About VRI at UVM

The Vermont Reads Institute at the University of Vermont (VRI at UVM) conducts high-quality professional development and research in all areas of literacy. Working in partnership with state agencies and universities, we are dedicated to supporting school improvement and to serving all educators and children in Vermont.  In our literacy reform effort, we strive to enhance teacher and administrator knowledge and expertise, to promote teacher reflection and decision-making, and to help schools create the conditions necessary for all children to enjoy high levels of achievement.

We do this by working with schools and educators in a comprehensive, responsive manner to support student achievement and school improvement. We offer four distinct projects, the Literacy Leadership Initiative (Gr. K-12), the Bridging Project (Gr. 3-6), the Vermont Adolescent Literacy and Learning Initiative (Gr. 6-12), and the Summer Institute (Gr. K-12).  These projects offer:

• tools to identify critical areas of need and potential growth
• on-site consultants and embedded professional development in the classroom
• systems to support teachers in data-based decision making
• specific workshops and conferences designed to help teachers create coherent and balanced literacy programs
• support in designing long-term, sustainable school improvement processes