WOODLAWN - A report on improving reading levels among 7th and 8th grade students provoked an in-depth discussion on teaching methods by the Woodlawn School Board during its regular monthly meeting Monday night.Meanwhile, the school board also approved buying a new tractor for the campus, heard an update on district projects from Superintendent Dr. Kevin Hancock, and approved contracts for certified and classified staff.With Woodlawn High School Principal T.J. Hill not yet at the meeting, Hancock presented Hill’s monthly academic report that focused on the improvements that 7th and 8th graders have been making on their reading levels.Hancock said testing throughout the year tracks the progress each student is making. While there was one student who had shown no progress, Hancock said the 7th grade as a whole averaged about two grade levels of improvement in reading over the school year. Meanwhile, the 8th grade averaged about 0.5 to 0.6 grade level of improvement. He said one student had improved 4.8 grade levels.That report sparked a conversation between Hancock, Woodlawn Elementary Principal Heather Cox and the school board about the teaching strategies that are being used.Cox explained that the program uses assessment testing to establish a baseline for each student at the beginning of the year and the subsequent testing shows what progress, if any, is being made through the strategies.Specifically, Cox said the data collected from those tests allows them to identify the “gaps” where each student needs improvement. “It’s really working,” she said, noting that the same program used in the high school is also used in the elementary. “The kids that are using that program are seeing some real progress.”Cox discussed how reading and vocabulary levels are tied to together, and how students are not hearing enough “vocal” reading. She said she is considering fitting more time for reading out loud duri...
To access content, please login or purchase a subscription.