READING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (R.I.T.E.)

CUSD #10 uses the state funded Reading Improvement grant to support the R.I.T.E. (Reading Improvement Teaches Excellence) program. This program is used to provide instruction with our primary (K, 1st, and 2nd) grade students who have been identified as needing additional support in the areas of reading and writing.

At the beginning of each school year, the ISEL (Illinois Snapshot of Early Literacy) is administered to each of our primary students. This is a multi-faceted assessment that gives us information about how each student is able to hear sounds in words, spell, comprehend, as well as assess their oral reading ability. This screening is accomplished in a consistent manner throughout our district by using a team of reading specialists who administer this assessment individually to each of our K-2 students. The state of Illinois has normed "target" and at-risk or "watch" scores that guide us in selecting students who may need extra support. After our fall screening is completed, we select students who may receive services by one of our five staff members who either push into a classroom or by pulling students for small group intervention. Near the end of each school year, the ISEL team again assesses the primary students and uses that information to document student gains for the year as well as provide the state with year to year comparisons. The program also conducts quarterly assessments to insure that students with the greatest needs are being served. We often drop or add students throughout the year based on these assessments in addition to teacher recommendations. The program currently serves over 180 students.