Irving Blue Ribbon Literacy Program

Purpose: The Irving Blue Ribbon Literacy Program was instituted at Irving School to develop an overall approach, using action research, to improve student performance in the area of literacy. Staff members were concerned about student performance in language arts. Based on detailed analysis of multiple data sources, areas in need of improvement were identified including reading comprehension, writing, and spelling. Since the inception of the program in 1996 the staff has worked carefully to design an action research model within the framework of the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan to ensure successful classroom and school-wide implementation of this balanced literacy program.

Objectives: As the program was developed the staff made a commitment to implement a program that had objectives that were attainable, measurable, and consistent with current research knowledge in the area of literacy. Detailed objectives for the program are specified in the Irving Comprehensive School Plan. This plan identifies specific activities, outcomes, timelines, success criteria, and staff development needs to ensure the accomplishment of the objectives for each program. Specific objectives have been identified in the areas of reading, writing and spelling based on data analysis identifying areas of need. Success criteria have been determined in each area to ensure that the program meets the needs of all students. Results of the program to date indicate that the objectives have been met or exceeded.

Results:The Blue Ribbon Literacy Program has assisted staff in the development of an overall approach to assessment using action research to improve student performance in the area of literacy. Generally, the greatest success of the program has been staff application of action research to improve student performance in the area of literacy. Staff members better understand what is happening in their classroom and are better able to monitor change and determine if interventions are working. They are better able to evaluate their ability to determine if quality results are being achieved for all Irving students. As a result of the program the success criteria established for each area of study has been met or exceeded. We have seen over 1 year's growth in spelling performance on standardized assessments and the Test of Written Spelling. Staff members indicate improved spelling application in the classroom. We have exceeded the goals in writing both in mechanics and on holistic scoring measures for all students in grades 2 through 6. In the area of reading the number of books read has increased, Irving students exceed the district standards on mid and end of year assessments and ITBS scores have grown over 1 year at each grade exceeding our school goal of one year's growth. The program is very successful due to the detailed planning, research-based design, and the dedication and personal focus by Irving teachers on implementation and their own staff development and personal growth.

Unique Features:The Blue Ribbon Literacy Program, with the emphasis on balanced literacy instruction, is characterized by an approach that is needs-based and data-driven. Action research has been the basis of this school reform model. The results of the implementation of the program has shown significant, documented improvement, exceeding the original goals of the program, in the areas of reading, writing, and spelling as assessed through standardized and other assessment measures. The program stresses staff development and internal dialogue sessions based on staff needs to create an environment for systemic change. Parents and the community, including the Irving Site Council, were an integral part of the development of the program. They participated in surveys and the development of the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan that has become the guiding framework for this very successful reform initiative.