Why M.O.R.E. is better! The Action Plan for the Mentoring in Ohio for Reading Excellence Program at Elmwood Local Schools at Elmwood Local Schools December 15, 2007

Need M.O.R.E. details…?  Project MORE is a mentoring program utilizing trained volunteers to work one-on-one with students in grades 1 st -4 th with disabilities  Set-up = Each student receives:  30 minutes of instruction daily  4 days a week  1:1 instruction by trained mentors

M: Modeling M: Modeling O: One-on-One O: One-on-One R: Results R: Results E: Efficient E: Efficient

M.O.R.E. Details continued…  Project MORE is serving:  13 First Grade Title Students  15 IEP Students (1 First, 3 Second, 7 Third, 4 Fourth)  Project MORE uses:  10 High School Students as Tutors  28 Middle School Students (7) 6th graders, (9) 7th graders (12) 8th graders  10 BGSU Students  7 Community Members  55 Tutors in all

M: Modeling  Tutors model reading for the students

O: One-on-One  Each student receives one-on-one training in 30 minute increments, 4 days/week  Students are instructed by trained mentors  This builds self esteem for students and prevents the intimidation often felt by students in large group settings  Builds partnerships between schools and community members

O: One-on-One continued…

R: Results  Students show significant progress in oral reading fluency using Pre & Post DIBELS test scores  Students make substantial reading fluency gains within 6 months or less  The program reduces the achievement gap between students with/without disabilities  The program provides resourceful data for intervention teams so they may utilize the information during any IAT, MFE, and IEP processes

R: Results continued…  100% of our PM students have moved up at least one reading level  Over 90% have moved 2 or 3 levels in just the 3 months we have been in school  One autism student has progressed 5 reading levels  Two IEP students are almost at grade level now  The goal is to raise reading levels and test scores AND maintain those results  Testing schedule: Pre 9/07 Mid Yr 1/08 Post 5/08

R: Results continued…  4th grade teacher said, "I noticed a difference in my student's reading after just 2 weeks in the program.”  MS Parent said, "My daughter loves to tutor in your program so much that she looks forward to coming to school now! Her brother is going to sign-up next semester.”  Special Needs Teacher, "I can definitely see a difference in my kids that come to your program!”

R: Results continued…  School Psychologist, "I want to sit down with you and discuss how I can use your data for our IAT meetings. It's good information!”  Parent, "If my child ever has to exit your program, then I will tutor him at home using the same materials because I see a big difference in his reading this year!”  Student in Project MORE said, "I want to come to tutoring today instead of attending my Halloween Party!"

E: Efficient  Project MORE is so affordable that the school district can continue with the program under $ !  Budget:  License = $500  Supplies = $2000  Mentor gifts/dinner = $1000  Conferences Inkind (To be paid by teacher PD Acct) TOTAL = $3500  $1.00 per hour of tutoring

E: Efficiency continued…  Also provides community service opportunities and fulfills course requirements for university students

Sharing the Success  Hopefully other districts can share in our success too!  Upcoming Presentation: Elmwood School Board Meeting April 7, 2008 at 7:00 PM 7650 Jerry City Road Bloomdale, Ohio Jerry City Road Bloomdale, Ohio In Auditeria

Actual Program Participants

And participants…

Still MORE Participants!

So just why is M.O.R.E. better? From low overhead and low cost, to low reading scores lost… The tutors who share both patience and care… The students who learn how to read and succeed… Through the use of tools already present in schools… Students that gain reading skills, down to the letter, just illustrates why… M.O.R.E. is better!

The End Created by the Elmwood Elementary M.O.R.E. Coordinator, KoAnn Rutter