Sometimes it takes a different approach to a problem in order to come up with a solution. When it comes to children that are having reading difficulties, it takes a special person and approach to the problem in order to get them to engage. Without reading, they are destined to leave school with very low grades and very limited options for the future.
Debbie Valette is that person and Catalyst Exhibits has been sponsoring her unique reading program at the Centennial Middle school in Boulder, Colorado. Debbie’s been in touch to let us know just how well her struggling readers have been doing in recent months.
“So, it’s been a great year. According to the latest Galileo Assessment that my students took, they are all growing as readers. Their improvement this year has varied (depending on the student) from one grade level to almost three grade levels of growth.
I attribute their growth to the following research-based practices that I am using in the classroom:
I give my students substantial periods of time to read in class, and I require that they read 30 minutes a day outside of class. I run an afterschool class for kids who are unlikely to read at home. (Catalyst cash has provided snacks for that afterschool program at times throughout the year.) Kids need to READ to improve at reading. Simple, but true!”
“My classroom is filled with books at different levels. Most of kids’ reading is “choice” reading, and they have a ton of appropriate books to choose from. With the grant that I receive from Catalyst, I am able to have a constant stream of new books available for my kids–high interest and at their levels.
I model oral reading for my students. During read-alouds, kids learn how to read fluently: with accuracy and the appropriate speed, phrasing, and intonation. We also spend a great deal of time talking thoughtfully about what I’m reading.
We work on fluency during class time, as well. Fluency is an indicator of success in reading. It is an essential skill for struggling readers. With the grant money that Catalyst donates in the future, I hope to be able to purchase a class set of recorders so kids can record themselves and work on meeting fluency standards. It’s important that kids hear themselves improving with repeated readings. Highly motivating!”
We’ll have more from Debbie and her super-readers next week.
