Growing Proficient Readers

Growing Proficient ReadersMrs. Nicole Breaux, MS, NBCTMrs. Leslie Harrelson, MS, NBCT

J. O. Kelly Middle SchoolSpringdale Public SchoolsSpringdale, Arkansas

SPRINGDALE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Funding provided by a grant from

Purpose:• Improve Reading Fluency(Target rate: 160+ correct words per minute)• Increase Vocabulary(Goal: 1.8 million words by end of 6th grade)• Improve Reading Comprehension• Build Confidence

Rationale: A strong correlation exists between fluency and reading comprehension.

Struggling readers read so few words during their instructional and independent reading time that the gap between them and their peers continually widens.

Struggling readers need a safe, structured, and highly motivating opportunity to engage in reading on a daily basis.

ProcedureStudents

choose a book at their “just right” level.

Cold Readings are tracked.Students read for one minute, then subtracttheir errors from the

total number of. words read.This formula identifies the number of

correct words per minute (cwpm).

Students read with a model.CDs are used to model fluentreading for students.

Students practice oral reading multiple times.

The hot readinggoal is 160+

correct words per minute

(cwpm)

They record their hot readings.

Bar Graphs givestudents immediate

visual feedbackand encourageaccountability.

visual

They check for comprehension.

Using text-basedevidence is alarge part ofCommon Coreexpectations.

Goal 1: Reduce number of students who are not proficient in literacy by improving reading fluency.

This student practices one-minute timed readingsto increase the number of correct words per minute.

Goal 2: Individual student growth

As students complete each One Minute Reader, they individually conference with the teacher

to discuss progress and analyze strengths

and needs.“Glows and Grows”

Goal 3: Meeting multiple needsThese students work on fluencyas well as comprehensionduring a classtraining session.

Results: Overall ImprovementAs students monitortheir own progress,

they become authenticlearners, set high expectations, and plan for success.

Many thanks to:Springdale Public Schools Education Foundation

J. O. Kelly Middle School AdministrationMrs. Anita Pope, co-teacher and photographer

Mrs. Sharon Lloyd, co-teacherKelly Knights featuredJ. O. Kelly Middle School Parents