The Reading Support program is designed to help students acquire the necessary skills to become successful, independent readers.  Students who meet the eligibility requirements for Reading Support meet with the Reading Specialist from two to five times per week, depending on the grade level.   Students can enter the Reading Support program at any time throughout the year.

The programs and materials used in Reading Support are based on scientific research and are aligned with the National Reading Panel’s recommendations for instruction in the five areas of reading known as the Five Big Ideas:  phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.  Students receive instruction in all of these areas, with the emphasis varying according to their individual reading needs.

Students’ progress is monitored every one to two weeks using DIBELS - Dynamic Indicator of Basic Early Literacy Skills.  DIBELS is a standardized, individually administered screening tool that measures students’ ongoing progress in pre-reading and reading skills.  This data is used to help make instructional decisions and goals.

This year, I look foward to working with students who are in the Reading Support program, as well as serving as a resource for teachers and parents of Howe students.  I can be reached at (412) 344-2157 Ext. 129 or by email at lwatkins@mtlsd.net.