Project REAL (Read, Enjoy andLearn)in 100 Days

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Reading is essential for a child's success. Children with reading difficulty are more likely to face problems in learning the lessons. The Phil-IRI results revealed that there were many non-readers from Grade I to Grade 3. The academic performances of these pupils were affected because they can't read well. There were 63 non-readers in Grade 3, the highest among the grade levels. This was the reason why Silang Central School decided to focus the CIP among the Grade 3 non-readers. Despite of all the efforts exerted by teachers, non-readers remain to be the top most problem in school, based from the latest Phil-IRI results. The school Continuous Improvement Program attended to this problem. Project REAL in 100 Days aimed to help the non-readers in one hundred days.

METHODS

This project adopted the DISTAR reading program, a specific direct instruction model developed by Siegfried Engelmann and Wesley C. Becker. The program features are:1) Explicit, a systematic instruction based on scripted lesson plans, 2) Ability grouping, where students are grouped and re-grouped based on their rate of progress through the program, 3) Emphasis on pace and efficiency of instruction, and 4) It only needs 20 minutes a day for 100 days.

RESULTS

The program reduced the number of non-readers by at least 80%. It did not dramatically improve their academic performance but they had fun in learning how to read.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the assessment results of the project it was necessary that the students with reading problems must be given proper and immediate help. The school should employ a structured and interesting reading program to motivate the non-readers.