READ TO SUCCEED

Students, who are reading one or more grade levels below their assigned grade, will have an opportunity to register in the Read to Succeed reading program in September.  The program emphasizes vocabulary development and reading comprehension in a safe, supportive environment with the goal of giving the students, who are experiencing reading difficulties, a second chance to learn to read at or above grade level and enjoy the opportunities this provides. Read  to Succeed is not meant to augment the regular core program but is designed solely to raise the reading levels of students who are reading below their grade placement.

 

This program takes advantage of the latest research compiled by Emily Calhoun to provide students a program that gives them an opportunity to learn in a way that takes full advantage of the latest research on how we all learn.

 

Students accepted in this program spend up to 80 minutes a day over and above their regular language arts time.  Time is taken from other classes other than in the core subject areas; students participating in this program miss Exploratories, Academic Option, Sports for Life, and Health for at least half of the school year.

 

During these classes of intensive reading instruction, students focus on vocabulary development, based on Dr. Bruce Joyce’s Picture Word Inductive Model as well as reading and writing activities.  The group of teachers and educational assistants work with a Read to Succeed cadre of teachers throughout the year to enhance their ability to implement this Inductive Models of teaching approach.

 

Once in the program, the teacher monitors and assesses the students regularly to see how they are progressing.  Students remain in the program until they are able to read the resource materials at their grade level or until it is determined that a more specialized program is needed.  Students should not have to spend more than five months in the program to be at grade level if they are presently reading at one or two years below their present grade.

 

Since class size is limited, some students may have to wait until there is room for them.  Grade six students will be given the first priority since it is their last chance to improve their reading level before moving to a different style of curriculum.  The number of reading levels below grade level will also be taken into account.

 

This program is not mandatory and parent permission is required before any student can take advantage of this opportunity.  Teachers will screen their students and parents of students who are recognized as potential candidates will be contacted by letter or phone call in October.