

Teaching and Learning Resources