Statewide reading skills for Illinois students in grades, three, six, eight and 10 revealed students in the Waukegan school district were fully 20 percent less proficient in reading fluency and comprehension than the statewide average. Fifty-eight percent of Waukegan students did not meet the reading standards set in 1997. The figure statewide showed 38 percent of students in these three grades falling below the minimum standard.
One of the more critical problems for the Waukegan area in student reading scores was the fact that 24.6 percent of the student population possessed limited English speaking skills. Many students with limited English speaking reading skills also came from low-income families who cannot provide books and related motivational materials.
Groundwork for this project began as far back as 1997, but it was late 1999 before the results were in that overall reading skills and scores had improved. However, before any program could be implemented, a Library Services Technology Act (LSTA) grant was sought and ultimately awarded for $105,000 by the Illinois State Library.
By the spring of 1998, the first step in a five-step program was in place. The first step was training for parents, community and student mentors, and library assistants at each of the 14 K-5 schools, five middle schools, Waukegan High School and the Waukegan Career Academy. The latter includes grades 9-10. The second phase included the summer reading programs at both the public and school libraries and the "book buddies" program.
In order to implement the previous two phases, phase three included providing all school libraries with quality, high interest paperback books, related tapes (English and Spanish), tape players, books on video, and books on CD ROMS to circulate to students. Parent information nights would precede the circulation of materials so parents could understand the guidelines of the project. Steps four and five provided students and parents the opportunity for oral and written feedback as well as feedback regarding reading achievement.
In addition to the organizational committees, a Citizens Advisory Council assisted in identifying needs such as children at-risk due to limited English proficiency, mobility, low income and low reading achievement.
The bulk of the grant, $50,000 was for library materials, books, non-print and software. A total of $11,000 was budgeted for contractual services. This included hiring professional storytellers for "Family Reading Night" and experts in family literacy, reading for pleasure and reading achievement.
Reading achievement, not budget breakout, is the real story of "Read Together, Grow Together" Although no actual follow-up to test reading scores was conducted by the school district, several students and parents filled out a questionnaire.
"I’m so glad about this project. Thank you for your interest in the kids," said one parent.
"After the program, my son focuses on books better," said another.
"My daughter was really interested in reading and listening to the cassette. We enjoyed it together."
One teacher, who particularly lauded the program said she had one student who was in jeopardy of being held back when his class moved on to the next grade. However, after completion of the program, the reading skills and comprehension of the student were so improved it was decided to let him advance with the rest of his class.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THIS GRANT CONTACT JANE YODER, WAUKEGAN HIGH SCHOOL, 2325 BROOKSIDE, WAUKEGAN, IL., 60085, TELEPHONE 847-360-5659, FAX 847-360-5398.
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