What is acceleration?
What is reading acceleration?
During Reading acceleration, students receive small group instruction tailored to each student's specific reading needs. Those needs will vary. The National Reading Panel identified five categories of essential reading skills: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Through assessments, observations and collaboration with teachers, we identify the best path to address student reading challenges and provide additional instruction needed for classroom success.
Students will this receive this additional reading instruction during a dedicated acceleration time outside of their classroom's ELA block or through push-in support during independent reading activities. So, they do not miss any core instruction with their classmates. Many reading acceleration students will be taught by Mrs. Kaimakis or Mrs. Sukalski, others by their own classroom teacher. In all cases, students will receive research based instructional practices and resources.
What is math acceleration?
During math acceleration, students receive small group instruction tailored to each student's specific needs. Students complete a Eureka Equip pre-assessment aligned to the module that they are working on in the classroom. This pre-assessment will determine the skills that are taught during math acceleration in order to fill in the gaps in their learning.
Students will receive this additional math instruction during a dedicated acceleration time or through push-in support. They do not miss any core instruction with their classmates. Many math acceleration students will be taught by Mrs. Kenny or Mrs. Butler, others by their own classroom teacher. In all cases, students will receive research based instructional practices and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acceleration
Q: Why was my child chosen for intervention?
A: Students are identified for needing additional support in reading based on the performance in the classroom and results of school-wide tests such as MAP, FastBridge, and Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment.
Q: How will this impact my child’s school day?
A: Some students will be pulled out of the classroom for small-group support during designated blocks of time during the day. Other students will receive small group support by a reading specialist or their teacher in their classroom. During these blocks of time, all students will be receiving instruction differentiated to specific needs. This aligns with the regular classroom schedule so that students will not miss any core instruction time.
Q: Will my child always need acceleration support?
A: Probably not. Most students simply need extra help for a short period of time to become successful in their classrooms. We are constantly collaborating with classroom teachers to re-evaluate student needs throughout the year.
Q: What will they be doing?
A: Specialized, research based instruction will be given to meet the unique needs of each student. For more information about your child’s specific instruction, please contact their reading specialist or classroom teacher.