Most schools have special programs or teachers to help those students who struggle. My school is also fortunate to have a teacher to facilitate those students who go beyond excelling. We have an in-house teacher that works with a select group of gifted upper grade students. My district has a gifted class in a central location that serves all of the schools in the county. Students in second grade and above are allowed to attend if certain criteria are met. These programs are wonderful and I am glad that we have them. However, classroom teachers should also be doing their … Continue reading →

The Accelerated Reader Program (AR) has been widely used in my county and in others for several years now. AR is an individualized reading program designed to promote student interest in reading. When using the program, a student is first STAR tested to determine his/her reading level range. This test also determines weaknesses and book levels best suited for the child. The student then chooses a book that is within the given level and on the AR test list. The child reads the book at his/her own pace. In the primary grades, students are given the option to have the … Continue reading →