The main focus of the program is addressing the needs of young readers in grades Kindergarten through fourth whose scores on reading screening devices indicate a need for early intervention. Reading screening tools are also administered at various times in the year to monitor student improvement. Students targeted for support will receive instruction in small groups, individually, or within the classroom setting.

The Reading Improvement Program

The Reading Improvement Program involves a remedial intervention model. The model focuses on developing emergent reading skills, particularly phonemic awareness, and is an extension of the work of Roland Good from the University of Oregon. The emergent reader model includes implementing phonemic awareness instruction for Kindergarten and targeted first and second grade students in small group settings or through whole classroom presentations. Additionally, the model provides for pull out of the classroom for a specific program of instruction. The session involves reading and rereading books, word study, and writing. Both of these intervention models have demonstrated that they are effective in helping young children who are struggling improve their reading and writing. While remedial reading intevention is available in third and fourth grade, a special education referral may be indicated.

Reading Services Teachers (RST) and Reading Teacher Assistants (RTA)

The role of these teachers includes:

• providing direct reading instruction to certain Kindergarten through fourth grade students in an individual or small group setting. This instruction is in addition to, not in place of, classroom instruction from the classroom teacher
• coteaching and collaborating with classroom teachers to support struggling readers. For example, RSTs or RTAs may go into a general education classroom and work with a selected group of students to improve phonemic awareness, while the classroom teacher works with other students.
• conducting a parent night on reading.
• acting as a resource on reading methods and theory for parents, administrators, teachers.

If you have questions about the program, please contact Dr. Susan Kick, e-mail address kicks@wilmette39.org, 847-251-6754 x 6200 or the Reading Services Teacher at your child's school.