PROCESS TO PROGRESS Reading First at MCS

8 Critical Reading First Elements 1. Systematic and explicit instruction using an approved Scientifically Based Reading Research core reading program, in the five essential components of reading: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, Comprehension 2. A daily uninterrupted 90 minute reading instructional block. 3. Screening, progress monitoring and outcome assessment for all students.

4. Additional 30+ minutes of daily targeted intervention for students below level. 5. Professional development in scientifically based reading instruction for all teachers: New York State Reading Academy coursework. 6. Coaching model or Building Coach to facilitate grade level team meetings, review and analyze data and support teachers in differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all students. 7. Oversight, ongoing data review and classroom walkthroughs by Building Principals. 8. Reporting student achievement data per state requirements.

1. SBRR Core Reading Program Harcourt Trophies reading program and all of the program necessities were purchased in 2004 and have been subsequently replenished through Reading program training commenced in June, July and October of Additional training led by Harcourt representatives has continued through Currently, new teacher training and troubleshooting is led by the Building Coach.

2. Uninterrupted 90 Minute Reading Block Uninterrupted block established by principal in Principal works with Guidance office to protect reading block. School-wide assistance keeps this time slot free from outside distractions. Instructional block is respected and events are scheduled around this time whenever possible.

3. Assessment All students K-3 are assessed with Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) in September, January and May. All students identified as Intense need are given DIBELS every two weeks to monitor progress. Those identified with Strategic need are given DIBELS every four weeks to monitor progress. All students in grades 1-3 are given the Terra Nova exam in June which measures word analysis, vocabulary and comprehension.

Defining DIBELS The Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) is a formative early literacy assessment. It is used to screen for whether students are at risk of reading difficulty, and to monitor student progress and guide instruction. DIBELS is an approach to assessment that uses brief, timed measures to track student growth over time.

The DIBELS comprise a developmental sequence of one- minute measures: recognizing initial sounds, naming the letters of the alphabet, segmenting the phonemes in a word, reading nonsense words, and oral reading of a passage. The measures assess phonological awareness, the alphabetic principle, and accuracy and fluency in reading connected text. Each measure has been researched and demonstrated to be a reliable and valid indicator of early literacy development. DIBELS results can be used to evaluate individual student development, as well as to provide feedback on effectiveness of instruction.

4. Additional 30+ Minutes of Instruction Based on screening assessment scores, all teachers are involved in an Assessment Team Meeting with the coach to evaluated current data. Each student is discussed to identify strengths and needs for instruction. All students are grouped into a specific program for an additional 30 minutes of tiered reading instruction daily. Coach visits classrooms and teachers meet with coach monthly to support instruction.

30 Minutes Additional Instruction GROUPSTUDENTSPROGRAMTEACHERTIME 2A P.H. C.A. J.T. E.M. Intense (Aldrich) Folino CORE Daily Push-in 9:40-10:10 2B T.P. C.P Intense (Miller) Lake CORE Daily Push-in 9:40-10:10 2C C.P T.P. J.T. C.A. Early Success Level 2 &Phonics Lake Walk to Read Daily Pull-out 12:45-1:15 2D P.H. A.R. E.M. J.Y. Fluency Kit & PhonicsFolino Walk to Read Daily Pull-out 12:45-1:15 2E C.D. N.F. H.M. G.P. Guided Reading & Writing Miller Walk to Read Daily Pull-out 12:45-1:15 2F L.E. J.M. H.T. S.J. J. T. R.Y. C.C. K.S. Comprehension Kit & Writing Evans Walk to Read Daily Pull-out 12:45-1:15 2G E.B. L.W. C.J. B.T. M.M. R.C. C.L. J.H. Novels & Writing~ Literature Circles Aldrich Walk to Read Daily Pull-out 12:45-1:15

5. New York State Reading Academy In , nineteen K-4 teachers completed the NYS Reading Academy with 80 hours of professional development. Since 2005, all new teachers and teacher assistants have completed the NYS Reading Academy. Six teachers in Grades 2 &3 completed Part 2 (50 hours) of the Reading Academy as required, during the school year.

5. Professional Development in SBRR In the school year, teachers participated in a Professional Book Study Group, led by the Reading coach, completing 30 hours of professional development. In-house trainings were also held by the RSSC as well as the Reading Coach on Early Release days. In the school year, as funds decreased, teachers attended regional trainings related to Reading First. In-house trainings continue with the Reading Coach and RSSC.

6. Coaching Model Building Coach runs monthly grade level meetings where specific grade level concerns are addressed. All assessments and data management are coordinated by the Building coach. Assessment team meetings are facilitated by the Reading Coach. The Reading Coach visits or models lessons in all K-3 classrooms and Intervention rooms once a month. Teachers meet with the coach individually at least once a month and as needed when concerns arise.

7. Data Review The Principal reviews all current data and attends Assessment Team Meetings to offer advice and provide administrative support. The Principal visits classrooms regularly to oversee the implementation of Reading First guidelines. The Principal assists in planning of professional development and frequently attends sessions.

8. Data Reporting From , the grant supported a Data Coordinator. Since 2007, duties have been shared among the Building Coach, District Coordinator, and BOCES. A quarterly District Status Report is completed by the District Coordinator. A quarterly Building Coach Status Report is completed by the Building Coach.

EOY Kindergarten Data

EOY Grade 1 Data

EOY Grade 2 Data

EOY Grade 3 Data

A Look Inside the Classrooms Grade by grade samples of the 90 minute reading block. Whole group heterogeneous instruction (30 minutes) Small group homogeneous instruction (60 minutes) Interactive center activities (while teacher works with small group). 30 additional minutes of reading at level during Walk to Read. Materials purchased by grant. Summer School Professional development

Video- Inside Reading First Classrooms