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International Reading Association: Exemplary
Reading Program Award
The
International Reading Association established the Exemplary
Reading Program Awards in 1990 to recognize outstanding reading
and language arts programs at all grade levels throughout
North America. Award recipients are chosen based on a written
description of the reading program prepared by the school
staff and a site visit made by representatives of the Exemplary
Reading Program Award Committee in that state or province.
Crestview Elementary School received this
award on May 2, 1999, during the Annual Convention of the
International Reading Association. At this time there were
twenty-six schools in the United States and one in Canada
recognized for this distinction. This award calls attention
to outstanding reading programs in schools throughout North
America.
The reading instruction at Crestview Elementary
School exemplifies "what an elementary program should
look, sound, and feel like," said Mr. John York, the
Iowa State Chair of the Exemplary Reading Program Award Committee.
The teaching staff at Crestview has placed literacy for all
children first in its educational goals. The teaching staff
uses a sound research base and students' reading data to drive
an academically successful program. The literacy plan is evident
at all levels with daily direct instruction. At the heart
of the school's success is parent and community support that
provides both financial and personal commitment to students'
reading development.
Anyone who is interested in learning
more about the literacy program may contact John Villotti,
Crestview Principal, at 515-633-5700.
Target: Outstanding School Award
Crestview
Elementary School was one of a thousand schools in the United
States recognized by the Target Corporation as an "outstanding
school." This award is given to schools that have demonstrated
outstanding spirit, pride, and enthusiasm for education and
their community. Our award was presented to Crestview Elementary
School on January 4, 1999. The Outstanding School Award recognizes
Crestview's commitment to building a learning community between
students, teachers, parents, and city patrons. We are very
proud of the national distinction the Target Award has provided
to our school.
Balance Literacy Program
In
1991, the school community at Crestview Elementary was concerned
about the growing number of students entering special education
programs. Nine percent of the student population was being
served in special education programs and over 40 percent of
the students were receiving additional remedial reading assistance.
To improve these statistics, the school implemented a School
Improvement Plan that focused on student literacy.
The major objective of Crestview's Balance Literacy Program
is to teach all students to read and write. Recognizing that
not all children learn reading and writing skills in the same
way, Crestview teachers present a balance of literacy activities.
Based on educational research and literacy theory, the program
includes reading and writing components such as reading aloud,
shared reading, guided reading, and independent reading as
well as interactive writing, shared writing, guided writing,
and writers' workshop.
Student learning is measured using a variety of assessments,
and outcomes have been impressive. The school has witnessed
a dramatic decrease in the number of students being serviced
in special education programs.
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