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.