Introduction
Students at Thomas Jefferson are deficient in reading comprehension as a result of lack of motivation, appropriate skills to break down passages, and knowledge background. Therefore, selected 7th grade students will be trained with reciprocal teaching strategies to empower students to take control of their learning. Selected 7th grade Intensive Reading teachers will receive ongoing training in Reciprocal Teaching Strategies. Selected teachers will implement strategies in all classrooms across the curriculum. Selected teachers will provide ongoing benchmark assessments to target deficiencies. Data will be collected and reported by teacher, class period, and students using Edusoft. Selected teachers will analyze data and provide services to students, i.e., tutoring, pull-outs, and/or peer tutoring. As a result of our action research project we are hopeful that 15% or more students in grade seven will move from achievement level 1 as compared to previous year.
RCAT
READING COMPREHENSION AT THOMAS JEFFERSON
Ellen O. Wright, Principal Michael ridgette Tate, Teacher Sue Wendover, Professional Partner Thomas Jefferson Middle School Superintendent’s Urban Principal Initiative
Background
Thomas Jefferson Middle finds itself in a dynamic community with more than 50 different nationalities. We are a three grade level institution (grades 7, 8, and 9)that services approximately 956 students. Our school houses grades 7-9 in our regular school program and grades 7-12 in select ESE programs. Eight-five percent of our students are African American, Non-Hispanic, 12.5 percent are Hispanic, 1 percent are White, 1 percent Asian, 1 percent Multiracial, 0 percent Indian. Of this population, 11 percent are classified as ESOL, 18 percent ESE, 1.5 percent Gifted. Approximately 76 percent of students have been identified for free or reduced lunch, and the mobility index is 29 percent.
Abstract of the Study
Fifty-five percent of the seventh grade students at Thomas Jefferson Middle are struggling with reading comprehension. As a result, selected seventh grade Intensive Reading students were trained with reciprocal teaching strategies to enhance learning, reading and text comprehension.
All instructional staff are highly certified as required. Of the 62 teachers, 21 have Master's degrees, and 1 has a Specialist degree. Of this population, 16 percent are beginning teachers. The ethnic composition of our staff is as follows: 13% are White, 34% are African American, 13% are Hispanic, and 2% are Asian/American.