<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1ipGie_1GsiFfpm00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1ipGie_1GsiFfpm00" width="1920" height="1440" ></figure>RAPID CITY, S.D. — A shift in how reading is taught at South Park Elementary School is producing significant improvements in student literacy, with kindergarten and first-grade reading proficiency rates nearly doubling since 2022.Literacy specialists Joelle Neutzling and Erin George have spent years helping South Park Elementary implement the science of reading, a research-based approach that focuses on how the brain learns to recognize letters, connect sounds and understand written language.The results have been substantial. In 2022, just 34% of South Park kindergarten students were reading at or above expected levels by the end of the school year. That number has increased to 79%. First-grade proficiency rose from 39% to 76% during the same period.The figures compare different groups of students over time, reflecting improvements in the school's overall reading performance.Neutzling said the school's goal is to have at least 80% of students meeting reading expectations, particularly significant for a Title I school serving students who may face challenges outside the classroom.South Park began changing its reading instruction around 2015 and 2016 after receiving support through a state Multi-Tiered System of Supports grant. The funding provided access to a literacy coach and professional development opportunities that helped teachers examine how students learn to read.The science of reading emphasizes five essential components: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension and fluency. Teachers begin with foundational skills in kindergarten and build upon them as students advance.George explained that the approach is grounded in scientific research rather than changing educational trends."It's not a trend," George said. "This is actual brain science and it's been around for quite a while."The school also implemented small-group instruction called WIN, which stands for "What I Need." Teachers use assessments and progress monitoring to identify individual learning gaps and provide targeted instruction.However, the specialists discovered that improving small-group interventions was only part of the solution. They also needed to strengthen Tier 1 instruction, the core classroom education provided to every student.The transition required extensive teacher training and collaboration. George said one of the biggest challenges was helping educators adjust to unfamiliar teaching methods while ensuring newly hired teachers received the same training.Neutzling understands those challenges personally. She struggled with reading as a child, an experience that eventually helped inspire her career."I can see and feel how these kids feel," Neutzling said. "And I don't want them to feel that way."The improvements are also beginning to reach older students. South Park's second-grade students are performing at the 57th percentile on MAP assessments, while third graders are at the 61st percentile. The school continues working to improve performance in fourth and fifth grades.George emphasized that lasting improvement takes time and continued commitment from teachers, interventionists, administrators and literacy specialists."It isn't where we want it to be one hundred percent in those upper grades, but we're moving in that direction," George said.The next phase will focus on strengthening vocabulary, background knowledge and reading comprehension among older students. The specialists also hope to share their experience with other Rapid City Area Schools as districtwide literacy training expands.For Neutzling, one of the most meaningful outcomes has been watching teachers gain confidence in identifying students' needs and communicating their progress to parents.George said parents have also expressed surprise at how much their children have accomplished.The specialists believe those gains demonstrate what students can achieve when educators understand how reading develops and provide instruction that meets individual needs.</div></body>

Block Source: rapidcitypost.com

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

RAPID CITY, S.D. — A shift in how reading is taught at South Park Elementary School is producing significant improvements in student literacy, with kindergarten and first-grade reading proficiency rates nearly doubling since 2022. Literacy specialists Joelle Neutzling and Erin George have spent years helping South Park Elementary implement...

South Park Elementary sees major reading gains through science-based instruction

NewsBreak

RAPID CITY, S.D. — A shift in how reading is taught at South Park Elementary School is producing significant improvements in student literacy, with kinderg

South Park Elementary sees major reading gains through science-based instruction

Comments