New Hanover County Schools receives award for efforts to improve student literacy

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County Schools received an award on Tuesday for the district’s efforts to improve student literacy

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction presented New Hanover County Schools the Champion for Change award at Blair Elementary School. According to the Department of Instruction, the award was given to the county due to leading the way in teacher training in the science of reading, and showing improvements in test scores in students.

Amy Rhyne, the Director of The Department of Public Instruction’s Office of Early Learning, said developing reading skills at an early age is critical to a student’s long-term success.

“This award is important because ultimately, we want every child to learn to read and the sooner we get that in place, and begin to implement that with children, then the better off we are long term. Because, a child who doesn’t learn to read in those first few years has gaps long term that could impact them beyond school,” said Rhyne.

New Hanover County Schools is the first district in the state to receive this award.