Friday, March 21, 2014

Celebrating Student Progress

Blog post written by Tyler Harris, Iowa Reading Corps AmeriCorps member at Jefferson-Edison Elementary.
Tyler Harris, Iowa Reading Corps
AmeriCorps Member

Over the last month I have had a lot of great things happen with my students. I am so proud of all of my kindergartners because they are now reading! It's been exciting to see them go from struggling to know their letter sounds to now being able to put them together and make words. I can tell that they are even impressing themselves when they get a word correct! It is such an improvement from where a lot of them started. I also have had a great deal of success with my first graders. One student has exited from the program and while another first grader recently qualified to exit, I am still working with him for a bit longer to ensure that his progress is maintained.


So many of my students have come so far! It really is such a motivation for me. I have watched many scores increase over the last month. I am so happy with the success this program has provided so far for my students. I am glad to be in this program and helping kids who really can use this extra push. I am especially proud of one of my kindergarten students who improved her letter sounds per minute by 44 letters! She has come such a far way in this amount of time. I really love how much this program gives these students the special one-on-one time that they need to reach their full potential.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Reflections for the New Year

Blog post written by Ryan Moorehead, Iowa Reading Corps AmeriCorps member at Oskaloosa Elementary.
Ryan Moorehead, Iowa Reading Corps
AmeriCorps member

Recently, I've been reflecting upon a few things in particular that have gone well during my first couple of months of service, and what I’m looking forward to this New Year.  I would be kidding myself if I said I began my term of service in October without any apprehensions.  Am I qualified?  Studying and discussing theory in class and the member institute is one thing, but putting that experience and knowledge into practice surely must be an entirely different beast. How will I fit into the existing school community?  I figured this was a legitimate question as it was not only the first year of the program across the state, but also in partnership with the community and school I would be serving. 


I am sure I had a handful of other questions running through my mind at the time as well, but any concerns were quickly put rest as my term of service began.  Sure, some days are trying, but I am grateful to be surrounded by such a supportive and appreciative community that are all striving toward the betterment of the students.  Hardly a day goes by where I’m not stopped by someone in the hallway and asked how I’m doing.  If not that, they might express how appreciative they are for the time and effort I am contributing or offer themselves as a potential resource for me to tap into. 

It is really comforting to occasionally be reaffirmed that the work we are doing is important and making a difference and doesn’t go unnoticed.  At this point, I couldn’t imagine serving in any other type of environment.  I’m looking forward to a wonderful New Year and the challenges it may bring, but also the opportunity to continue to build and strengthen new ties within the school community.