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How Puerto Rico is implementing the research findings in the National Research Council Report, "Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children."
The Kindergarten curriculum is based on the basic foundation in which research findings have been considered. Among these are students? prior experiences, school and home literacy environment, and the integration of motivating experiences to the learning process.
The main objective of the Kindergarten Program is to awaken children?s interest in reading and their love for books. To attain this goal, the curriculum guide recommends ample use of activities to be developed in the classroom and at home. Other objectives are also directly or indirectly related; to stimulate children?s imagination, oral communication, classify and organize criteria, narrate experiences, develop a sense of belonging, enjoy leisure activities, acquire new vocabulary, develop and discriminate visual and auditory symbols; and others.
At present, there are five special projects that are implemented which are related to Early Childhood Education (K-3) and Emphasize Reading: (1) America Reads Challenges/Puerto Rico "Lee" Learning Alliances; (2) I Think, Read, and Write to Communicate (PLEC); (3) Teaching and Learning with Computers Center (CEAC); (4) Reading Enrichment Program in English (REPE), and (5) Learning Alliances. Descriptions of these projects follows:
Project America Reads Challenges/Puerto Rico Reader
It is directed towards stimulating and developing reading skills at an early age. University students collaborate as tutors for the children with activities that help strengthen. (Kindergarten through third grade).
Project I Think, Read, and Write to Communicate (PLEC)
This project consists of a series of computer software, through which the children develops writing skills and reading in an attractive way. It facilitates the development of thinking skills, communication, and language in a fun and innovative manner. (First through Ninth).
Project Teaching and Learning with Computer Centers
This project utilizes the computer as a means of developing reading and writing skills in both English and Spanish, as well as mathematical skills. The program gives the teacher the opportunity to count on a larger number of technological resources for the development of educational experiences.
Reading Enrichment Program in English (REPE)
REPE is a program that enriches reading. It is designed for Title I students. It helps students strengthen their reading skills. The goal is the achievement of students? reading ability to be at the level expected for his age.
Project Learning Alliances
The purpose of this project is to offer assistance to schools who are in search of effective alternatives to improve basic and advances skills in Spanish, English, and Math for those students who need it. To achieve these goals, the student will participate in small group activities with direct supervision from teachers and support groups.
The Puerto Rico Department of Education is in the process of mandating public policy relating to the operation of the Day Care and Integral Development Centers as part of the Early Childhood Education Program.
Their objective is to guarantee and provide optimum care and development opportunities for the children of public agency employees. This clientele is made up of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The curriculum emphasizes the learning is an interactive process. The teacher prepares the environment so that the child learns through exploration and interaction with other children and adults using a variety of educational materials. Opportunities are provided for children to select from a variety of activities, materials with time for active exploration. Learning is expanded through questions and suggestions that stimulate the thinking process in children.
The Reading Enrichment Program in English, for Title I students, provides supplementary reading materials such as big books, picture books, and informational texts to enrich and ensure equal access to literacy opportunities for all students. This is accomplished by creating a literate environment in which participating students have access to a variety of reading and writing materials and multiple opportunities for sustained reading practice in a variety of formats. Instructional level texts were carefully chosen from a variety of materials linking reading and writing activities. Parents are encouraged to participate in the project by reading aloud and sharing reading experiences at home using the supplementary reading material. A representative sample used for evaluation purposes revealed that seventy (70) percent of the participants demonstrated improvement in their reading and writing skills.
Gladys Perez
Director
English Program
P.O. Box 190759
San Juan, PR 00919-0759
(787) 759-2000, ext. 3468
State: Puerto Rico
Team Leader: Isidra Albino
Phone Number: 787-754-6164
As a result of attending this Summit, what two things does your state team commit to doing in the next six months toward enhanced literacy for children and their families?
[South Carolina]