At the end of 2014, the Language A and B departments decided to initiate a new diagnostic reading programme entitled, STAR Reading programme. The aims of the programme are two-fold: first, it is a diagnostic test used to determine a student’s reading level, using an established grading system which is compatible with our current one to assess Language B students; second, it is also integrated into a database of books that are categorized according to reading levels, which means that students will be able to select a text suited to their reading ability. The second part of the programme called “Accelerated Reader” will be added later (hopefully by the start of the next academic year, 2015-16) after we have assessed the value of the diagnostic component.
Students enrolled in Grade 9 & 10 English Language Support classes have also began working on a new online reading program called Empower 3000, created by a company called Achieve3000, who are world leaders in differentiated instruction. In class, all students read the same non-fiction topic. But the content is catered to the individual student’s reading ability and continually adjusts according to each student's Lexile or reading level. The result: heightened engagement, a stepped approach to reading comprehension and critical thinking, and extraordinary gains in reading and writing proficiency. Students will be exposed to non-fiction topics that will further enhance their learning in Science, Humanities and English classes.
David Paul and Fiona Edwards
Learning Group Leaders, Language A & B
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