Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 26th, 2010 (SKNIS): A superior level of reading ability was demonstrated by Tecoya Warner of the Sandy Point Primary School and Ajani Davis of the St. Joseph Primary School as they completed the Reading Recovery Programme carried out in primary schools throughout the Federation.
The closing ceremony for the Reading Assessment Project which identified these students as needing help in their reading and which caused them to be enrolled in the recovery programme was held on Friday April 23.
The training their teachers received to assist them in overcoming reading challenges went a long way in helping them achieve their new reading status.
Prior to the Reading Recovery Programme which took place from September 2009 to March 2010, the teachers were engaged in a Reading Assessment Project from October 26 - November 3, 2009 in which they learnt to ascertain present reading levels, evaluate the early intervention programs and analyze reading errors to pinpoint areas for future programmes.
At the start of the project 80% of primary school students on St. Kitts were reading at or above their required grade levels and 89% on Nevis. Three areas of weakness were identified including Phonics, Reading Fluency and Reading Comprehension.
Project Coordinator, Eleanor Phillip was given a sterling commendation by teachers for the professional manner in which the project was conducted as well as by OAS Representative Mr. Starrett Green.
The Organization of American States (OAS) was the main funding agency for the project to the tune of U.S.$46,835, while Government shouldered the remaining cost of U.S. $12,380.
Mr. Green explained that he was satisfied that his organization had placed high priority on the needs of the Federation in determining the type of assistance that should be granted. The project is one which helped to fulfill the Education White Paper literacy objective of having 95% of primary school students able to read at or above the required grade level at promotion time, by the year 2014.
Minister of Education and Information Hon. Nigel A. Carty told those present that he has observed a three-fold benefit to the Reading Recovery Programme which will ensure its sustainability in the future: a key component to truly successful programmes. Minister Carty said the fact that teachers had upgraded their reading teaching skills as well as the fact that the ministry of education had received new learning tools and forged new partnerships during the project is highly commendable and augurs well for the future of students and teachers specifically, and the education system generally.
He assured programme counterparts that the Ministry would ensure that all of the recommendations coming out of the initial phase of the project would be considered and implemented including the identification of a teacher to pursue post graduate studies in reading with responsibility to train and supervise teachers in the teaching of reading.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF'S NOTE: According to the parents of Ajani Davis, the St. Joseph Primary School pupil was not a participant of the Reading Assessment Project but participated in the reading exercise. He is a Grade Two pupil but reads at the Grade Eight level.
