Alexander M. Patch Elementary
School
Stuttgart,
Germany
Reading Recovery
What is Reading Recovery?
It is a short-term early intervention literacy program that helps first grade children develop the effective strategies and problem-solving processes used by successful learners.
Developed in New Zealand by an educational psychologist and educator, this intervention for children who are at risk of failure operates on the assumption that early, high quality instruction has the greatest potential for lasting impact. New Zealand (99% literacy rate) educators realized some children require a safety net in addition to sound classroom reading and writing assistance.
Since 1984, 49 of the United States, the District of Columbia, and DoDEA have served well over one million students. Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia have also adopted this program.
Who needs Reading Recovery?
First grade children suspected of needing extra help in learning to read and write are given a series of observation tasks. the teacher evaluates the student's skills in letter recognition, word identification, concepts of print or general book awareness, fluency in writing words, and hearing and recording sounds in words. A student's reading level is also determined.
Students who score lowest are placed in the program. Lessons promote accelerated learning so students can catch up to their peers and continue to learn independently. This is the goal for each child.
Why Early Reading & Writing Intervention?
This intervention takes place before the emotional impact and confusion of failure occurs. The program intent is to get children on the right path in reading and writing, thus preventing further difficulty. This is an intervention rather than remediation.
The school Reading Recovery Specialist may be reached @ DSN: 430-5200 or Civ: 0711 - 680- 5200.
The website for the Reading Recovery organization is www.readingrecovery.org (External site)
10/24/03