New literacy program offered in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Springfield summer school students working to make up academic ground are being encouraged to see themselves as "big news."

It's an approach the Springfield School District is piloting this year to boost the literacy skills -- and self-esteem -- of students whose reading and writing skills are one or more years below grade level.

"I think what they'll feel is how carefully, purposefully crafted this was for them," said associate superintendent Marty Moore. "Anytime anybody personalizes anything for you, that just ratchets up the level of engagement."

This summer, 231 struggling students signed up for the district's Extended Learning Program, which provides intense reading intervention for elementary and middle school students in small group settings, The Springfield News-Leader reported.

The Extended Learning Program provides year-round support, and summer school is only a piece. The program's budget for 2013-2014 was $72,286, primarily for staffing, but the district receives state funding -- reimbursement is based on enrollment -- for summer school.

The theme is "You are big news," and students will be urged to explore newsy topics -- local events and history, sports, arts and weather -- based on their interests. Through journal writing and other exercises, they'll also explore their goals.

It builds on a recommendation from national poverty expert Ruby Payne, who encouraged the Springfield community during a visit this spring to start crafting a "future story."

Payne contended that establishing a common narrative, about where this community wants to be in the coming years, would help galvanize support to take the steps necessary to make improvements.

Moore and her team seized on that idea and wanted to explore how teachers could help students to begin to think about, and write down, where they wanted to be in 5, 10 or 15 years.

"The kids who most need a future story don't always have somebody building that future story with them," she said.

The district lined up local authors, journalists and others to speak to the classes. Through guided reading, writing exercises and class discussions, teachers hope to spur students to think about what interests them and makes them unique.

Students whose skills are significantly below grade level, qualifying them for the Extended Learning Program, are strongly encouraged to attend the summer program, but it's not mandatory.

The four-week program, which wraps up June 26, will culminate with a final project. Students can present what they learn in a variety of ways, from videos and essays to pamphlets and mock newscasts.

"There will truly be something for everyone," Moore said. "What we believe is if we can engage them in the idea, the literacy will take care of itself."

Moore gave an example related to math. She said getting students involved in something that interests them, like planning out the financial details of a vacation -- down to airfare, hotels, gas and food budgets -- would be more engaging than simply working on numerical problems on a piece of paper.

She hopes the students get the message that they matter and have bright futures while working on the literacy skills necessary to accomplish their goals.

"We want you to have fun while you learn," she said, noting the goal for students. "We believe you're going to make a difference and we are going to help you think about that now."

Moore said this positive, forward-thinking approach will affirm students' talents.

"If we can get them in that positive belief -- in that positive mindset -- that they can do it, that will be a bigger win," she said.

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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com