2008 Grant Proposal Details

Instructional Assistant   Willagillespie Elementary

Total: $2000

Description:  This grant would provide funding for a classified teacher to teach reading to first graders for 1/2 hour daily.

Why is this important?  Reaching struggling readers at a young age is crucial. Our lowest first graders are currently in groups of 7 for "small group reading instruction", which is not a very small group considering the age of the students. This makes it difficult to adequately meet their needs. By adding another teacher we would be able to bring group sizes down to 4-5, allowing for more effective instruction. The effects of providing them with better reading instruction will be long-lasting, and attaining reading fluency now will greatly increase the students' chances of reaching reading benchmarks in future grades.

Who will be served?  This project will serve the first graders in our lowest reading group. While this number is currently at 14, we will utilize flexible grouping strategies throughout the year. As students make progress, they may be moved to a higher level. This will make room for other students to be served in this reading group.

How will this be evaluated?  We will use DIBELS and district reading assessments to evaluate the progress of our students. Steady growth in reading scores will indicate a successful project.

Does this build on existing programs?  Yes. We are already implementing a "flood-in" model for reading skills groups to differentiate instruction. By granting us this proposal, it will increase the effectiveness of this program.

Budget:  Salary - $2825 (as per the district) is needed to fund 2.5 hours of classified staffing per week for a full year. Since part of the year has already elapsed, it could be about $200 less than this. At our next PTO meeting, I plan to enter a proposal for the remaining money for this position. If the proposal is denied, we would have the position start later in the year.

Proposal #:  112