School success depends in large part on a student’s ability to read proficiently. Many of our nation’s neediest children, including children from minority backgrounds and those living in poverty, do not receive the instruction necessary to develop proficient reading skills. With expertise in reading instruction and assessment, preventing reading difficulties, instructional leadership, and aligning preservice teacher education with scientifically based reading research (SBRR), RMC-Austin has extensive experience in improving educational outcomes of disadvantaged students through professional development and technical assistance to reading and literacy educators at multiple levels.

Currently, RMC-Austin provides direct technical assistance to state Reading First leaders in the Central Region through operation of the Central Regional Reading First Technical Assistance Center (CRRFTAC). Central Region states include: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.