Literacy Focus
Where am I?
What Is Literacy Focus?
Literacy Focus is the Kirkwood School District’s name for a variety of supplemental reading programs and services offered by the Kirkwood School District. Literacy Focus programs are designed to help students improve in the areas of reading and writing. These programs are provided using federal, state and local Kirkwood School District funding.
What are Literacy Focus Interventions?
Literacy Specialists (LS) work directly with classroom teachers to ensure all students in each grade level are receiving reading instruction designed to match their reading readiness. Supports and interventions may include: collaborating with classroom teachers to facilitate effective reading instruction for all students in a grade level, modeling whole class lessons, teaching small groups and one to one intensive instruction. Any student who has been identified by their classroom teacher through district level curriculum based measurement as requiring additional reading supports may receive supplemental instructional support from a Literacy Specialist.
How Many Students Participate in Literacy Focus?
Typically 30-40 students are identified and served through Literacy Focus during a school year. Delivery of services is based on identified student need and may include 30-90 minutes per day of supplemental instruction.
Will Some Students be Served in the Regular Classroom?
Yes! Reading instruction takes place on a variety of levels-in the classroom for whole class lessons, in the classroom during guided reading time and in small groups with a Literacy Specialist. Literacy Specialists work closely with classroom teachers to ensure that students are proficient readers and writers.
What will My Child be Taught?
Students are taught using district communication arts objectives for their grade level. Skills taught may include but are not limited to: decoding new words, reading comprehension strategies, phonics, phonemic (sounding) processing skills, oral reading fluency and written language skills. Teachers build confidence by supporting students through reading challenges until they meet success.
How Long Will My Child Be in Literacy Focus?
Student progress is closely monitored at frequent intervals to ensure that appropriate progress is being made. Frequent monitoring of student progress enables teachers to adjust their instruction in response to student progress. When a student has made appropriate progress, decisions are made jointly by classroom teachers, parents and Literacy Specialist to transition the student out of Literacy Focus supports.
How Can I Help My Child?
Talk to your child about reading. Visit the library and experiment with different types of text to find out what sparks their interest. In addition to books, comics, newspapers and magazines often appeal to students. Read to and with your child for at least 15 minutes every night. Even upper elementary students benefit from this. Listen to your child read to you. Show that you value reading and are supportive of reading activities at school and home. Keep in contact with your child’s classroom teacher and Literacy Specialist to monitor their progress.
For Further Information...
We ask that you leave a message at your child’s school and the Literacy Focus teacher will return your call. In addition, she is available during fall and spring conferences. The following is a list of the contacts offering the Literacy Focus Program.
LITERACY FOCUS TEACHERS 2011-12
Stephanie Byrne
Keysor, Grades K-2
mailto:stephanie.byrne@kirkwoodschools.org
Mila Stevens
Keysor, Grades 3-5
mailto:mila.stevens@kirkwoodschools.org
Vicki Johnson
North Glendale, Grades K-2
mailto:vicki.johnson@kirkwoodschools.org
Roberta McWoods
North Glendale, Grades 3-5
mailto:roberta.mcwoods@kirkwoodschools.org
Linda Scanlon
Robinson, Grades K-2
mailto:linda.scanlon@kirkwoodschools.org
Barb Sondermann
Robinson, Grades 3-5
mailto:barb.sondermann@kirkwoodschools.org
Jean Ducey
Tillman, Grades K & 2
mailto:jean.ducey@kirkwoodschools.org
Kathleen Wessels
Tillman, Grades 1 & 3
mailto:kathleen.wessels@kirkwoodschools.org
Beth Yeck
Tillman, Grades 4 & 5
mailto:beth.yeck@kirkwoodschools.org
Cathy Kopp
Westchester, Grades K-5
mailto:cathy.kopp@kirkwoodschools.org
Michelle Simmons, Grades K-5
Westchester
mailto:michelle.simmons@kirkwoodschools.org
