Thursday, January 27, 2011

Using S.P.I.R.E. for reading intervention

Our district has decided to begin using S.P.I.R.E. for reading intervention.  Each school has arranged a master schedule so that each grade level has an intervention block.  Every child in the district receives a universal screening in the area of reading three times a year.  After the screening, the children are ranked according to their score.  The children who are in greatest need receive intervention from academic interventionists.  The remaining children participate in intervention or enrichment groups with the classroom teachers.

S.P.I.R.E. stands for Specialized Program Individualizing Reading Excellence.  It is a multisensory systematic reading program for students who are struggling with reading.  It begins with the PreK level and reaches up to the 8th grade.  S.P.I.R.E has been used across the United States with good success.  It covers the five areas of reading recommended by the National Reading Panel; Phonological Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Comprehension, and Vocabulary.  It can include (if purchased) an initial placement assessment. This program incorporates best practices in reading instruction.

What research-based reading intervention programs does your school system use?  Have you found it to be successful?  We are just beginning our journey but are excited at the possibilities.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Emphasize the Importance of Reading

  • Parents who read usually have children who read.
  • Reduce TV viewing and video game time, and increase reading time.
  • Set aside a time each day when you and your child will read.
  • Read aloud to your child.  Reading with expression shows a child that you love books and that you enjoy reading to them.
  • Share what you have read with your child, and ask your child to do the same.