After discussing the middle school challenges with the principal, we decided to turn the focus on increasing low reading test scores. I proceeded to collect data concerning the trend of low reading test scores. I also collected data of low reading test scores effect on the Title I Reading program. The state testing data collected contains information for the past ten years. Since this is my second year as the middle school reading specialist, the Title I Reading data collected contains information from the past two years. This information helps determine the instructional program appropriate to implement in the middle school.
Data Collection
After several discussions with the principal about low reading test scores and its …show more content…
The program helps ensure all students meet challenging state academic standards in reading and mathematics. The program provides high quality instruction using comprehensive reform strategies and methods based on current research. A highly qualified reading or math specialist works with qualified students to ensure student success.
Students qualify for Title I services by meeting certain criteria. One criteria focuses on low assessment scores on Literacy First, OCCT, SuccessMaker, and other assessments of student skill and knowledge in the appropriate subject are. Another criterion focuses on the recommendation by previous or current reading or mathematics teacher based on student struggles with completion of classwork assignments in a timely manner, difficulty understanding new concepts or relating new concepts to previously learned skills, and/or the inability to retain skill ability as evidenced through low test scores and other comprehensive activities. Other areas of criteria focuses on parent request, data results, class rank, and Title I reading and math …show more content…
Previous reading scores show a huge drop in the 2009 scores and a trend of low scores followed since then. This data sparked concern with teachers and administrators. The middle school principal and faculty speaks of the concern and ways to improve the scores in monthly meetings. The group decided to work together and focus on student achievement in testing.
Due to the released reading scores, reading classes with the reading specialist show an increase in number of students. Reading classes with the reading specialist almost doubled between the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school years. This information proves changes need implemented in the reading specialist classes and expand to the English classes in order to show progress in reading scores. The program I plan to implement focuses on a reading curriculum enriched in differentiated instruction to increase reading test