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Schools Superintendent Unveils Literacy Initiative

By Eileen Buckley

Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Schools Superintendent Dr. James Williams says the key to helping students learn is literacy.

Wednesday night at the Buffalo Board of Education meeting, Williams unveiled a three year student achievement plan. He says it focuses on literacy and looks at how to teach reading.

"In all of our schools, Pre-K through 3rd, we have identified 24 schools that we call 'Superintendent Focus Schools.' These are schools that are challenged," Williams said. "We need to make some corrections in those schools."

Williams says literacy will be the driving force in this three student achievement plan. He says it will end up costing the district more money because it would involve a longer school year and extended school days.

But for now no price tag has been placed on the plan. Williams says if the board approves it, then he will seek community input and ask the state for assistance.