In an effort to reverse some downward trends in literacy at both Edgewood and Burton Elementary Schools, staff and parents have helped organize a new school growth plan.
With input from the parent advisory council, the teachers’ rep and vice-principal/teacher Sally McLean, the plan is aimed at improving the kids’ reading of non-fiction text and understanding it.
This is the first and only announced goal at this point, but the importance of this goal is outlined in the plan submitted to the school district #10 board.
It reads: “In May of 2009, 76 per cent of students in grades one and two were fully meeting or exceeding expectations in reading fluency. By May of 2010, this had dropped to 71 per cent.”
The new goal will push teachers and parents to teach their students how to properly read non-fiction text and absorb it. This will be done with new training for the vice-principal and teachers, such as sending them to applicable conferences.
The plan also asks for print resources for the teachers to help with literacy.
The school board took in the school growth plan for information and commended the work.
Board chair Patti Adam told the Arrow Lakes News this plan sounds like the perfect way to raise the literacy level to way above its current level, especially with the personal attention the children get at those schools.
“We’re fortunate we have small schools to base these plans on specific children,” she said.
The plan was given the seal of approval from the PAC, school staff and the principal.
More information will be printed when it becomes available.