KC district wins $4.4 million grant for reading program

Andrew Gallagher
October 7, 2007
Title - KC district wins $4.4 million grant for reading program
Author - JOE ROBERTSON (The Kansas City Star)
Date - Sun, Sep. 30, 2007

KC district wins $4.4 million grant for reading program
Link to article

This was an interesting article for me, on two levels.

Firstly, the article discusses a reading porgram that has been successful in urban school districts across the USA. The Success For All reading program is a "scripted" curriculum which relies on dividing students by their reading level as opposed to their grade level. This ensures they receive instruction relevant to their needs (as small groups) rather than instruction that can often ignore their needs. Through a quick Google search I found the Success For All website, and pulled this quote from their homepage

"Our top priority is the education of disadvantaged and at-risk students in pre-K through grade eight. We use research to design programs and services that help schools better meet the needs of all their students. Every child can learn. We help schools ensure that they do."

I have to be honest, and say that I believe there is a lot to be said for placing students in small groups based on their ability. I know there are many arguments against such practice most notably that students are labelled as a particular type of learner. But, do we work to overcome those labels and help students address them at the same time as developing their skills? Or do we dismiss the notion all together becuse it may do minimal and short lived damage to confidence.

The other issue I found interesting within the article is that the Federal government is finally willing to award grants to programs they have traditionally excluded. These programs have often existed despite government assistance, not because of it, and to finally see acceptance of programs such as Success For All, is perhaps a sign of things to come.

NCLB wants to ensure ALL children receive the best possible education. The problem is, the allocation of funding has all too often been accompanied by very strict guidelines that can prevent helping the very students it was initially designed to. When a greater variety of programs and possibile solutions are explored, then perhaps a greater number of children will receive the assistance they deserve.