Table of Contents

1. What is the Guided Steps program?
2. How did the Guided Steps program begin?
3. How does Guided Steps work?
4. How are parents involved in Guided Steps?
5. What should I know about Guided Steps?
6. Who makes up the Guided Steps staff?

What is the Guided Steps program?

   The Guided Steps reading program is a curriculum that provides 1st grade students with additional instruction in basic reading skills.  This additional instruction is a service of the Title I program.

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How did the Guided Steps program begin?

• The Guided Steps program was started in the summer of 2003 to meet the needs of 1st grade students and assist them in becoming a more confident reader.
• The Unit 5 Title I reading specialists developed the materials for the Guided Steps curriculum based on research of other programs being used across the state.

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How does Guided Steps work?

   The following steps are taken initially to determine which students will be eligible for the Guided Steps program:

• Students are identified using a routine assessment.
• The reading specialist and classroom teacher collaborate to determine eligibility.
• Parents are notified of the students' eligibility.

   The following services are provided through the Guided Steps program:

• Students receive individual and small group instruction on reading skills with the reading specialist.
• Guided Steps lessons are provided in addition to the regular 1st grade curriculum.
• When a student completes the Guided Steps curriculum, the classroom teacher will monitor the students' continued progress.

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How are parents involved in Guided Steps?

   Family involvement is a key component to the Guided Steps program.  Parents are true partners in their child's learning.  The connection between home and school is encouraged in many ways:

• Monthly newsletters
• Title I Family Activity Nights
• Parent information meetings
• Parent Advisory Council

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What should I know about Guided Steps?

It can improve reading!!!

Guided Steps can help:

•     Children build the skills needed to become a confident reader

•     Parents support their child's continued development of reading skills

•     Teachers reinforce reading skills

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Who makes up the Guided Steps staff?

Brigham:  Julie Anderson, Tracey Boyer, Vicki Sommer,

Fairview:   Pat Buikema, Bridget Carroll, Nancy Mazur

Fox Creek:  , Carla Hansen, Lori Stevens

Glenn:  Robin Nihiser

Oakdale:  , Sharon Kesler, Anne Yates

Pepper Ridge:  Angie Meade, Sarah Egge

Sugar Creek:  Sandy Dickson

Title I Director:  Linda Chizmar

Title I Family Coordinator:  Terri Daugherty

Title I Administrative Assistant:  Lisa Sparrow

The Title I Office is located at the Unit Office  1809 W. Hovey Ave.  Normal, IL  61761

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Revised: November 22, 2004 .