Monitoring student reading progress and sharing that progress with students builds confidence in reading as well as sets a path for establishing goals. Since January, elementary teachers throughout Bradford County have been conferencing and goal setting to help their students achieve reading proficiency.
Beginning Jan. 18, Bradford County School District launched its second semester elementary academic competition, Be a STAR Reader! For seven weeks students read literature, both fiction and nonfiction, focusing on Florida’s state B.E.S.T. English Language Arts Standards. From letter names and sounds to digging into complex text for deeper understanding, students learned based on grade level content standards and expectations. Student-teacher conferencing opportunities included a time for individual celebration and goal setting.
Every school reported gains in the median scale score on the STAR reading assessment which is part of the progress monitoring system in Bradford County. One hundred percent of all grade levels reported gains in the median scale score. Proficiency levels established within the STAR reading assessment have strong correlations with the Florida State Standards Assessment proficiency which monitors the progress of all Florida schools. Third-, fourth- and fifth-grade groups across the district begin state required testing on April 4 and continue through May 20.
While each school was encouraged to provide grade level incentives through friendly class challenges, the district established criteria was based on the greatest median scale score increase. Congratulations go to Lawtey Elementary School who rose to the top with a 59.3-point change when comparing like data from December to March.
Lawtey Elementary will be honored with a staff luncheon sponsored by Bradford County Telegraph Publisher John Miller. Students will receive an icy pop treat to enjoy as they have grown in reading proficiency. They’ve earned bragging rights for the year to prominently display the Elementary Reading Champion trophy sponsored by Kenny Clark, Bradford County property appraiser. Bradford County teachers, staff and administrators continue to encourage a love of reading in students daily.
Contest announcement comes on the dawn of FSA testing, which begins April 4 with fourth- through 10th-graders completing the writing portion of the FSA ELA Assessment and with third-grade ELA testing on April 5 and 6. See complete Bradford testing schedule included with this article.
