Williamstown Elementary School

After a full year of study, two years ago the Williamstown Elementary School began its journey to implement a Core Reading Model of instruction in grades K-3. In Fall 2006, the district purchased the Scott Foresman reading series. This program is designed to address the learning needs for all students, and the staff has worked very hard to successfully implement its many components! In addition, the district has been assessing students in the area of reading using the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Literacy Skills (DIBELS). These brief assessments are given minimally three times per year, and provide important information for teachers about each student's progress in the components of reading. Teachers meet regularly at each grade level to examine assessment data and share strategies and materials to reach all learners.  Teachers also participate in on-going professional development to continue to learn about new approaches for teaching students to read. The ultimate goal is to have ALL students reading at or above grade level by the end of Grade 3.