Students overcome reading struggles with innovative support program

In a recent government meeting, educators from Tonicoi Intermediate School shared significant progress in literacy improvement among struggling students. The school has implemented a tiered support system, focusing on personalized literacy goals and intensive remediation for students who are two or more years below grade level. This initiative has resulted in the creation of seven support classes, alongside professional development for teachers and the adoption of a vetted reading program.

The data presented highlighted a notable increase in student performance, with a reported 9% growth translating to 73 students who are now meeting grade-level expectations. The reading specialist emphasized the importance of phonics instruction, fluency practice, and reading comprehension, noting that students in Tier 3 support classes showed remarkable progress, nearing a year’s growth in just four months.

Students shared their personal experiences, expressing feelings of inadequacy and frustration as struggling readers, but also joy and pride in their newfound abilities. One student remarked on the transformation from feeling \"stupid\" to recognizing their improvement and success in reading.

The meeting also addressed logistical matters, including the approval of a summer seal contract for parking lot maintenance, with Holbrook Asphalt selected for the job at a cost of $326,271.87. The board discussed the importance of regular maintenance to prolong the life of school facilities.

Additionally, a proposal was made to include medical professionals as guest speakers for the fifth-grade maturation program, aiming to provide a more comfortable environment for male students, as current school nurses are all female.

Overall, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts within the school community to enhance literacy and address student needs while also managing essential operational tasks.