The Literacy Infusion Project was posed by Superintendent George Russell as a challenge and opportunity to K-12 building administrators and their staff leadership teams in January 2004. Deeply concerned about the student achievement gap, Superintendent Russell views literacy as the vital to closing the gap. Half day workshops provided an opportunity for teams to reflect and be thoughtful about literacy, review best practices and research, examine their own school data, engage in quality conversations, and then develop action plans which include professional development and sustainability.

Assistant Superintendent Tom Henry explains the goals of the workshop, and the importance of literacy for all students.	When children enter school with a wide gap in their knowledge and literacy skills compared to peers, they must learn more at a greater speed to catch up.	Ed Center staff (Betsy Shepard, Denise Gudger, Kim Ketterer, Kay Mehas and Superintendent George Russell) listen, ready to offer support resources.
Before the teams get to work, they participate in a warm-up foam frisbee toss.	Betsy Shepard from the Instruction Department explains the agenda of team tasks for the workshop.	Bette Shoemaker, Curriculum Coordinator and Staff Development Specialist, explains literacy best practices, while teams use the best practices puzzle.
As teams receive school specific packets of student achievement data, Tom Henry suggests sample data questions for them to examine.	Kim Ketterer, Technology Learning Specialist, reviews the School Action Plan Worksheet designed to help them focus their literacy infusion plan.	The Yujin Gakuen Elementary (Japanese immersion) team examines which of the Best Practices they have currently in place, which need additional work, and which have yet to be implemented.
The team representing the new northside elementary school (combining Washington and WillaKenzie schools) discuss various data reports.	The Twin Oaks Elementary team examines the correlation between identified needs and best practices appropriate for intervention.	The River Road/el Camino del Rio team looks for strategies for their ELL (English Language Learners) population.
The Willagillespie Elementary team, after looking at data and best practices, works on getting clarity on their plan goals.	Kay Mehas, Wallace Grant Director, is ready to support the Crest Drive team as they determine plan activities, persons responsible, and implementation dates.	The Gilham team discusses budget implications, strategies to evaluate progress, and possible help needed from the district.