ACUSHNET — Superintendent Dr. Paula Bailey is pleased to share that Acushnet Public Schools and Ignite Reading will host an event on Dec. 17 to showcase the progress made by first through third graders enrolled in the online, one-to-one literacy tutoring program in use at Acushnet Elementary School.
The district was pleased with the additional impact of the Ignite program in the 2023-24 school year, which school administrators say helped accelerate student achievement.
In addition to announcing details of students’ reading progress, a demonstration will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with Ignite Reading staff and school officials.
“We are pleased with the progress our students at Acushnet Elementary have achieved through our collaboration with Ignite Reading,” Superintendent Dr. Bailey said. “We appreciate the targeted, personalized literacy tutoring and are happy to have received a grant through the Massachusetts Department of Education to provide this opportunity for students.”
The Ignite showcase will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at Acushnet Elementary School.
Ignite Reading pairs students who need extra support with expert tutors who deliver daily, 15-minute Science of Reading-based instruction to help them master the key foundational skills needed to become fluent readers. The one-to-one online tutoring program is integrated into the school day, and a professional literacy specialist oversees growth data to ensure students are making expected progress.
“The results from our partnership with Ignite Reading last year were notable, and we appreciate the opportunity to continue the partnership this year,” said Acushnet Elementary School Principal Leah Chesney. “The high-dosage, 1:1 instruction provides a boost to a high volume of students at once. We also appreciate the flexibility to fit within our busy school day schedule.”
The Ignite curriculum reinforces Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey’s “Literacy Launch: Reading Success from Age 3 through Grade 3” literacy plan. This plan ensures Massachusetts schools, educators, and students have access to high-quality, evidence-based reading instruction through literacy materials, technical support, coaching, and professional development for educators.
Currently, 55 students participate in the Ignite Program at the Acushnet Elementary School. In addition to Massachusetts, Ignite Reading is partnering with schools and districts to serve thousands of students across 17 states this year.
Anyone wishing to attend the showcase is asked to please RSVP by emailing Ignite’s Warner Johnston at wj@5borough.us or calling 917-586-1234.
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