Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 14, 1990 TAG: 9007140073
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KIM ZEOLI SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
The School Board is applying for $116,775 in federal money for a reading assistance program for pupils with low performance in the Iowa Basic Skills and Literacy Passport tests. The reading program, called Chapter I, will provide daily help for pupils who are selected for it.
"The bottom line is that this program will serve youngsters in a remedial situation," said elementary education director Randy Wright.
Two elementary schools, McHarg and Belle Heth, will participate. Thirty first-graders from McHarg Elementary and 55 Belle Heth fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders will be selected for the program. The pupils will be chosen through test scores and teacher input.
To help the children, "one [teacher] will be located at Belle Heth and the other at McHarg." Pupils will either be taken from class or helped in the regular classroom for 30 to 60 minutes daily.
Estimated salaries for teachers is $92,043. Materials and supplies will cost about $1,500 and travel expenses are estimated at $800.
The reading approach will be developmental, meaning that teachers will determine individual needs and develop the proper activities to meet them. Parents will be encouraged to participate in helping the children.
Goals of this project are for pupils to meet 80 percent of their personalized education plan and to receive a positive written evaluation by their classroom teacher at the end of the school year. Pupils also should show a gain in comprehension as measured by the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.
Money for the program will be federal funds administered by the state. The grant is routine and is renewed annually.
In other matters, the School Board raised the daily rate of pay for substitute teachers by 5 percent. Superintendent Michael Wright said it has been several years since the rate was increased and he believes this should be looked at annually.
School bus drivers involved with extracurricular activities will also see a 5 percent increase. Wright said the schools are coming "dangerously close" to minimum wage compliance problems in this category.
Margaret Pierce, who is retiring after 37 years in teaching, 31 of them in Radford, was presented a plaque by the board. Pierce was qualified to teach English, Spanish, chemistry and several other subjects. The board said she would be sorely missed. Pierce said, "Now I'll have time to attend some Bobcat ballgames."
by CNB