ANSWER:

There are seven reading support teacher positions in the FY 2015 Elementary Schools budget.  The positions are allocated to 14 schools (.5 each) to work with small groups of students on reading interventions and reading support. The restoration of the positions that were cut in prior year budgets was not considered for the FY 2015 budget.  The reduction of the positions made in prior years has not appeared to have had a bearing on student achievement.  Although a study on the impact of the reduction has not been completed, initial data does not support the need to restore these positions.