Comments about ‘69% of Utah fourth-graders not reading at proficient level’

Parents need to step up and work with their kids. I didn't learn to read at school. I learned to read at home.

Having achieved 100% of our 5th graders reading at level last year, and 96% of all other students at our school also reading at or above grade level (including special ed students), I would love to share how this can be done.

Variables (such as language at home, and parents who work long hours and cannot read much with their children) can cease to be factors in whether or not children learn to read IF:

1. Schools are committed to success and are willing to put aside ideologies that continue to produce poor results. This may seem basic and obvious, but I believe it is THE biggest barrier to school success. Many schools persistently use ineffective programs and methods.

2. Schools adopt proven programs and implement them with FIDELITY, RIGOR and ENTHUSIASM, which includes being willing to release from duty those teachers and paraprofessionals who don't have the skills or drive to teach to the level of effectiveness required.

3. Success is measured by daily and weekly data, with adjustments continually made.

We'd LOVE to share our success and invite anyone who wishes to see our program to visit us.

American Preparatory Academy - Draper and West Valley

Having achieved 100% of our 5th graders reading at level last year, and 96% of all other students at our school also reading at or above grade level (including special ed students), I would love to share how this can be done.

Variables (such as language at home, and parents who work long hours and cannot read much with their children) can cease to be factors in whether or not children learn to read IF:

1. Schools are committed to success and are willing to put aside ideologies that continue to produce poor results. This may seem basic and obvious, but I believe it is THE biggest barrier to school success. Many schools persistently use ineffective programs and methods.

2. Schools adopt proven programs and implement them with FIDELITY, RIGOR and ENTHUSIASM, which includes being willing to release from duty those teachers and paraprofessionals who don't have the skills or drive to teach to the level of effectiveness required.

3. Success is measured by daily and weekly data, with adjustments continually made.

We'd LOVE to share our success and invite anyone who wishes to see our program to visit us.

American Preparatory Academy - Draper and West Valley

This is a critically serious problem leading to increased crime rates and almost certain poverty. The Rotary Clubs of Utah are doing a great job with their Dictionary Project distributing 51,000 dictionaries this year to third grade students. But they and all concerned organizations need to step up and do more tutoring, reading to students, reading at home particularly, and volunteering in many ways to tackle the problem. Programs promoting reading to children six months through the preschool years are extremely effective in raising reading scores in the 4th grade. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is an example of a highly effective program to promote and organize such early reading programs.

My daughter is NOT in the mood to read for hours with her parents when she gets home from a long day at school. And I have five kids... that belly-ache and complain everyday they get home (though you'd think they'd be used to it by now) because I insist they do their homework, practice their musical instruments and get their chores all done before they can go out and play with friends.

One crucial thing that the article doesn't address are the teaching philosophies adopted by teachers. Perhaps those are at fault, either exclusively or in combination with other factors.

That seems to be one of the main points made by C. Sharette above; it is something I have often suspected. I learned to read (we all did in my school, a public school) a good while ago now, and we did it without being assigned any homework, and without much drilling at home. The only thing I recall that my parents did to help was buy us comic books, which did encourage to do a bit of voluntary reading at home.

I would like to add that I have known numerous children in recent years, struggle with reading, staring at words and guessing what words they are. I tussled a bit with teachers who wanted children to remember whole words without applying any phonetic skills. We were taught a combination of phonetics, repetition of common words, and spelling tests. You know the Dick and Jane books that were so successful for so long. We were taught new words gradually and so gradually accumulated a knowledge of the most common words in the English language, which make up about three fourths of all the words in most books. One hundred words account for about half of the words in all printed matter.
We learned those a few at a time and repeated them in daily reading and writing exercises. We took other common words next and learned to spell them. After that we could use a dictionary or, if we misspelled a word would be required to write it out three times, learning by repetition. It wasn't that hard.

I have the impression that they just take a Harry Potter book today and expect a child to read without logical method.

Elementary teachers have too many subjects to teach. They have to teach things that are not part of the curriculum. They have specialists taking kids out of class once or twice a week which puts the child behind. Spend your time teaching basics and kids will catch up on other subjects if the can read and do math. Kids are overwhelmed besides the fact that parents (some, maybe 69%) don't get involved.

While I appreciate the comments made by Carolyn Sharette, I'm not sure people understand the commitment parents make when they send their children to the Academy. At any school in my district, if a child is absent over ten days, there is not much I can do about it. In the Academy's policy it states: 'I understand that APA has a goal of 95% attendance for students. I will work to schedule appointments and lessons outside of school hours. I will bring my student to school on time. I understand that if my child is absent 10 consecutive school days he/she may be un-enrolled from APA, according to state guidelines.' They can actually un-enroll a student! I have students who are constantly late and miss many more days of school. There is not much that can be done about it. We've turned to law enforcement, but that is pretty much useless. Also, I looked up how much this Academy pays their teachers. They certainly don't show their appreciation of these awesome teachers with a decent paycheck. I do agree with their philosophies on teaching, though. They have some excellent standards.

Clarissa,

State law regarding Charters requires the 10 day rule. What you said is painfully obvious to any educator that an absent child is a child who did not learn what was taught in class for the day. It is a form of child abuse and neglect. It harms the child, and shows the parent's disdain in treating schools like a welfare project or babysitting club.

So what do we do to stop it? I feel what is happening at Charters is a starting point. All schools should have the same law. If the child is gone for ten unexcussed days, they should no longer be enrolled in any public school. The parents should be required to pay for a private school or teach them at home. If the child still is not getting the education they have a right to, then the courts and criminal justice system should step in.

I would suggest taking Mrs. Sharrette up on her offer to see the school in action. I have been there before. It is an incredible school. The key reason it is such a quality school is consistency using well-established curriculum and instruction.

Her school is a bit out of the way for me, but if they ever put one near I live, I would definitely be interested in it.

I had a child who was not coming to school and they decided to home school her. What a disaster. Her mother didn't so anything with her. Now she is back at our school, but even farther behind. So sad. Until we change some laws and have some real bite behind them these problems will continue. Some parents just don't care. I had one parent recently remark, "I didn't know 'Jane' was still in resource." We couldn't believe it. She has not done one minute of home reading all year although I've tried every incentive I can think of. Love her regardless. I hope we can save her. It's not looking very good right now. I know that if she had had the proper support she would be on grade level, Now she is going into fifth grade and way below grade level in every area.

This year we opened a new school in West Valley City. We have a wonderful mix of students - about 80% qualify for free or reduced lunch and over half are ESL students. We also enrolled about 80 refugee students.

We have found that some parents are amazingly supportive in spite of language and other obstacles. Others really are doing their best to keep food on the table, clean clothes on their children and to maintain a positive attitude in the face of many obstacles I can hardly imagine. We honor them all and do our best to teach their children successfully so they will have one less thing to worry about. If a student doesn't show up at school, we have been known to go get them. I will admit that we have lost a few who stopped coming.

We have found that regardless of the home support, we are able to teach our students successfully. It takes a focused and energetic staff - we do have amazing teachers and paraprofessionals.

We also have very little turnover of staff. Our salaries are quite average but EVERY elementary teacher does have a paraprofessional in their classroom, which they love.

I know it's a private school, but most if not all of the first and second graders at Challenger School could pass a 4th grade reading proficiency test.

And honestly, ANYBODY can teach their child to read at home. I understand there are limitations where English is a second language or there's only one parent in the home, or both parents work, but there really isn't anything you could do of greater importance for your child than to give them a strong foundation for reading early in life (and almost as important as the skill of reading is the LOVE of reading).

This study that has been in the news basically says you can tell what sort of educational and career success a child will have later in life based on their level of reading proficiency in fourth grade. That is scary. And it should on the parents to make sure their children don't slip through the cracks.

How about the education system segregate the facts with more information. Like how many are illegal foreign nationals compared to the american children? Lumping americans with illegals is distorting the facts. Illegal parents use our schools only as day care centers and the discourage their children from assimilating and learning the american way including our language. These children are not allowed to use or learn english at home so they will fail in all their skills.

Utah has two separate education systems and programs, one teaches only in spanish for illegal aliens and one teaches american english for americans. Foreign national parents refuse to assimilate and learn english in reading or writing so its a losing battle for anchor illegals to become able to function.

I don't believe in programs to aid working parents, their children are their responsibility, not the states responsibility.

It's apparent the education system in Utah is lumping illegal foreign nationals with americans and putting education at risk. Education cannot be successful as long as it continues to deny americans an education to aid foreign nationals as day care centers.

And people wonder why I home schooled my kids - two down, one about to start. My oldest was reading at a 4th grade level BEFORE he started kindergarten. My second was not so precocious, but was reading at a second grade level before kindergarten, and at a 4th grade level by the end of first grade. My baby is about to start kindergarten, and all indications are that she'll be reading at a second grade level or so by Christmas this year, at age 5 years 4 months.

And how much kid torture did this involve? None - just a $20 phonics based book (Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons), and 10-20 minutes a day for about 3 months, with kids who were developmentally ready to learn. And who then took off happily and independently reading everything in sight. (Including my Christmas list at age 5 by my first, darn him!)

@Carolyn Sharette: I'm sure you wouldn't mind breaking down in percentages those enrolled at your school; i.e., race, socioeconomic status, etc. If you deal with the poor, those learning a second language, those whose parents are absent from their learning and don't care, the same as a public school has to deal with, then kudos to you and your school. So it wouldn't be very hard for you to give us that breakdown.

@My2cents: The only real thing for you is: What evidence do you have that illegals use our system as a daycare and "discourage" their children to assimilate? If those kids are starting school at a young age, the prime time for learning a second language, then they will be bilingual within a year. Who cares if they speak their own language at home. You do. Have you got something against being bilingual?

As a teacher in a title one school, I laugh at many of the comments made here by those who are stating that teachers are not doing their best, or we need to try certain methods etc.

Deminsana- Great good for you, that your kids are so far advanced...wow. I think she has touched on the most important factor in a child's education, and that is very involved parents. Parents who are involved in their child's education have children who out perform their peers by leaps and bounds...I see this everyday.

I also believe that what worked 20 years ago to motivate children no longer works to some degree. I have students who will play hours and hours of video games and watch t.v. for hours, but can't seem to keep up with reading or turning in homework for that matter.
As a teacher I notice the decaying of the family being a huge factor in a child's desire to read and learn for that matter. (Parents too involved in their own drama to be of use.)
What is the antidote? More family time and less time in front of the boob tube.

Those who champion the charter movement as to being the "savior" of the school system forget one little thing. That is... they have to have an involved parent. Most charters require parental support of some kind. Those who live far away from their charter have to provide their own transportation. A parent who is going to take the time to drive their student to school everyday is an involved parent.
In my classroom, I have six students in resource. I have 10 students who are below grade level. (2nd to 3rd grade level in a 6th grade classroom.)I have 10 students who are on grade level or above. These are the students I feel most sorry for. Their lower peers require the most attention to try to catch them up. Because we live in a time where we should not make anyone "feel bad" I can't single anyone out for remedial instruction, and my high students are constantly being retaught what they already know. What is more frustrating is that the parents of my low ones don't seem to care. I think we need a system that will be fair to everyone without sacrificing our brightest!

It is time to learn at school, This report says 7 out of 10 can not read.
Utah spends to little money on the students and creates low wage earners.
Less Home work.

@Demisana: My child did the same thing, only taught himself, without a phonics book, as he was/is a very inquzzitive child. He has gone through the public education system and has done very well; 10 years old, skipped a grade, and will start 7th grade math in the coming school year. All this through public education. So for every home-school success, there will be a public education success.