Impact of Cornerstone Program in Reading Ability of Selected Grades II-III Pupils of Paciano Rizal Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Cornerstone Program is a gateway evangelization strategy through public schools. It is a tool for pastoral formation in the area of growing in Christian character and love of neighbors especially the poor and a Church of the Poor program in Education working closely with CFC for provision of school support, scholarships, feeding program, and other social welfare services. The main partner in the educational institution of CFC is the Ateneo Center of Educational Development (ACED) whose main goal is to help Department of Education in upgrading the public-school education nationwide through principal and teacher empowerment programs and other school-related services. Paciano Rizal was chosen to be the recipient of the program where their focus were the struggling readers. They likewise conducted a values formation program both for tutees and their parents.

METHODS

This study utilized the one group pre-test, midyear, and post-test quasi-experimental research design. This also used mixed method which included both qualitative and quantitative analyses. The participants were 35 pupils from Grades II and III of Paciano Rizal Elementary School who were identified as struggling readers. One of the objectives of the study was to measure the effectiveness of the materials/ modules produced by Ateneo Center of Educational Development (ACED) in helping pupils to read. A 50-item test for the pre-test, midyear, and post-test was made. Experts evaluated the face and content validity of the test before the implementation. After the validation, the test was administered. The mean percentage scores of the tests were analyzed.

RESULTS

The Pre-reading test result showed that 34 of the tutees were at the pre-primer level. Pupils in this level were found out to have difficulty in recognizing words and even letters. One is identified to be under the primer level. During the post reading, ten tutees were still under pre-primer and fifteen were under the primer, five first readers, three second readers, and two third readers. The tutees also developed their personal Christian character, learned to pray, learned to express their love for their peers, community, and for the country as well and they showed care for the environment.

DISCUSSIONS

IV. Discussion:

The program had a great impact on students’ ability to read. The modules used in teaching the struggling learners how to read are quite effective. Among 35 identified struggling readers, only five were left under the pre-primer and this revealed that the program was successful.