PSS holds reading academy for teachers
Some 150 Public School System teachers for 4th to 6th grade are currently undergoing a four-day reading academy in efforts to improve the reading level of their students.
PSS language arts and assessment program coordinator Stephen Smith said yesterday the workshop aims to train teachers on scientifically proven methods and strategies in teaching reading to all types of students.
In particular, the training aims to equip the teachers on how to handle non-English speaking students, struggling readers, and gifted students.
The workshop, which is being conducted at Aqua Resort Club, offers three different sessions for 4th grade teachers, 5th grade teachers, and 6th grade teachers.
Smith said the academy is part of the No Child Left Behind program.
He said PSS is confident the reading program, called supported reading academy, which caters to upper grade students, would be as successful as the Reading First Initiative, which is being offered to lower grades—1st to 3rd grade.
“We’re very confident that this will also be successful,” he said.
Recent assessments showed that many students who graduate from elementary have a reading level of a second grade or even below.
A reading assessment conducted by Hopwood Junior High School this year showed that most of its students—primarily PSS graduates—read below their grade level.
Records showed that in school year 2002-2003, 93 percent of 7th grade students read below 7th grade level, with the average reader at 3rd grade level, and more at 2nd and 4th grade levels.
But this group’s reading ability has improved immensely in a matter of one year using the HJHS’ STAR reading program.
When they were tested recently, HJHS average readers in 8th grade are now at 5th grade level.
Overall, the assessment reflected a significant 11 percent improvement in student grade placement.
HJHS data showed that from 17 students last year, there are now six who read below 2nd grade level, 34 students who read at 2nd grade level (from 65 last year), 68 reading at 3rd grade level (from 93 last year), and 72 reading at 4th grade level (from 85 last year).
From 79 students in 5th grade level, it rose this year to 86; from 23 students in 6th level, it is now 61 students; and from 28 students reading at 7th grade level, the figure has increased to 70.
