Posted on: Thursday, September 16, 2004

Education snapshot — Kilauea Elementary

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Education Writer

At Kilauea Elementary on Kaua'i, literacy is a big focus.

If students don't learn to read, they will struggle in every other subject, notes principal Fred Rose. "If that's the most important thing, that's where you've got to put your resources," he said.

Some of Kilauea Elementary's resources go to Betsy Hickey, "an excellent, excellent reading coordinator," Rose said. "She puts her heart and soul into it."

Kilauea's investment paid off in third-grade reading scores this year, where 72 percent of students scored at or above proficiency on the Hawai'i State Assessment, compared to 46 percent last year.

What made the difference: The school carefully tracks each student and knows when the child is struggling. The teachers then target problem areas with supplemental interventions and "double-dose" activities that help reinforce literacy concepts.

How they did it: Four years ago the teachers attended an Institute for Beginning Reading program and have been able to build on that training to develop a good literacy program. Teachers have been able to see for themselves what works. "There's nothing more powerful than seeing things progress," Rose said. "Success engenders more success."

Other factors: Reading coordinator Hickey introduces the teachers to little direct instruction activities — games that help children with their reading.