Table of Contents

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

What is the Step-Up reading program?

The Step-Up Early Intervention reading program is a curriculum that provides kindergarten students with one-on-one instruction in basic reading readiness skills.

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How did the Step-Up program begin?

• The Step-Up program was started in the summer of 2002 to meet the needs of children and assist them in becoming an early reader.
• The Unit 5 reading specialists developed the materials for the Step-Up curriculum based on research of other programs being used across the state.

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How does Step-Up work?

The following steps are taken initially to determine which students will be eligible for the Step-Up 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 Step-Up program:

• Students receive individual instruction on reading readiness skills with the reading specialist.
• Step-Up lessons are provided on a daily basis for approximately 12 weeks in addition to the regular kindergarten curriculum.
• When a student completes the Step-Up curriculum, the classroom teacher will monitor the students' continued progress.

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How are parents involved in Step-Up?

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

• Monthly newsletters
• Activities sent home by the reading specialist
• Parent Information meetings
• Family Fun Nights
• Parent Advisory Council
• SHARE time activity packets throughout the year

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What should I know about Step-Up?

It can improve reading!!!!

        Step-Up can help:

1. Children build the skills needed to become a reader.
2. Parents support their child's continued development of reading skills.
3. Teachers reinforce reading skill

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Who makes up the Step-Up staff:

Brigham:  Julie Anderson, Tracey Boyer, Vicki Sommer

Fairview:  Pat Buikema, Bridget Carroll, Nancy Mazur

Fox Creek:   Sarah Egge, 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 .