The programs being recognized demonstrate that all children are given effective instruction to help them meet the state's challenging academic standards. Thirty-three states, Puerto Rico and the Bureau of Indian Affairs submitted schools for recognition. Joe Johnson, director of the federal Title I Program, presented the awards today in New Orleans during the annual meeting of the International Reading Association. As a schoolwide project, the school moved away from remediation for under-achieving students to higher expectations for all. The school continuously assesses student performance, immediately adapts instruction and utilizes an intervention plan at each grade level.
Teachers are well informed about current research and design interventions accordingly.
In kindergarten, teachers focus on phonemic awareness and phonics, shared and guided reading, and writing. Collaboration with the University of Montevallo and strong community involvement enhance the school's efforts. At Arizona's Gila Crossing Community School on the Gila River Indian Reservation, innovative administrators instill high expectations in students, staff, parents and community members. The school examines each student's individual needs and works to help all students reach state academic standards. Research-based instruction, family literacy, partnerships with business and higher education, and blending the community's culture and values into instruction have all helped to dramatically raise student achievement in reading and mathematics.