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Just Read, Florida!
Just Read, Florida!  |
325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1548 ·
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 ·
Phone: (850) 245-0503 ·
Fax: (850) 245-9530
News Items
Nonprofit awards educators for spreading literacy
An organization trying to improve reading skills in pre-kindergartners named a director of Malena's Mini School as its first Appleseed preschool teacher of the year.
Pamela Broughton, a director for the school, received the award Wednesday from the nonprofit known as ECARE, an acronym for Every Child a Reader in Escambia.
6/25/2009
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Florida Department of Education Releases Summer Reading List
In celebration of World Environment Day, the Florida Department of Education (DOE) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced a recommended summer reading list that promotes the beauty and adventure found in many of Florida’s natural wonders. Selections in the list provide a focus on Florida’s State Parks but also offer information about other unique ecological se...
6/10/2009
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FSU Students Help South-Side Children Boost Reading Skills
6/5/2009
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FCAT scores up again statewide
More Florida students than ever are reading and doing math at grade level, according to FCAT results released Thursday. The state''s students are also doing better in science, though fewer than half were proficient on that section of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test this year. Statewide, the percentage of students reading at grade level is up 14points since 2001
5/29/2009
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FBMS teacher 'makes history'
Fernandina Beach Middle School teacher Renee Thompson "made history" Tuesday when she was named the 2009 Just Read, Florida! Middle School Reading Teacher of the Year.
Thompson, who has been teaching reading to middle school students for 10 years, knew she was in the running for the award, but when she learned - at a surprise
ceremony held Tuesday afternoon - that she'd been named the teacher of the year for the entire state, she was shocked.
Thompson, who teaches eighth-grade students at FBMS, said the process started in January, when FBMS Principal John Mazzella nominated her for the award.
"I was chosen by the county for the Nassau County reading teacher, my name went to the state, and I knew I was a regional finalist ... and then the regional winner," Thompson said in a phone interview following her award. "I had a phone interview with people from Tallahassee ... I really wasn't even aware of the magnitude (of the award)."
5/21/2009
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Immokalee teacher named state Elementary Reading Coach of the Year
OLLIER COUNTY — Last weekend, Kathy Christensen’s husband bragged to friends that his wife was one of the regional reading coaches of the year for the state of Florida.
Wednesday, he had something else to brag about.
Christensen, the reading coach at Village Oaks Elementary School in Immokalee, was named the Just Read, Florida! Elementary Reading Coach of the Year during a surprise presentation on the school’s morning announcements Wednesday.
“Oh my goodness,” Christensen said as she covered her face with her hands.
5/21/2009
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Orange River Elementary reading teacher wins state award
Elvira Couret-Padron, a fourth-grade teacher at Orange River Elementary School in Fort Myers, was recognized today as the state elementary teacher of the year in the “Just Read, Florida!” program.
Couret-Padron, 30, learned of her honor during a surprise visit to the school by Evan Lefsky, executive director of the program.
“There are thousands and thousands of teachers who teach reading in elementary schools every day,” said Couret-Padron, who is in her fourth year at Orange River and her seventh year in Lee County schools.
5/21/2009
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Atlantic principal wins honor
By LINDA TRIMBLE
Education writer
PORT ORANGE -- Atlantic High School Principal Ron Pagano was named Florida's "High School Literacy Leader of the Year" on Friday.
The annual award honors educators at the elementary, middle and high school levels for excellence in literacy education and contributions to the continuous improvement of their schools.
Evan Lefsky, executive director of a statewide reading initiative known as Just Read, Florida!, visited Atlantic on Friday afternoon to present the award to Pagano in a surprise ceremony.
Pagano received $500 for himself and another $500 for his school.
5/20/2009
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Bay District Receives Two Prestigious State-Wide Awards
The executive director of "Just Read! Florida" made a surprise visit to Patronis Elementary this afternoon, delivering the news that the elementary reading leadership team was named Team of the Year for the entire state. They received a one-thousand dollar check from the Department of Education.
In addition, Bay District School's Executive Director of Curriculum and Instructional Services, Lendy Willis, was named District Leader of the Year.
5/15/2009
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A doggone good reading program
ENGLEWOOD -- Pet therapy dogs are helping struggling young readers overcome the stress and stigma of under performing in the first of the Three Rs, local educators and animal workers say.
The Englewood-based Suncoast Humane Society has 32 teams of trained therapy dogs and handlers that visit area schools, libraries, assisted living facilities and private homes, bringing furry joy to scores of appreciative fans.
Best of all, it's free.
On the second Monday of each month, dog-and-person teams show up at the Elsie Quirk Library so children can read to tail-wagging acclaim in an environment free of criticism.
"They sit there and read and the dogs sit there and listen and they all pet the dogs," said Cris Walton, the senior youth librarian at Elsie Quirk.
5/11/2009
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Governor Crist unveils new reading technology for Florida's students and their teachers
TALLAHASSE, FL Governor Charlie Crist recently joined Commissioner of Education Dr. Eric J. Smith and President of AT&T in Florida Marshall Criser, III, at Hartsfield Elementary to unveil a new statewide reading assessment system aimed at bolstering the reading success of all Florida students.
5/8/2009
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Fifth-grader reaps rewards from reading
Avid reader Lydia Lloyd, 11, recently learned a Big Lesson: Reading pays. A fan of series such as Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, Lydia took to a new multimedia series of mystery books released from Scholastic last year. "The 39 Clues" includes 10 books, three of which are now out, as well as online puzzles, games, competitions and prizes. Lydia entered an online game sweepstakes and won $100.
5/7/2009
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Kids Improve in Reading, Math
WASHINGTON | Kids are making strides in reading and math, though progress in math seems stalled among high school students, according to a federal report that tracked test scores going back to the 1970s. The scores come from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, considered the benchmark of how students perform across the country.
4/30/2009
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St. Lucie County teachers who put high value on reading are rewarded
The Dan McCarty Middle School literacy team and one reading coach from Port St. Lucie High School were nominated in the Florida Department of Education's 2009 Just Read, Florida! Leader Awards program.
The program acknowledges the efforts of statewide educators in promoting literacy.
4/30/2009
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Crist unveils new reading assessment system at Hartsfield Elementary School today
A new state-wide system will be unveiled today, and it's meant to help teachers quickly identify strengths and weaknesses when it comes to a child's reading ability.
4/28/2009
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State introduces Web-based reading aid
The Florida Department of Education unveiled a new reading assessment program Monday intended to use Web-based technology to quickly identify a student''s strengths and weaknesses in reading.
The program will be funded in part by a $525,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation. Laptop computers with special software will track the progress of students in kindergarten through second grade in a series of reading exercises. The software allows teachers to better target their reading instruction.
The pilot effort will be available in select schools in April and May, and statewide this fall.
4/28/2009
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State to implement Manatee-piloted reading test
The Florida Department of Education unveiled a new reading assessment program Monday intended to use web-based technology to quickly identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses in reading.
The program was piloted at four Manatee County schools this school year.
The program will be funded in part by a $525,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation. Gov. Charlie Crist and Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith accepted the money from Florida AT&T President Marshall Criser III at a Tallahassee elementary school.
4/28/2009
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D.E.A.R. Dr. Seuss Day at Goldsboro Elementary School
D.E.A.R. Dr. Seuss Day at Goldsboro Elementary School
On March 31, 2009 Goldsboro Elementary in Sanford celebrated Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Dr. Seuss Day. Goldsboro Elementary parents were asked to drop everything and spend time reading with their child from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. From 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Goldsboro had special guests from the community and from the Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) District Office come into the classrooms to read to the students.
Some of the special guests from the community were Sanford Mayor, Linda Kuhn; Seminole County Library Story Teller, Leslie O’Reilly; former Goldsboro Principal, Sherry O’Leary and former SCPS Board Member, Barry Gainer.
From the SCPS District Office were Superintendent, Dr. Bill Vogel; Elementary Education Directors, Beverly Perrault and Dr. Geraldine Wright; Coordinator, Choices Department, Pam Mazzotta and Elementary Reading Administrator, Debbie Warner.
4/10/2009
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Guest commentary: A teacher's primer on how to make better readers
Editor’s note: Kathy Christensen of Estero, the reading coach at Village Oaks Elementary School in Immokalee, has been named a regional finalist for this year’s Just Read Florida! Elementary Reading Coach of the Year award. She was invited by the Daily News to write an essay on what parents and guardians can do to help children become better readers.
Parents and guardians often ask teachers how they can support their child’s reading development at home. This query is music to a teacher’s ears, as educators understand how important home support is for a child’s literacy development.
4/3/2009
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Retiring educator Grace Albritton has a few last words on teaching reading
The daughter of a teacher and a journalist, Grace Albritton arrived more than 40 years ago at Ballast Point Elementary School, where she taught children 9 to 11 years of age.
Working with students who struggled to read, she developed a lifelong interest in helping them master the needed life skill. She rose through the school district hierarchy, becoming supervisor of evaluation in 1989. Now retiring at age 67, she learned recently that a reading room will be named for her at West Tampa Elementary School. City Times talked with her this week.
4/3/2009
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Students honored for improvement in reading
The 2009 Reading Achievement Awards were given out Feb. 19 to recognize students chosen by individual school committees for significant reading improvement. The dinner and ceremony were held at Central High School. Here are the honored students:
Wende Bosset, Springstead High School; Cierra Woods, Nature Coast Technical High School; Omer Elfaituri, Hernando High School; and Charles Nunez, Central high School.
3/11/2009
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Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss
Here’s a day to take a stand
Or maybe read “Green Eggs and Ham.”
Or try “Fox in Socks”
If you want to learn what rocks.
What about “Horton Hears a Who”?
That’s a book for someone who knows what to do.
To take part in the show
Pick up “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”
Thinking please make this rhyme stop?
May I suggest trading it for “Hop on Pop”
And to dear Dr. Seuss
“Happy Birthday to You!”
3/10/2009
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Dr. Seuss gets his due
Sporting a long, black tail, a red-and-white striped hat and painted-on whiskers, Samantha McGill passed out a snack of green eggs Monday to students at Sea Park Elementary.
Missing was the ham.
"Budget cuts," McGill, the school's media specialist, deadpanned.
The Dr. Seuss-inspired festivities were held in honor of the nationwide event Read Across America. The 12th annual program is celebrated on or around March 2, the children's writer's birthday. Had he been alive, Dr. Seuss would have turned 105 Monday.
Educators and community members, including school board Chairman Robert Jordan, will take turns this week reading Dr. Seuss books to students at the Satellite Beach school.
Pat Keith, assistant media specialist, cooked up the green snack in honor of the popular children's book "Green Eggs and Ham." while McGill -- dressed as the Cat in the Hat -- lead students in different reading activities.
3/3/2009
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Celebration School K-8 -- Read Across America Day
The first Monday in March is "Read Across America Day." Students and adults at Celebration School can be caught reading at 9:30 a.m. on March 2. Classrooms have organized special events, such as third grade and kindergarten joining to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss.
Contact: Cheryl Cassano, Celebration K-8 -- 407 566-2300
2/27/2009
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Kissimmee Charter Academy – Advanced Reading Challenge
Kissimmee Charter Academy is looking for sponsors to help reward students who are participating in the “Advanced Reading Challenge.” Please contact Wendi Molina for more information about the challenge or if you would like to be a sponsor.
Contact: Wendi Molina, Kissimmee Charter Academy - 407-847-1400
2/27/2009
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LEARN ABOUT GRANTS & BUSH READING CELEBRATION FROM VOLUNTEER USA
In August 2001, I had the opportunity to join then-Governor Bush and Colin Powell to announce the Governor''s Mentoring Initiative in Florida.
When we first announced the Initiative, mentoring was hardly even a concept. No one knew the term "mentee" and there was no data. We frantically searched to learn about mentoring; California claimed to have 100,000 mentors, so without any idea on the number of mentors in the state, Governor Bush called for Florida to raise 200,000 mentors
2/27/2009
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Osceola Media Tip: Neptune Middle School - Jump Rope for Heart
Neptune Middle School’s physical education department will be participating in the Jump Rope for Heart fundraising activity sponsored by the American Heart Association. This is an educational program that teaches physical fitness and promotes the value of community service to students and their families. On Friday, February 27, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., each grade level will participate in 40 minute sessions by rotating to five different stations: Jump Rope for Heart, Shooting Hoops for Heart, Aerobics, Relays, and Hula Hoops. Students have been collecting donations for the American Heart Association for cardiac education and research.
Students in language arts and reading classes are taking part in a heart healthy lesson to compliment the Jump Rope for Heart activities sponsored by the PE department. The students studied vocabulary associated with heart health, learned how to keep accurate records of daily activities to measure heart health, spoke with the school nurse to learn more about their blood pressure, researched family history of heart disease and stroke, and wrote a final evaluation of their own current cardiovascular health and a prediction of what their cardiovascular health will be like later in life.
Contact: Judy Dunham, Neptune Middle School – 407-935-3500
2/27/2009
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Bushes help raise $1.4 million for literacy initiative
2/16/2009
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'Word Garden' aims to promote early reading
From now on, families served by the Early Learning Coalition can get a children's book before they go home, thanks to the first "Word Garden Children's Library."
A grand-opening ceremony was held Thursday at the agency's Family Service Center on John Knox Road. The goal is to help parents encourage children to read at an early age.
"This is a giving library, not a lending library," said Chris Duggan, the coalition's chief-executive officer. "We want the families to be able to walk away with them."
2/13/2009
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Teets, Wickham Take Top Honors In Teacher, School-Related Awards
News Release
Polk County Public Schools
Community Relations Department, (863) 534-0699
Teets, Wickham Take Top Honors In Teacher, School-Related Awards
(February 12, 2008) Ruth Teets, a reading teacher at Mulberry’s Purcell Elementary and Cindy Wickham, a foodservice manager at Lakeland’s Dixieland Elementary took top honors this evening at the Polk County Public Schools 2009 Teacher Of The Year and School-Related Employee Of The Year event held at The Lakeland Center.
Teets (rhymes with beets) was named 2009 Teacher Of The Year and Wickham (pronounced WICK-em) was named 2009 School-Related Employee Of The Year before more than 1,000 teachers, staff members, community members, event sponsors and guests. The School-Related award is for paraeducators, secretaries, maintenance, foodservice, transportation and others in support roles.
Teachers and school-related employees were nominated by their individual schools. Teets and Wickham, along with award finalists announced this evening, received cash awards and other prizes from event sponsors. In addition, MidFlorida Federal Credit Union, the event’s premiere sponsor, presented a 2009 Chevy Malibu to Teets.
Judges were representatives from local businesses and organizations and included former Teachers Of The Year and School-Related Employees Of The Year. They reviewed more than 300 nominee applications and did not know nominees’ identities or school where they work. Teacher and School-Related nominees completed an application with categories that included leadership and professional development activities, community and school involvement and teaching style.
Teets and Wickham will move on to compete for state Teacher Of The Year and state School-Related Employee Of The Year honors. Polk teachers have an outstanding streak going in the state Teacher of the Year event. Polk has had state finalists in three of the last five years--2004, 2005 and 2008--and five of the last 11 years –1998, 1999, 2004, 2005 and 2008. Polk had state Teachers Of The Year in 2005 (Samuel Bennett, Garner Elementary-Winter Haven) and 1981 (Beth Johnson, Kathleen High-Lakeland).
The Polk County Public Schools are the largest employer in Polk County with more than 13,000 employees. Nearly 7,300 are employed as teachers.
Ruth Teets profile:
Ruth has 22 years experience. She is considered a key member in her school improving the reading scores of its lowest performing students by 22 percentage points in one year. She effectively dives into data to determine a student’s strengths and weaknesses to form an action plan for improvement. For three consecutive years, Ruth has led presentations at the Just Read! Florida Leadership Conference for teachers, administrators and officials. She has special expertise with parent and family involvement. She organized parent workshops titled “Donuts for Dad and Muffins for Mom” that created an engaging atmosphere where parents learned how to assist their children with reading. Through her relentless parent contact and recruiting, she has held parent workshops with more than 500 in attendance.
Cindy Wickham profile
Cindy has 12 years experience. She is a highly decorated foodservice manager. She has won statewide quality awards for her dining room on four different occasions. Presentation of her school’s dining room and its meals are impeccable. Customer service is her daily agenda. She know students by name, what flavor of milk they prefer and their favorite fruit. She adds to the math curriculum by leading lessons on nutritional servings. Students learn about fractions and percentages based on servings. Students love the interaction making math come alive when she hosts these lessons in the dining room. Cindy will also visit classrooms and present lessons on the food pyramid. Cindy designates one week each month in her dining room as “Lunch And A Book” as students are encouraged to read a book with lunch.
Eight finalists for each award were announced during the evening prior to naming the winners.
Teets was named Teacher Of The Year from among the following finalist group:
Audrey Gelin, Boone Middle (Haines City)
Keli Keyes, Highland City Elementary
Barbara Langford, Alta Vista Elementary (Haines City)
Nicole Maassen, Bartow Middle
Wanda Miles, Garden Grove Elementary (Winter Haven)
Saralyn Smith, Kingsford Elementary (Mulberry)
Joan Turner, Westwood Middle (Winter Haven)
Wickham was named School-Related Employee Of The Year from among the following finalist group:
JoAnn Cassidy, Daniel Jenkins Academy of Technology (Haines City)
Sherry Gary, Lake Alfred Elementary
Layne Mayo, Kingsford Elementary (Mulberry)
Sunnie Parkins, Polk City Elementary
Jackie Prevatt, Bartow High/Bartow International Baccalaureate/Summerlin Academy
Claudia Sandoval del Valle, Purcell Elementary (Mulberry)
Angel Torres, East Area Adult School (Auburndale)
2/13/2009
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As students' reading scores rise, coaches are cut
At the height of the state's push to improve reading, more than 2,500 reading coaches worked in Florida schools.
But just when students' reading started to improve -- 60 percent read at grade level in 2008 compared with 50 percent in 2004 -- budget cuts may slash the number of reading coaches by more than half, leaving many schools without one.
2/10/2009
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Hickory Tree Elementary – Pajama Program
Scholastic Books has challenged all classrooms at Hickory Tree Elementary to read 100 books, and Ms. Simpson’s class met the challenge. By doing so, Scholastic has donated 100 books in their name to the Pajama Program. This program will be sending books and pajamas to children at the Roane County Family Health Care in Spencer, West Virginia. Roane County is in Appalachia, and is designated as an at-risk county with chronic unemployment and cultural barriers to effective education. Illiteracy in that area is a serious problem. By supplying these families with books, their children have a wonderful chance to enhance their education.
Contact: Cheryl McGhee, Hickory Tree Elementary – 407-891-3120
2/5/2009
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Neptune Middle School – Mysteries in the Middle
The exciting "whodunit" presentation called "Mysteries in the Middle" will be performed this Thursday evening, February 5, in the Neptune Middle School main cafeteria. All Neptune Middle School sixth grade students and their parents are invited to attend and help solve a mystery. This interactive event will feature many of the students' teachers. The show will begin at 6:00 p.m. Free refreshments will be provided.
Contact: Judy Dunham, Neptune Middle School – 407-935-3500
2/5/2009
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Tip: Reading on the Run
Eleven elementary schools -- Boggy Creek, Central, Chestnut, Cypress, Deerwood, Flora Ridge, Highlands, Kissimmee, Poinciana, Thacker and Ventura -- will have the opportunity to facilitate a new reading program called “Reading on the Run.” “Reading on the Run” was awarded $25,000 by the Disney Teacherrific Grant. The program is designed to help build kindergarten classroom libraries while providing materials for families to engage in positive learning at home. Each school will host a Reading Night for kindergarten parents, and provide information and the tools needed for parents to work with their child on reading skills at home. Kindergarten teachers will distribute the take-home materials to students on a rotating basis. Teachers will provide the guidelines for their classroom check-out procedure. Students will also learn the responsibilities of caring for the materials and returning them in the proper condition. Parent surveys and district monitoring will provide the necessary feedback to navigate the success of the program.
Contact: Trish O’Neill, Curriculum & Instruction – 407-870-4995
2/5/2009
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Tip: Zenith School – Reading Challenge
Students at Zenith will have the opportunity to participate in another “Race to Reading” Challenge soon. Students and staff will be encouraged to "get on the road to reading" by reading daily. Every ten pages that a student or staff reads will be equal to “one mile.” Students/staff will begin racing to the finish line to win the grand prize.
Contact: Delilah B. Phillips, Zenith School – 407-846-3976
2/5/2009
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Book ’em, Dano: Police officers read to local school kids
The Florida Department of Education recognized Celebrate Literacy Week on Jan. 12-16.
As part of the program, law enforcement officers across Florida volunteered to read to first graders and speak to them about the importance of reading in everyday life.
Holmes Beach Police Department Officer Brian Copeman participated by reading the children’s book “Police Officers” by Paulette Bourgeois to all first grade classes at Anna Maria Elementary.
His efforts added to those of 50 officers statewide who read to over 5,000 first graders during the week
2/4/2009
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DOE recommends reading list for black history month
TALLAHASSEE - In celebration of Black History Month this February, the Department of Education's Just Read, Florida! Office today released a recommended reading list which showcases a broad selection of African-American authors and their literary creations. Students and families across the state are encouraged to explore these selections during Black History Month and throughout the year in order to develop a greater understanding of the many contributions of African-American culture to our society.
"Reading is the basis of learning and serves as a continuing source of discovery throughout our lives," said Department of Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith. "This year's Black History Month reading list contains many inspirational selections that are sure to captivate readers of all ages."
To view this year's Black History Month Recommended Reading List, visit www.justreadflorida.org/BHM.asp. The reading list provides a wide variety of suggested books for students of all ages and grade levels. The Web site also offers tools for parents to help nurture a reading friendly environment at home. Resources available online include links to county and municipal public libraries, and tips for parents on reading with their children.
2/4/2009
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It's Not the Books That Are Dog-Eared
By Charity Corkey
loudounextra.com Staff Writer
Thursday, January 29, 2009; Page LZ03
Eight-year-old Gus stretched out on the floor of the Lovettsville library, and his large eyes seemed to be closely following the adventures of the boy detective Encyclopedia Brown. He sat for more than an hour as children read him stories.
Gus is a Saint Bernard, so it's hard to know what he took away from the experience. But for the children who participated in the Saturday afternoon session, the benefits were tangible.
The children are enrolled in a program called Paws to Read, which was introduced at the Purcellville library last summer and has since moved to the Lovettsville branch. The program aims to promote the self-confidence of young readers by having them practice the skill in front of a friendly, nonjudgmental dog, said Beth Weisman, media officer for the Loudoun County library system.
2/4/2009
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Reading marathon to benefit students with impaired vision, dyslexia
BOCA RATON - It's shortly after 10 a.m., as Barbara Zengage sits at a desk in a tiny soundproof recording booth and opens a book.
The digital recorder starts and she begins reading in a strong, clear voice.
It's been more than a year since the Boynton Beach woman began recording textbooks and other academic materials for students who cannot read standard print because of a disability.
She helps the nonprofit Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic because she loves reading and can't imagine not being able to enjoy the printed word whenever she likes.
2/4/2009
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Wee Read Events To Strengthen Early Literacy Skills For Osceola Youngsters
The Learning Coalition of Osceola County, the School District of Osceola County, and several private child care providers in Osceola County have teamed up to provide the Wee Read Early Literacy Program to help prepare young children in Osceola County for kindergarten. As part of the program, family fun literacy events called “Pajama Nights” and "Pajama Breakfasts" are being hosted at six private child care centers.
The Family Pajama Breakfasts are scheduled for the following centers:
--Kids Academy (2080 N. Michigan Avenue in Kissimmee) on January 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; and
--UCP (448 W. Donegan Avenue in Kissimmee) on January 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
The Pajama Nights are scheduled for the following centers:
--Shady Oaks (2355 N. Orange Blossom Trail in Kissimmee) on January 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
--Hansel and Gretel (4513 Neptune Road in St. Cloud) on January 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and
--Trinity Lutheran Preschool (3016 W. Vine St. in Kissimmee) on January 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 7: 30 p.m.
The Family Events will focus on strengthening early literacy skills in four- and five-year-old children while promoting family literacy activities at home. Invitations have been sent to parents and youngsters participating in the Wee Read Early Literacy Program at these six child care centers.
The events will feature a “Pajama” theme, beginning with a meal. The Wee Read Coach will present information on brain development and math skills showing parents techniques and strategies to help them play with their children in an affective way. Parents will receive materials from to use at home with their children.
“Belle,” a popular Disney character from Beauty and the Beast, will be a special guest to share in the love of reading. Sponsorship has been provided through Walt Disney World Co.’s community initiative “Disney's Helping Kids Shine,” and Disney Publishing Worldwide, which donated children’s books that will be given out to participating families. The event is also sponsored by Target, the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County Osceola County, and the School District of Osceola County.
1/23/2009
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Hernando students celebrate Literacy Week with tree frog tale
BROOKSVILLE
Gracie is a glass tree frog created by Hernando County authors Kathleen Hill and Thomas Sandusky. She was introduced to Eastside Elementary School children last week to help them celebrate Literacy Week. The authors went to the school to read their book, Gracie the Glass Tree Frog, and give the children a brief lesson about life in a South American rain forest.
1/21/2009
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"Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida" Kick Off
Today, the Department of Education and other literacy organizations kicked off their first-ever "Celebrate Literacy week, Florida."
The event was the first of several week-long festivities aimed at promoting literacy across the state of Florida and encouraging children and adults to read more often.
The Executive Director of "Just Read Florida" says they hope the week will inspire a love of reading across the state.
"I think really to instill a passion of literacy- that was one of the fundamental goals of Just Read Florida- to really make reading and literacy the priority of every citizen across the state of Florida," says Evan Lefsky.
Officials say elementary students in Florida have increased their FCAT reading scores from 50 percent passing the test in 2001 to
70 percent reading at grade level in 2008.
1/16/2009
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Officers show Lake Myrtle Elementary students another side of the law
LAND O'LAKES — The sight of 15 uniformed law enforcement officers gathered outside Lake Myrtle Elementary School on Thursday stirred some consternation among parents who were bringing their kids to school.
The alarm faded to smiles when the deputies explained they had come to read to students.
"This is just really exciting for us," said Cpl. Tami Roach, Lake Myrtle's school resource officer. "Anything we can do to connect with young people and show them the positive side of law enforcement."
1/16/2009
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State recognizes Escambia schools in reading
Escambia County is one of 13 school districts in the state recognized by the Florida Department of Education for being in the top 25 percent of Reading First districts.
These districts produced exceptional reading results in 2008, officials said.
Florida Reading First serves 570 schools in 45 districts.
1/16/2009
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Jackson Middle celebrates literacy
As part of the festivities arranged for Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!, the state’s 2009 Teacher of the Year Jean Lamar visited Jackson Middle. During her time at the school, she visited seven classes, read aloud to students and participated in reading and writing activities.
In Mary Boergers’ (seen at right in the photo) first-period class, Lamar read Faithful Elephants to sixth graders. During the last stage of World War II, Tokyo was often attacked from the air. At the city zoo, the keepers had to kill many of the animals for fear that they would run amuck in the town if the zoo was bombed directly. Faithful Elephants describes how three elephants died at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo at that time.
1/15/2009
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State recognizes Orange County Public Schools for gains in reading through Reading First program
The Just Read, Florida! Office of the state Department of Education recognizes Orange County Public Schools as one of 13 school districts in the state that has increased reading performance among districts that use the Reading First instructional model. The percentage of students in grades K-3 who are reading at or above their grade level has increased by 10.15%. The percentage of students who are reading below grade level has decreased by 9.17%. OCPS ranks in the top 25 percent of all Reading First districts in the state. This means OCPS has increased the percentage of students reading at or above grade level and reduced the percentage of students reading with serious reading difficulties at an exceptional rate, according to the state Department of Education. Reading First began as an executive order by Governor Jeb Bush in 2003 to assure that all students have an equal opportunity to learn to read at or above grade level. Using scientifically-based research and strategies, Reading First provides an instructional model that supports all students and professional learning for teachers in early literacy instruction. Students, teachers and staff from 11 elementary schools contributed to the success of OCPS in Reading First. They are Catalina, Engelwood, Hungerford, Lake Weston, Maxey, Orange Center, Pineloch, Rock Lake, Ventura, Washington Shores and Rolling Hills. Superintendent Ronald Blocker is invited to discuss the district’s winning strategy at a reception in Tallahassee during Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! on January 14, 2009.
1/8/2009
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Kindergarteners Show Growth In Early Learning
SEBRING - The number of Florida's kindergarteners showing early literacy skills reached its highest point to date and Highlands County scores improved on all three screening tests administered to kindergarteners.
The Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener (FLKRS) measures each kindergartener's readiness in seven areas, including: language and literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, social and personal skills, physical health and fitness and the creative arts.
12/30/2008
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Tutors help build kids' reading skills, confidence
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons are special for Carlos Zelaya, 14.
Instead of going home to play with his younger brothers, he has to stay two hours after school working with a tutor on his reading skills. Yet the mere mention of it puts a smile on the seventh-grader's face.
"I can read now," Carlos said. "And I am learning new words, and I am learning how to pass the FCAT."
The boy's tutor is provided by Intervention Services, a nonprofit group that works with children at risk in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard counties. The organization has benefited from the Orlando Sentinel Family Fund Holiday Campaign.
12/30/2008
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Program helps make reading easier for youngsters
For parents with children uncomfortable reading in front of people, maybe a four-legged friend can help.
The Humane Society of Broward County Click here for restaurant inspection reports's Wags & Tales program is aimed at motivating children to read aloud through the use of animal-assisted therapy dogs and their handlers.
The program started in 2000 with one library participating. Since then, it has expanded to 21 libraries across the county, plus several schools.
"This is a popular program among all the branches we have," said Vivian Colondres, youth services section supervisor of the Davie-Cooper City Branch Library.
12/24/2008
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Breakfast and a book at Deltona Elementary School
Deltona Elementary School parent educator Doris Tejada and reading coach Roseanne Johnson independently heard about a way to bring parents to school and encourage reading at home. It seemed like a good idea so they decided to implement it.
This is the second year the school has hosted (with help from the PTA) Muffins with Mommy and Doughnuts with Daddy. This year, the teachers hope to hold both events twice. "It gets them to come in and encourages family involvement," Tejada said.
12/23/2008
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Give The Gift Of Reading
TAMPA - When children get done decking the halls and tearing into toys, the state Department of Education recommends slipping them a book.
The agency has released its annual Holiday Book List to help parents choose holiday-themed reading material during the winter break.
The list offers suggestions for levels ranging from preschool to high school. The books cover a variety of holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan and Kwanzaa.
12/23/2008
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In forgotten corner, school shines light
MANATEE COUNTY - Samoset Elementary School Principal Scott Boyes tried the traditional methods of helping low-income students at his school succeed -- FCAT preparation, reading coaches, computer programs.
But he had limited success until one day he had an "ah-ha" moment.
12/23/2008
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Put me in coach, I’m ready to learn
If all of the subjects taught at Destin Middle School were a book, literacy coach Mary Peterson would be the spine holding the entire cluster together.
The little known role of a literacy coach within the school sheds light on how Destin students are taught today. The learning environment seems to have evolved from the “straight from the book” lessons of yesteryear.
Peterson is one of the myriad of literacy coaches in Okaloosa county that facilitate some of the top notch tactics that keep our schools on their ‘A’ game. Recently, she was voted as the middle school Literacy Coach of the Year within the district by her peers.
In a nutshell, her job is breaking down learning barriers through literacy.
12/23/2008
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Test flags students' need to prepare for college
Nearly 30,000 students took classes at Florida's community colleges last year but earned no credit for their work because they were in remedial courses, trying to master skills they should have learned in high school.
The price tag for all that remediation was $134 million, up from $129 million the year before, according to the Florida Department of Education.
High-school graduates unable to tackle college-level work, particularly in math, are not a new problem. For at least a decade, Florida educators and lawmakers have been bemoaning the scope and cost of remediation.
Now a new state law will take another stab at solving the problem.
12/23/2008
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Indiantown Middle School students get new books
INDIANTOWN — There are no due dates on the 3,600 brand-new books students took home from the school media center Wednesday.
Thanks to a national nonprofit organization and a group of local residents, the eight books each Indiantown Middle School student selected are for keeps.
“The books don’t go into a library, a school program or somebody’s office,” said Melissa Callaham, chair of First Book-Martin and St. Lucie Counties. “The kids get brand-new books and get to take them home.”
12/8/2008
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Program Offers FREE Resources to Support Reading and Writing
Program Offers FREE Resources to Support Reading and Writing
DELTONA — Deltona Middle School’s PTSA is sponsoring a Digital Text, “Cool Tech Tools,” presentation from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, in the cafeteria at Deltona Middle School, 250 Enterprise Road, Deltona.
Shari Hill, Technology specialist with Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) will demonstrate FREE software programs that parents can use at home to support reading and writing. These will include: text-to-speech programs, on-line libraries, Internet resources and WEB 2.0 tools.
The public is invited to this evening of learning, along with dinner and entertainment provided by the Deltona Middle School chorus.
For more information, please call Kathy Zeringue, reading coach at Deltona Middle School, at 386-575-4150, extension 43241.
-30-
Media Contact:
Nancy Wait, director of community information
(386) 734-7190, 255-6475 or 427-5223, extension 20230
Cell: (386) 822-2417
VOLUSIA COUNTY SCHOOLS
Post Office Box 2118
DeLand, Florida 32721-2118
12/8/2008
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Tutoring can sharpen kids' minds — and volunteers', too
Sam I am.
The genius of Dr. Seuss' words is lost in their simplicity.
Phonics. Rhymes. Words that almost read themselves. Wonderfully quirky tales that stick like Velcro in young minds.
12/8/2008
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Canine reading partners boost children's literacy
Cheryl Giebel-Peterson spread a red blanket over a children's ABC-patterned rug in the Navarre Library. With her knees to the cloth, she unzipped a fanny pack strapped around her waist. By the time she held out the treat in her palm, an unlikely reading group had formed: one adult, four children and a dog.
11/5/2008
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Some Who Failed Test Still May Advance
BARTOW | More than 60 percent of third-graders who failed the 2008 FCAT reading test were eligible for promotion to the fourth grade, according to recent numbers reported by the Polk County School District.
Third-grade students must pass the FCAT reading test or risk being held back unless they pass one of two tests after attending summer school.
11/5/2008
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A new approach to learning about learning
BRADENTON - Principal Chuck Banks slipped into a Miller Elementary fourth-grade class, squatted down next to 10-year-old Roy Fenner, who was filling in a bar graph, and quietly asked, "What are you learning today?"
When Roy answered, Banks checked off "Learning objective clear" on his Palm handheld computer.
In less than three minutes, Banks recorded that teacher Amy Murray's students were learning how to measure and analyze data; the lesson involved listening and reading; students were using handouts and working together; and they were highly engaged.
10/21/2008
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Funds dry up for Florida's reading specialists
In the past few years, arguably no state has made a bigger push to improve reading skills than Florida. Yet in the midst of ongoing budget woes, the platoon leaders in that effort have never been on shakier ground.
After five years of increases, the number of reading coaches in Florida dropped for the first time this year, from 2,560 to 2,382.
10/15/2008
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Taking test to predict FCAT performance
BRADENTON -
As her fingers traced the words in a test book, Abigail Trevino read aloud a passage about Sam, a pig who is sad because he has no friends.
Two minutes after Abigail finished reading, Ballard Elementary first-grade teacher Heather Ash calculated her reading speed and scored how well the 6-year-old understood the story.
The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test is still four months away, but by using a new assessment tool being piloted in Manatee and three other Florida counties, Ash predicted last week that Abigail has a 90 percent chance of passing the reading part of the test.
10/6/2008
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The Future of Reading: Using Video Games as Bait to Hook Readers
CARLSBAD, Calif.— When PJ Haarsma wrote his first book, a science fiction novel for preteenagers, he didn’t think just about how to describe Orbis, the planetary system where the story takes place. He also thought about how it should look and feel in a video game.
10/6/2008
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If You Want Teens To Read, Listen To Them
Browsing in Barnes & Noble one afternoon, I found myself drawn to the "Summer Reading" table, where neatly stacked piles of books by Charles Dickens and John Steinbeck and Zora Neale Hurston sat waiting for the teenagers who were supposed to read them by the first day of school. I had to wonder how many students were in fact turning the pages with any real desire to get to the next one.
It's the time of year when I'm reminded of my twisted fate as a high-school English teacher. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, more teens and young adults are dropping literary reading than any other age group in the United States. "The percentage of 17-year olds," it reports, "who read nothing at all for pleasure has doubled" in the past 20 years.
9/15/2008
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Reading coach went beyond call of duty for her students
In one week, Anne Juola-Rushton went from celebrating recognition as Regional Reading Coach of the Year to learning that her position had been cut due to budget constraints. A reading coach at Williams Elementary last year, Juola-Rushton worked inside and outside of the classroom to boost reading ability among Hispanic and low-income students.
9/12/2008
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Teacher asks you for support
Teacher asks you for support
Click-2-Listen
By MARK WOODS, The Times-Union
In many ways, Mary Ann Bisher is isolated from crime. But in other ways, even when she goes home to her relatively peaceful neighborhood, she remains profoundly affected by it.
She is a teacher.
9/11/2008
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Reading coaches boost teacher skills
Reading coaches boost teacher skills
Study suggests they may help motivate kids
A recent study of Florida's middle school reading coaches finds that they seem to have a positive effect on how teachers teach reading.
Whether students consistently are improving their skills because of this, however, is unclear, according to the report, "Supporting Literacy Across the Sunshine State: A Study of Florida Middle School Reading Coaches," conducted by researchers from the independent RAND Corp., with support from the Carnegie Corp. of New York.
9/9/2008
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At Manatee High, reading is where rubber hits the road
There are going to be 750 kids - and one car.
On Friday, at halftime of Manatee High's preseason kickoff game, the hundreds of students who did well in reading last year will stand a chance to win a two-year lease on a new car.
Started last year in a collaboration between the school and Jeff Conley, of Conley Buick, Principal Bob Gagnon told last year's freshmen and sophomores that they earned a chance to get into a draw for the car if they improved their reading scores.
8/29/2008
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It's time for a new chapter in literacy
8/12/2008
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Troisi Named Florida’s Elementary School Reading Coach of the Year
Troisi Named Florida’s Elementary School Reading Coach of the Year
VIERA—Sherie Troisi of Palm Bay Elementary School has won the 2008 Elementary School Reading Coach of the Year Award. The statewide honor was announced this summer at the Florida Department of Education’s “Just Read, Florida!” Leadership Conference.
“Ms. Troisi’s success in her field makes all of Brevard Public Schools proud,” said Superintendent Dr. Richard A. DiPatri. “I congratulate her on this impressive accomplishment, and thank her for her diligent work with our students.”
Troisi, who was recently promoted to assistant principal at Palm Bay Elementary, was reading coach for the past four years. She began at the school 11 years ago as a first grade teacher. She was Palm Bay Elementary’s Teacher of the Year in 2007 and also a district Teacher of the Year finalist that year.
“Sherie has played a vital role in our school’s ‘A’ status,” said Lori Migliore, principal of Palm Bay Elementary. “She has shown our teachers through coaching how to better assist students with reading. Her professionalism is top notch.”
8/4/2008
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FLORIDA BOOK AWARDS COMPETITIONS NOW OPEN AND INCLUDE A NEW CATEGORY FOR BOOK DESIGN
Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Book Awards opened its third year of competitions on July 15. New this year is an eighth category for “Book Design.”
The Florida Book Awards—now the most comprehensive state book awards program in the nation--is an annual program established in 2006 that recognizes, honors, and celebrates the best Florida literature published in the previous year. It is coordinated by the Florida State University Program in American & Florida Studies, and co-sponsored by the Florida Center for the Book; State Library and Archives of Florida; Florida Historical Society; Florida Humanities Council; Florida Literary Arts Coalition; Florida Library Association; “Just Read, Florida!”; Governor’s Family Literacy Initiative; Florida Association for Media in Education; Florida Center for the Literary Arts; Florida Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America; and the Friends of FSU Libraries.
As in past years, submissions will be read by juries of three members each. Jurors are authorized to select up to five medalists (including one winner and one runner-up) in each of the categories, including: General Fiction, General Non-fiction, Spanish-Language Literature, Poetry, Young Adult Literature, Children’s Literature, Popular Fiction, and Book Design.
All awardees are recognized at an Annual Banquet held in conjunction with the Florida Library Association conference in spring. Gold medal winners are recognized at the Historical and Cultural Awards Ceremony sponsored by the State of Florida’s Division of Cultural Affairs at the R.A. Gray Building in Tallahassee, also in spring. Winning books and their authors are featured in the summer issue of FORUM, the state-wide magazine of the Florida Humanities Council. Authors and their books are also featured at book festivals and association conferences throughout the year and across the state.
To learn more about the Florida Book Awards, visit: http://www.fsu.edu/~ams/bookawards/index.html
7/17/2008
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PSL educator named Reading Teacher of the Year
PORT ST. LUCIE — A teacher at Treasure Coast High School was awarded "Reading Teacher of the Year," by the Florida Department of Education on Tuesday. Sandy Southerly was recognized for here promotion of literacy as a member of the "Just Read, Florida!" program. The program, according to DOE's Web site Just Read! "is the statewide reading initiative that prioritizes reading in Florida's pub
7/7/2008
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Just Read, Florida! summer reading list
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Education today announced the 2008 Just Read, Florida! Recommended Summer Reading List. The list encourages students to continue their reading efforts during the summer vacation months. Research indicates that children who do not continue to read while on holiday breaks and vacations risk losing progress made during the school year.
“The Just Read, Florida! Recommended Summer Reading List is a wonderful opportunity for students to practice their reading skills during the summer while cultivating a love of reading independent of the classroom,” said Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith. “Children who continue to read during the summer months are more successful in maintaining learning gains made during the previous school year and enter the new school year more prepared
7/3/2008
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Schools, libraries and the Web offer summer reading programs
While many students are enjoying a summer free of class work, some are taking advantage of the summer reading programs the district, the Internet and for-profit learning centers are offering.
7/3/2008
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Break away with a book for summer fun
The official commencement of summer, in my world, was marked weeks ago when I settled in to watch "Iron Man," the first big-budget action flick of the season.
have simple demands for enjoying the hot summer months: movies that are heavy on pyrotechnics and light on plot lines, sparklers on the Fourth of July, regular doses of ice cream and a relatively low-brow reading list.
I wish I could say I'm using this summer to work through "Gone with the Wind," or another one of the tomes that have languished on my bookshelf for years, but every year since first grade, summer has been a hallowed time for reading fluff stuff.
6/26/2008
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Hey Kids! Grab A Book
The Tampa Tribune
Published: June 14, 2008
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Education has announced the 2008 Just Read, Florida Recommended Summer Reading List.
The list encourages students to continue their reading efforts during the summer vacation months. Research indicates that children who don't continue to read while on holiday breaks and vacations risk losing progress made during the school year.
"The Just Read, Florida Recommended Summer Reading List is a wonderful opportunity for students to practice their reading skills during the summer while cultivating a love of reading independent of the classroom," Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith said in a release. "Children who continue to read during the summer months are more successful in maintaining learning gains made during the previous school year and enter the new school year more prepared."
6/26/2008
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Summer reading camps help students retain what they’ve learned in school.
MEDIA ADVISORY
News from Orange County Public Schools
June 26, 2008
WHAT:
Summer reading camps help students retain what they’ve learned in school.
In these tough economic times summer camps may not be something families can afford. Orange County Public Schools offers free summer reading camps to students who did not pass the third grade FCAT Reading exam. Students have the opportunity during reading camp to do well and be promoted to fourth grade. Right now the district is in the final two weeks of third grade summer reading camp. Orange County Public Schools has teachers available to provide helpful information to parents of all students on how to be good teachers at home. We’re asking the media to help get this important information to parents across Central Florida.
WHEN:
To set up an interview for July 1 or July 2, 2008 between 8 am and noon contact:
Shari Bobinski, Media Relations
407.317.3200 x2905
WHERE:
Palmetto Elementary School
2015 Duskin Ave.
Orlando, FL 32839
6/26/2008
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Brevard Public Schools Students Encouraged to Join Innovative Online Reading Program this Summer
VIERA—Brevard Public Schools elementary students have the opportunity to enjoy reading in a fun and interactive way by logging onto the Voyager Expanded Learning’s Ticket to Read program this summer through July 31. Ticket to Read is a free, interactive, Web-based, student-centered learning program that promotes the practice of actual text reading. The program enables students to build, strengthen and reinforce reading skills as they navigate through a self-paced instructional path. Parents and students are urged to take advantage of this innovative program.
The Ticket to Read program provides motivational features to encourage students to practice reading. These features include ticket rewards for completing certain tasks. Tickets can be redeemed to purchase items that the students use to decorate their virtual customizable clubhouse. Students progress through 12 difficulty levels increasing in readability level and complexity.
Brevard Public Schools (BPS) is encouraged by the number of students actively participating in the Ticket to Read program. Many BPS students in kindergarten through sixth grade have already taken the challenge of logging on Ticket to Read. Brevard is well represented daily on the Ticket to Read “Reader Leader Board.” Parents and teachers have also expressed excitement with the level of engagement, motivation and enjoyment their children and students are experiencing with the program as they become more proficient readers. BPS is grateful to Voyager Expanded Learning for providing this wonderful summer opportunity free to students to enjoy during the SOAR program and at home.
Students must have a user ID and password assigned by the program before they log onto the Ticket to Read Web site address at www.tickettoread.com . Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s school to request a Ticket to Read user ID and password.
-BPS-
6/23/2008
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Struggling readers get intensive lessons at summer academy
(Tallahassee Democrat © 06/13/2008)
School isn't quite over for struggling readers who are getting intense lessons through the district's third-grade reading academy and the debut of an academy for first-grade students. On Monday, 185 third-graders showed up for the camp. That's 100 fewer third graders than the number required to attend last summer. Third-graders who scored a Level 1, which is considered failing on the reading
6/15/2008
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Dolphins kick off drive to promote reading
As summer looms, with days scripted in beach-side frolicking and slumber parties, Troy Drayton posed a challenged to the kids huddled inside the North Dade Regional Library Monday:
''Stay away from the video games,'' said the former Miami Dolphins tight end. ``Pick up a book.''
6/10/2008
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Osceola School District Press Release - Grant To Provide Equality-Themed Books
The School District of Osceola County, FL Blaine A. Muse, Superintendent
Press Release
May 28, 2008 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Dana Schafer, Director of Community Relations -- 407-870-4007 or 407-908-8811 (cell)
Zina Schubert, Grant Management – 407-870-4058
Grant Provides Equality-Themed Books for School Library Shelves in Osceola County
In January, the Osceola School District's Grant Management Office submitted an application for the We the People (WTP) “Created Equal” Bookshelf Program, a project of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) "We the People" Program, through collaboration with media specialists at interested schools. These eleven Osceola school libraries are among the 3,000 libraries that have been selected to receive the award, which is given in cooperation with the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office: Central Avenue Elementary, Harmony High, Kissimmee Charter Academy, Michigan Avenue Elementary, Neptune Elementary, Neptune Middle, New Beginnings, New Dimensions High, Professional and Technical High, Sunrise Elementary, and Thacker Avenue Elementary. The program will provide hardcover editions of 17 classic books on the theme of “Created Equal,” Spanish translations of four of the titles, and supporting materials to the participating libraries.
As part of the grant, the schools devised various methods of promoting the WTP Bookshelf. All schools will inform teachers and students of the books’ availability through standard means, like websites, announcements, bulletin boards, and displays. Media Centers will maintain eye-catching displays and work with public libraries to generate awareness. Media Specialists will help to create teacher guides, lesson plans, and other materials; orient teachers to the resources; and collaborate with teachers to ensure continuous curriculum integration for the books.
Realizing the importance of the theme “Created Equal” (America’s foundation), schools will tie the WTP Bookshelf to history, literacy, character, and related skills through curriculum units and special events. The reading and discussion, plus exploratory researching, writing, and presenting exercises, will allow students to learn from various perspectives and reflect on their own theme-related experiences. Many schools will use milestone dates (Gettysburg Address Anniversary, Martin Luther King Day, etc . . .) to explore the theme and connect it to students’ daily lives. Most schools will approach community agencies (such as historical societies), retired military officers, radio stations, and fellow schools to invite guest speakers/readers. The activities/events and experiences will form a foundation on which to build annually to strengthen this theme as a permanent and prominent part of the school culture.
Each year, NEH identifies a theme important to the nation’s heritage and selects books that embody that theme to build the We the People Bookshelf. The “Created Equal” Bookshelf grants are part of the NEH’s “We the People” Initiative, which aims to encourage and strengthen the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture through libraries, schools, colleges, universities, and cultural institutions. This opportunity promotes discussion in the library, school, and community about this fundamental value, its role in American history, and Abraham Lincoln’s contributions to the understanding of human equality. Since 2003, NEH and ALA have awarded We the People Bookshelves to 9,000 public and school libraries. For more information about the program, visit the website at http://publicprograms.ala.org/bookshelf/.
5/30/2008
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Florida students above average in reading and math scores
The Florida Department of Education released test results on reading and math tests used in national comparisons Tuesday.
Florida students again are above average in all grades, the results showed according to the Associated Press.
Half of this year’s average reading scores are up in grades three through 10 and half are down compared to 2007 on the norm-referenced tests. Only two grades are up in math, five are down and one is unchanged.
Florida students, though, averaged 60 points or higher in both subjects in every grade. Scoring ranges from 1 to 99 with 50 meaning a student did the same or better than half of the children in the nation.
5/29/2008
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Richmond Heights ES Read-A-Thon
WHAT:
Tick-tock-tick-tock. Grab a book and join in on the fun of reading around the clock. Hundreds of elementary students will participate in a reading challenge. Teachers, volunteers and guests will inspire children to become life-long readers by reading some of their favorite books to them. It's a non-stop adventure for everyone involved. Local radio station host Monica May from STAR 94.5 will broadcast live from Richmond Heights Elementary School Friday from 6 a.m. until 8 a.m. May will then read to students. Come join the fun and bring a book to share. The school library is under construction and also needs new books. The principal and teachers are hoping people will drop by and donate two new hardcover books suitable for grade levels kindergarten through fifth. The name of the donor will be placed inside the book in show of appreciation from the school.
WHEN:
Friday, May 16, 2008
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
WHERE:
Richmond Heights Elementary School
2500 Bruton Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32811
Media Center
Contact:
Dr. Shelia Windom, Principal
Richmond Heights Elementary School
407.245.1870
5/14/2008
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24 Hour Reading Challenge
WHAT:
Pick up a book and join hundreds of Orange County Public School students in the annual 24 Hour Reading Challenge. The event is a non-stop learning experience that will help inspire children to read. For 24 hours, different groups of children will listen to teachers and volunteers read their favorites stories. Throughout the entire time period, teachers have special activities planned to entice more children to pick up a book and share in the joy of reading even when they are not in school. The event will continue through the night with 50 third, fourth, and fifth grade students spending the night at their school listening to books on tape.
WHEN:
Friday, May 9, 2008 – Saturday, May 10, 2008
9 a.m. (Fri.) – 8 a.m. (Sat.)
WHERE:
Oak Hill Elementary
11 S. Hiawassee Rd.
Orlando, FL 32835
Contact:
Dr. June Jones, Principal
Pak Hill Elementary School
407.296.6470
5/8/2008
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Reading project bonus
By RON HAYES
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
PALM BEACH GARDENS — Read Together Palm Beach County, they call it. One Book, One Community.
This year, that book is The Memory-Keeper's Daughter, a surprise bestseller by Kim Edwards. All over the county, it's hoped, libraries and book clubs, church groups and professional organizations are reading and discussing the novel.
And then there's Marge Keller, an intensive reading teacher at Palm Beach Gardens High School.
Her campaign might be called, Learn-To-Read-Together Palm Beach County, a reminder that there's more than one way to participate in a countywide reading challenge.
Every school day, while most of the students head to lunch, seven girls gather in her classroom.
Keller provides the pizza, they provide the urge to learn, and together they listen to an audio version of the novel, while following along with the printed text.
5/6/2008
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Florida students excelling in reading, math
By Marshall Criser III
Florida's schools should be proud of their accomplishments. A series of national education reports and assessments have ranked Florida near the top of the nation in the performance of its students and the quality of their education.
The most recent of these successes is the announcement of a ninth-place ranking of our eighth-grade students writing at or above the proficient level on the 2007 National Assessment of Educational Progress writing assessment. Known as the "Nation's Report Card," the NAEP assessments monitor the knowledge and skills of the nation's children. Nationally, Florida has the second greatest number of Hispanic students and fourth greatest number of African-American students scoring at or above the proficient level.
Last fall, the NAEP results for reading and math reported equally good news. Florida is one of only four states in the nation to improve significantly in both fourth- and eighth-grade reading. Only a handful of states showed greater gains than Florida in fourth- and eighth-grade math.
5/5/2008
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Reluctant readers take up book challenge
WESLEY CHAPEL
Rachel Berenguer didn't care for reading much.
It simply didn't hold her interest.
Then the Weightman Middle School eighth-grader picked up one of the books in the Bluford High series. Not by her own choice, mind you. She was enrolled in the school's intensive reading program for low performing readers, and school reading coach Ann Shanks told the students to read at least one of the 13 titles.
One of Shanks' past students boosted his FCAT reading score from Level 1 (the lowest) to Level 3 (grade proficient) using the Bluford books, and she figured others might replicate his success.
Rachel agreed to try, along with nearly 100 other students. And the books were a hit.
5/1/2008
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Orange County Middle School students compete in the annual Battle of the Books
MEDIA TIP
News from Orange County Public Schools
April 28, 2008
WHAT:
Orange County Middle School students compete in the annual Battle of the Books. This year 31 student teams will compete with their peers in this all-day tournament. The teams will earn points by answering questions about the books on this year’s book list. The students will play several rounds, each against a different team. At the end of the morning, points are totaled and the two teams with the most points are invited to a "Grand Battle" after lunch, with the other teams as their audience. The purpose of this voluntary tournament is to encourage students to read good books and have fun while competing with their peers.
WHEN:
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE:
Congregation Ohev Shalom
5015 Goddard Ave.
Orlando, FL 32804
Contact:
Ms. Susan Michalczak, Library Media Specialist
Oak Ridge High School
407.852.3200 x3275 or x2208
4/29/2008
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Schools put reading first: Federally funded reading coaches train teachers
In a corner of a second grade classroom at Kelly Smith Elementary School, students were being taught how to learn to read Thursday.
Reading coach Alice Ryals gathered about 20 students and their teacher into a circle and began to read “Gator Gumbo,” a different version of the classic tale “Stone Soup.”
Ryals, who taught at the school for 12 years, works with teachers to help improve their students’ reading skills.
“I spend most of my days in the classrooms, either working with the teachers or observing them and giving them guidance,” Ryals said.
“Teachers love it because I can make recommendations in a nonthreatening way. I’m not administration.”
Ryals said her job involves coaching teachers, not working with students individually.
4/28/2008
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Florida Receives International Reading Award
~ Just Read, Florida! initiative recognized with prestigious Five-Star Policy Award ~
TALLAHASSEE - Florida was recently announced as one of only two states to receive a Five-Star Policy Award from the International Reading Association (IRA) this year. The award is part of the IRA’s Five-Star Policy Recognition Program, which encourages states and provinces to adopt and implement policies that support effective literacy instruction for all children. Since the program’s inception in 2001, only eight states have earned the award.
"This award serves as further verification that Florida’s reading initiatives and strategies are making a difference," said Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith. "I commend the Just Read, Florida! team for the unwavering commitment they have shown in providing Florida’s children with the gift of literacy."
4/25/2008
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Study shows math, reading gains in Dade and Broward
Students in Miami-Dade and Broward counties have been posting steady gains in reading and math for the past seven years, according to a new national study.
The study, released Tuesday by the Council of the Great City Schools, found that the percentage of students performing at or above proficiency on the reading and math Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test has been rising steadily since 2001. It also found that the percentage of students performing at the lowest level has been falling.
The trend parallels gains made by students in urban school systems across the country, said Michael Casserly, the council's executive director. Nationally, students showed improvement in reading and math on both the National Assessment of Educational Progress and individual state assessments.
4/23/2008
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Chamber of Commerce links school system’s reading problems to the economy
In a move similar to the development of an urgent and strategic business plan, the leadership of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is targeting a local educational lapse they believe is preventing new business and industry from locating here and driving away potential residents.
4/7/2008
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State officials to visit Lees top reading schools
Five Lee County public schools that were recently recognized for boosting their students reading skills will receive visits from Florida education officials. These officials plan to see just how the schools did it. They used materials they bought with federal Reading First grant money to accomplish the learning gains, according to the Lee County School District and Florida Department of Education
4/4/2008
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A weekend interview with ...
A weekend interview with ...
... Benjamin Ajak, co-author of "They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky," an award-winning 2005 book about boys caught up in civil war in Sudan.
4/1/2008
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Author's tales from Sudan captivate Lakewood students
"If I go back to Sudan, they might take away my suit, they might take away my shoes. But they will not crack my head and take my knowledge."
Benjamin Ajak, in foreground and on a projection screen, speaking to students
4/1/2008
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Lincoln High School uses new approach to improving reading
In the past, 17-year-old Taylor Thompson would skim over a reading passage so fast that she'd often need to reread it because she couldn't comprehend it the first time. Michelle Kirby, literacy coach at Lincoln High School, said Taylor's problem is not uncommon.
3/11/2008
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Are our kids reading how they should?
MANATEE --Six third-graders surrounded Mercedes Bolduc in her classroom at Palmetto Elementary.
It was the week before the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test and the reading coach went through a reading comprehension exercise.
"To make a bottle hot, the glass goes into a . . .," a student read out loud and his voice trailed off as he looked at his book.
Bolduc asked him to read the question again and instructed him to pause between the words "bottle" and "hot."
"We're working on little things like that," Bolduc explained.
3/10/2008
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Reading academy to open this summer
The likelihood of creating a first-grade reading academy in Leon County was on shaky ground in light of budget cuts, but administrators received a final go-ahead last week.
The summer-reading academy will begin June 9 and it will last six weeks. First-graders will be there six hours a day, four days a week. It's geared toward students who are not reading at grade level or for those who need additional help.
"I think this is the best thing the district has done for students in a long time," said Jo Marie Olk, reading coordinator for Leon County Schools.
She said research shows that students who become better readers at an early age have a better chance of doing well in school. Administrators are hoping the academy will ultimately decrease the dropout rate and the overaged student population problem.
"(The academy) is going to have a fast-paced curriculum," Olk said, which is based on a Florida Center for Reading model. "But it's going to address the five components of reading."
Those components include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Once a child finishes the first grade, he or she is expected to read 50 to 60 words a minute. Many students aren't able to read when they enter the first grade.
Shannon Lynch, assistant superintendent of curriculum instruction, said it's too early to tell how many students will be in the academy. She said the district should have a better idea in about three weeks.
The district already has a summer reading academy for third-graders, but that's a state mandate for any third-grader who is Level 1 on the reading portion of the FCAT. A child who is not reading a grade level in the third grade will not be promoted.
Beth Freeman, a reading coach at Kate Sullivan Elementary, said the school uses a technique known as "triple iii — immediate, intensive, instruction." She said fewer than 10 percent of Kate Sullivan's first-graders need the additional help.
Contact Reporter TaMaryn Waters at (850) 599-2162 or tlwaters@tallahassee.com.
3/3/2008
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Words have meaning to Gulf junior: Alice Chang will participate in next month's National Vocabulary Championship.
NEW PORT RICHEY - Inside her hefty backpack, loaded down with several pounds of textbooks, Gulf High junior Alice Chang keeps a slim red notebook that she's taken to filling with new words that she has learned.
She neatly pencils in each line, covering the front and back of each page with words and their meanings whenever one piques her interest. It's tough for the 15-year-old to pinpoint a favorite - "There are so many great words," she explains. "How could you pick?"
Since Alice can remember, she's been passionate about reading though not sci-fi or romance. It's how she spends her spare time.
2/29/2008
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Flat Santa makes the rounds: The fictional figure helps Pine Grove students express themselves
BROOKSVILLE - First, there was Flat Stanley. Then came Flat Santa, who began his travels recently in Patricia Doyle's Pine Grove Elementary School fifth-grade class.
But first, a review of Flat Stanley.
"Flat Stanley is a book about a kid who got flattened by a board while he was sleeping," said 10-year-old Caleb McWhinnie, "and he got sent around the world and he got stamps from all over the world."
2/21/2008
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Summer-reading academy still in the works for local schools
Earlier in the school year, Leon County School Superintendent Jackie Pons said the district needs to have a first-grade reading academy for students in the summer.
The school district already has one for third-graders but Pons, along with other school officials; say more needs to be done at an earlier age.
Plans are moving forward to get the academy ready by this summer.
Check back at www.tallahassee.com for more updates.
2/21/2008
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Seminole Community College helps early childhood professionals improve literacy
SANFORD, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2008)--Seminole Community College’s grant-funded program to help county childcare providers prepare kindergarten-bound children has exceeded attendance expectations and garnered positive feedback from participants.
SCC’s Path to Professionalism initiative provides training that participants can apply toward continuing education units. The program, funded by a $65,000 grant from the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County, allows SCC to offer the classes at no charge, and includes workshops structured specifically for Voluntary Pre-kindergarten and School Readiness programs.
The first training session, held Jan. 26 at SCC’s Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, drew 175 participants from the county’s 300 childcare centers; a second session on Feb. 2 at SCC’s Altamonte Springs Campus had 73 participants.
Dianne Waller, grant coordinator for SCC’s Early Childhood Education program, noted that staff from 10 family childcare providers attended each session, which is presented by SCC professors and other literacy and child development professionals.
“Traditionally, family childcare has not been focused on for professional development,” Waller said. “The grant allows us to address this need.”
Research indicates that although early learning has an important impact on brain development and future academic success for children, many childcare workers lack the resources to pursue professional development.
“It is our goal not to turn anyone away,” Waller said.
The next training sessions are in May and August. For more information about the program, please visit www.scc-fl.edu/childcare/professionalism-paths/ or contact Dianne Waller at 407.708.2550.
2/19/2008
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Chestnut Elementary – Osceola County - Literacy Council Hosts Family Night
Accelerated Reader (AR) Family Night on Tuesday, February 19th, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Students can take AR tests, and parents will be provided with a packet of information to take home that will give them new strategies to help their children become better readers.
Contact: Kathe Weisheyer, Chestnut Elementary – 407-870-4862
2/18/2008
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Lakeview Elementary – Osceola County - Reading Rocks
Lakeview Elementary will present “Reading Rocks” on February 21, 2008, from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Readers and crafts from various countries, such as Japan, Sweden, Mexico, Italy and Russia, will be represented. Volunteers are needed to read, supervise crafts, help with crafts, and present an activity.
Contact: Felicia Edwards, Lakeview Elementary -- 407-891-3220
2/18/2008
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Ward Cleaver was my great inspiration
What was the most important image in your life when you were growing up?" a student asked me last year when I addressed a high school honors class in St. Petersburg.
Not having a good on-the-spot-answer, I fumbled around and told him that water - the ocean, lakes and rivers I grew up around - always fired my imagination. The student came back and said he "really" was asking about the "image or symbol" that shaped my daily life, such as my work and my surroundings at home, as it is today.
2/14/2008
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'Stinky' Jon Scieszka has a read on kids
NEW YORK — America's children aren't reading very much or very well these days, so the nation's finest minds have come up with a Big Idea: Find an author who can tap into the richness of children's literature and persuade kids to drop their idle pursuits — their Facebooks, Nanos and Wiis — for the thrill of a good book.
Last month, the Library of Congress and the Children's Book Council, a trade group, announced the appointment of the USA's first "ambassador for young people's literature," a sort of poet laureate for the Harry Potter set. As the inaugural ambassador, they named renowned author Jon Scieszka.
2/12/2008
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Program aims to build better readers
NORTH PORT -- Wearing a construction belt filled with small books, Jana Sterling read Toledo Blade Elementary students a story, asking them to repeat words that rhymed in "Sam's Sandwich," the book she was holding.
The children, in kindergarten through third grade, loudly echoed Sterling obediently. But their parents in the audience were another story.
"They didn't do very well with the rhyming, did they?" she asked the children.
Sterling was at Toledo Blade to teach the "Families Building Better Readers" program, sponsored by the state through a "Just Read" grant. The program was offered on both Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6-7:30 p.m. in the school's cafeteria.
It was the first time the school has offered the program, which aims to teach
2/4/2008
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Program encourages family readings
PORT ST. LUCIE — Jim Wilder, reading from Where the Wild Things Are, said in his fiercest voice: "They roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth and rolled their terrible eyes ..."
Pausing, he leaned toward 6-year-old Riley Edwards.
2/4/2008
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Reading gets 'Rock Star' treatment at Sabal Palm
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Originally published January 17, 2008
Reading gets 'Rock Star' treatment at Sabal Palm
By TaMaryn Waters
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER Print Email to a friend Subscribe
Donte Dix, a first-grader at Sabal Palm Elementary School, couldn't help but leap out of his seat and shout that he wants to "read like a rock star!"
He was one of nearly 400 first- through third-graders who were treated to a festive assembly that was a spinoff of the pop song "Party like a Rock Star." But this time, it was Mayor John Marks at the microphone encouraging students to be life-long readers through the "Tallahassee: A City That Reads" program.
1/17/2008
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Students' project helps others learn to read
JUPITER — You probably aren't giving a second thought to reading these words.
For most of you, it's not a problem. More than likely, you got your start reading at home with mom and dad and did fine once you started going to school.
But there are kids who aren't getting an early start. They don't have books at home. Or mom and dad can't read English.
Until about eight years ago, those kids didn't have a lot of options. In 2000, two kids from Jupiter decided to help give other kids a reading, writing and learning chance. Sam and Faren Silverman started Children's Books on Tape, Inc., to help others improve their educational foundation.
"My mom was taking a teacher education course (at Florida Atlantic University) and was substitute teaching," said Sam, now a sophomore at Yale University. "The students were deficient in their reading skills."
1/16/2008
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Reading still hot during holidays
Brevard Public Schools students may be homework- and headache-free this holiday season, but state and district education officials said students shouldn't take a break from books.
Research indicates that children who do not continue to read during holiday breaks and vacations risk losing progress made during the school year, according to the Florida Department of Education.
The department recommended a holiday reading list for students of all grade levels, including books that celebrate the season like "Seven Days of Kwanzaa" by Angela Shelf Medearis and "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens.
Brevard's 75,000 students are off until Jan. 7.
Jennifer Cockrell, the district's elementary language arts resource teacher, said it's important for students who are beginning to read or who struggle with it to read every day.
1/3/2008
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Don't Be At A Loss For Words
By MICHELE SAGER The Tampa Tribune
Published: December 19, 2007
TAMPA PALMS - Students will be starting their holiday break from classes this week, but educators say they shouldn't take a break from reading.
Although many students may want to hide schoolbooks during the next two weeks, teachers want parents to encourage leisurely reading at home. No matter the age of the person or the holiday celebrated, there are stacks of selections for any reader.
The Florida Department of Education has made it easy to choose books by releasing its annual list of recommended holiday reading.
Bonny Cable, a third-grade teacher at Riverhills Elementary, said getting children to crack books this holiday break is crucial.
"We want them to keep working on their cognitive and comprehension skills," she said. "If a student goes that entire time without reading, it can be like they are starting from square one when they return in January."
But competing with holiday television specials, visiting relatives and new toys can be tough. Cable suggested that families plan for at least 30 minutes of reading time each day.
The department list includes holiday classics for adults. Cable suggested that parents lead the reading revolution by example.
12/19/2007
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Intensive reading students are said motivated doing ‘anti-smoke’ mural
Jacksonville artist Daniel Wynn, an art consultant to health departments in Baker and Duval counties, was recently in the classroom at Baker County High School to direct a group of students in producing a mural with an anti-smoking message.
The production of the mural with its catchy, health-promoting slogans and colorful images is being produced by a ninth-grade intensive reading class taught by Tiffany Armoreda. The colorful, bright images of planes, football players, wildcats and butterflies are set against a light, airy sky of blue with white clouds.
The messages warn against the dangers of smoking and promote positive alternatives. Some of the slogans are:
Life is like a jet. It goes by fast. Don’t smoke!; Catch the ball-drop the drugs!; Let go of drugs and reach for the sky.
The students worked in groups on the individual board panels which were set up on tables inside the classroom.
12/18/2007
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Students participate in 'Tellabration!' event
BARTOW - Students representing six Polk schools participated in the school district's fifth annual Tellabration! storytelling event held at the Bartow Civic Center.
The event is part of a program that stimulates the love of reading for children through storytelling. Students and professional storyteller Bobby Norfolk were enchanted with their tales at this event.
Tellabration! is the world's largest storytelling event and traditionally held near the Thanksgiving holiday. Polk students simultaneously joined storytellers in living rooms, church halls, theaters, schools, coffee houses and outdoor venues around the world. The worldwide network of listeners and tellers of all ages come together in spirit to celebrate the "joy of the story."
Students participating in Tellabration! are listed below by school:
Davenport School of the Arts: Moriah Armstrong, Jaclyn Magnone, Sage Starkey
Lewis Anna Woodbury(Fort Meade): Breasia Barnes, Ginna Bell, Jacob Bigsby, Amber Cooper, Kamryn Harpe, Ricardo Hernandez, Lynsi Nickerson, Jacob Page, Hunter Williamson
Loughman Oaks Elementary (Davenport); Dennis Mercado, Jordan Nazario
North Lakeland Elementary: Dalila Patricia Sanabria
Rochelle School of the Arts (Lakeland): Maria Probasco
Valleyview Elementary (Lakeland): Kiera Boley, Emma Carter, Alyssa King, Janella Rose.
12/13/2007
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State graduation rates rise
TALLAHASSEE - Florida's graduation rate rose to 72.4 percent for the 2006-2007 school year, an increase of 1.4 percent compared to last year's rate and an overall increase of 12.2 percent since the 1998- 1999 school year. Florida's annual high school dropout rate declined from last year, dropping 0.2 percentage points to 3.3 percent, a decrease of 2.1 points since the 1998- 1999 school year.
12/4/2007
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Central Avenue Elementary – Fancy Nancy
You just might see “Fancy Nancy” walking the hallways at Central Avenue Elementary or have seen her in the media center. It’s just Kim Taylor, media specialist, dressed up.
Fancy Nancy is the title to one of the Florida Reading Associations Award Books. The books are geared toward K – 2 students. Plans have been made to read all the nominated books to K – 2 students, and have them vote on their favorite book. Students will be voting using a real voting booth in March.
Contact: Shelley Audet, Central Avenue Elementary -- 407-343-7330
11/26/2007
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Ideas to build better schools: D.C. official says teaching children to read a priority, especially in urban areas
Want high-performing schools and a healthy community?
Reach children early, some say. Maybe before they are even born.
Part of yesterday's annual Metropolitan Richmond Day explored building healthy, integrated schools. Discussion touched on a range of factors, from who should lead a school system to a regional education system to more parental involvement.
The half-day event, sponsored by the nonprofit Hope in the Cities, started over coffee and breakfast with a speech by former Mississippi Gov. William F. Winter followed by a panel discussion.
A recurring topic was preparing students for academic success at an early age. It's a message carried out nationally as states explore pre-kindergarten programs for all students in an attempt to narrow the preparation gap between children of varied socioeconomic status.
11/9/2007
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School district ranks in top 25% reading first
School district ranks in top 25% reading first
Florida Department of Education Announces
The Florida Department of Education sent congratulations this week to the Suwannee County School District for its increased achievement in reading! According to Cari Miller, Director, Reading First, Just Read, Florida!, the Suwannee County School District is in the top 25% of Reading First districts.
The Reading First schools receiving this recognition and good news are Branford Elementary School, Suwannee Primary School, and Suwannee Elementary School.
11/8/2007
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Who says reading can't be fun?
NEW PORT RICHEY - They land in her class for different reasons. Some are reluctant readers. Others have difficulty with comprehension. Then there are those who simply Christmas-treed last year's FCAT.
A lot of times they start out angry. The Intensive Reading class replaces an elective, after all. That means no drama. No P.E. No band or chorus. No art.
No fun?
Think again.
As an Intensive Reading teacher, Marla Spellman says her main objective is to make sure her students pass the FCAT. Beyond that is a loftier goal - to make reading enjoyable.
10/24/2007
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Booker principal tries grade-school reading methods in high school classrooms
SARASOTA -- Reading labs and coaches are commonplace in elementary schools across Florida. But this year they are popping up in a less typical place: Booker High School.
In an effort to boost Booker's sagging reading test scores, Principal Constance White-Davis is using the same strategies that helped her bring Alta Vista Elementary's grade from a D to an A and sparked a statewide resurgence in elementary school performance.
Now, administrators want her to accomplish the same at Booker, which last year became the first traditional public high school in Sarasota County to earn a D grade.
10/16/2007
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Mayor's book clubs focus on preschoolers
Mayors who want to be on the same page as their constituents — even ones way too young to vote — are launching citywide book-of-the-month clubs to promote reading and literacy.
Dozens of cities have some type of book club or reading initiative, but the latest campaigns by a handful of cities are unusual because they target every preschooler.
10/15/2007
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Finding ways to be better readers - Workshop aims to make literacy more alluring
By JL Watson
jlwatson@news-press.com
Originally posted on September 29, 2007
Someone has stolen the school mascot.
To solve the case, teachers at Caloosa Middle School have enlisted the help of students. The caper involves a missing aardvark instead of Caloosa's real mascot, a cougar, because the case isn't real.
It's part theater production, part teaching lesson, with only one way to solve the crime — become a better reader. Teachers recently performed "Mysteries in the Middle" for students and their parents during an evening reading workshop in the school cafeteria.
10/1/2007
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State reading scores improve on national test
TALLAHASSEE -- Florida posted significant gains in its reading scores over the past two years, joining Hawaii, Maryland and the District of Columbia as the only jurisdictions in the country to show improvement, a new report released Tuesday shows.
Called the ''nation's report card,'' the National Assessment of Educational Progress compares test scores in both reading and math from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The 2007 report showed that Florida's average fourth-grade reading scores are above the national average and above nearly every state in the South. Florida's eighth-grade scores now nearly match the national average as well. The tests were last given in 2005.
9/26/2007
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Students improve in math, reading
Across the nation and in Florida, students are doing better in math and reading, with some of the largest gains being made by blacks and Hispanics, according to national test results released Tuesday.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress, sometimes referred to as the nation''s report card, provides a uniform way to compare student progress across state lines.
The tests measured the reading and math performance of 702,000 students in fourth and eighth grades nationwide.
Florida fourth-graders surpassed national averages in reading and math and improved their average scores in both subjects this year compared to 2005. That was the last year the test was given.
Florida eighth-graders also improved their average reading and math scores this year compared to 2005 and, for the first time, nearly matched national averages in reading.
9/26/2007
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Fla.'s Scores Up Slightly in Reading
Florida's scores on the SAT college entrance examination this year were up slightly in reading and down slightly in math while the national score dropped in both subjects. Florida, though, continued to rank near the bottom nationally in both areas.
Nationally, the class of 2007 averaged the lowest math and reading SAT scores since 1999, the College Board reported Tuesday.
Florida's reading score improved by one point to 497 while its math score dropped one point to 496. Only two states and the District of Columbia had worse math scores, while seven states and the District of Columbia were lower in reading.
8/29/2007
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Florida kids defy dip in SAT scores in U.S.
Flat SAT scores for this year''s Florida graduates wouldn''t seem to be good news, except by comparison to national scores, which dropped, again.
Florida''s 2007 graduates did 1 point better on reading and 1 point worse in math and writing than last year''s cohort, according to data released Tuesday by the College Board, which oversees the SAT.
Their national counterparts fell one point in reading, three points in math and three points in writing. The SAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800.
Both state and national officials tried to accentuate the positive, pointing to the increased numbers of students taking the test, which is widely used by colleges and universities to help determine admissions.
8/29/2007
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OK, Johnny can read. So why doesn't he? Back to School: The First 'R' / Teens
For years, the question "Why can't Johnny read?" has plagued teachers, students and parents. Another troubling question, especially as students move into their teen years, is: "Why won't he or she read?"
The questions point to two critical problems affecting millions of teenagers: students who can't read at grade level and those who don't want to read, known as "reluctant readers."
More than 8 million adolescents between grades four and 12 are identified as "struggling readers," according to the National Governors Association's Center for Best Practices.
Many others read reluctantly.
8/28/2007
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It's never too early to address reading problems
Bennett Shakoske of Turtle Creek was only in first grade, but he was already beginning to give up on school.
He was having trouble reading.
It was only when he moved to another district, repeated first grade and found a special-education teacher who used his love of Legos to motivate him that he was able to progress. Now, he is starting his senior year at Woodland Hills High School.
Years ago, some advised waiting until third grade to get extra reading help to see whether the child would grow out of it.
Now experts advise stepping in as soon as a reading problem occurs.
8/27/2007
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Reading Camps Help Kids Move On
BARTOW - More than half of the Polk County third-graders who attended this summer's recent reading camps will move on to fourth grade on schedule. Third-grade students must pass the FCAT reading test or risk being held back. Some students even get held back twice, spending three years in the same grade. But those who fail the test have some options...
7/30/2007
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GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST NAMES POLLY CORDELL OF PALM BAY AS POINT OF LIGHT | | |
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