PBC Elementary works with college to bolster reading skills for older students who struggle

Approximately 10 fourth grade students in RCS who have difficulty reading will receive extra assistance this school year while at the same time helping college educators hone their understanding of how to help older students who struggle to read.

The Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School students – special education students who scored poorly on state assessments last year and who have been identified for additional reading instruction – will receive one-on-one remedial reading assistance this year through a federal grant secured by the University at Albany.

College professors and researchers started this month providing intensive training to PBC Teacher Kelly McGillycuddy on the reading program, Interactive Strategies Approach. The program is designed to improve the reading abilities of older struggling readers, said Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Diane Albano, Ed.D.

Using the new training, McGillycuddy will work with the students, providing intensive intervention that is expected to lead to large gains in their abilities, Albano said.

Members of the University at Albany’s research teams will monitor the student’s testing results.

“Student progress will be monitored and will enhance our understanding of the reading process.  Information gained from reading research projects, such as this, will provide educators with valuable instructional skills,” said Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School Principal Elisabeth Smith.

Dr. Albano said the program is scheduled to continue for three years and expand into the seventh grade in the 2008-09 school year.