2008 Grant Proposal Details

MP3 Players   Madison Middle School

Total: $2000

Description:  We are asking for twelve MP3 players and a server for our Read Right Program. We have had a Read Right Program at Madison Middle School for one year. This is an intensive reading program for students whose reading is far below grade level. Kids listen to an entire reading passage, then dissect it one page at a time to master the reading, practicing with the tape recording and an individual tutor. This process allows them to "rewire" the reading process in their brains. The program has seen amazing results, both nationally, and within our own school. Some Madison students have already gained four grade levels of reading skills in the time we've piloted this program. We have been using tape recorders for the program, which requires students to rewind the tapes to find the reading passages. This is an inefficient use of their time. MP3 players would be motivation for students because the technology is "cool," and would allow for them to access their reading passages much more quickly than with the tape recorders.

Why is this important?  The Read Right Program is vitally important because it is one of the programs we are using at Madison to help close the Achievement Gap. One of our School Improvement Goals is to raise our Reading Scores on Statewide and District-wide Assessments, and Read Right has already had a positive impact on our student body. We know that students who struggle with reading often have behavior issues related to their academic struggles; Read Right gives them the tools to be successful in every aspect of their academic lives. We will be even better able to impact students' lives using the technology we are requesting.

Who will be served?  Read Right is an intervention meant to serve students at Madison with the lowest reading skills. Last year, when we piloted the program, we were able to serve ten students. This year, we have made FTE available to serve forty students currently, and we will be able to add another twenty students as soon as another tutor finishes her training. When 6th graders started this year, we looked at their district reading scores and Oregon State Assessments, and made the decision to serve students who had the lowest scores on those assessments. It is important to note that Madison's student body is one of the lowest socioeconomic status schools in 4J. When we provide these students with a reading intervention, we are truly changing the course of their lives.

How will this be evaluated?  We know there will be an impact on students' OSAT reading scores, their district reading assessments, and their performance in all of their academic classes; we will compare their scores in previous years to their success after the intervention. Many students already accessing Read Right have shown multiple grade levels of improvement in their reading abilities. The technology will only speed that process and keep students more engaged and motivated.

Does this build on existing programs?  As mentioned, Read Right directly related to our School Improvement Plan. The technology we are asking for will make the Read Right intervention more accessible to more students. We are asking for twelve MP3 players to expand our capacity to meet students' needs.

Budget:  12 MP3 Players = $1,008 - MP3 Server License = $992 Please note: It will cost a total of $3,092.50 for the entire program. Our school is committed to covering the rest of the cost because we believe it is that important.

Proposal #:  64