Þ Create an early morning reading and math club. Eligible students will report to a specific area and receive extra assistance from staff members. The staff member’s daily contracted schedule can be altered to provide this coverage.

 

Þ Examine how mathematics and reading instruction are being delivered.  Research the current thinking in terms of heterogeneous and homogeneous grouping. Would students in need of remedial assistance realize greater success if they were grouped homogenously? Be prepared to depart from the findings of research if another plan would be more productive.

 

Þ Identify a common time within the daily schedule where students with greater needs can work with available staff to improve their reading and math skills. Consider establishing a rotating schedule to eliminate a stigma attached to being pulled from class to receive extra assistance.

 

Þ Establish a peer-tutoring program that can take place over the lunch period and during study halls or free periods. Peer tutors would need to be trained in order to understand their roles. Having a staff member oversee this program would be a bonus.  

 

Þ Explore reading and math programs that are cutting edge and designed to assist students in need. Determine if successful programs can be replicated. If replication is possible, these programs will need to be imported.

 

Þ Include the library as a viable learning, teaching, reading and thinking space for students who are in need of additional assistance.

 

Þ Include the librarian in the plan. High interest, easily read books may be successful in hooking tentative or reluctant readers into the world of reading and the library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Robert Ruder retired in December 2004 after thirty-six years as an educator. He served as a middle level principal in urban and suburban school districts for twenty-five years. His last assignment was in the Manheim Township School District.  He has written articles of interest to middle level educators that have been published in Principal Leadership, Middle Ground, Middle Matters and the Middle School Journal.  Dr. Ruder recently founded Ruder Educational Consulting Services, whose purpose is to assist middle level educators in finding solutions to middle level problems. He can be contacted at Rruder@aol.com.

 

Þ Initiate an after school homework club for those students who desire serious study time. Students would be required to register for the club by a predetermined time each afternoon. 

 

Þ Create an After School Academy for students identified as having reading and math deficits. Students would be invited to participate in this activity through a personalized letter from the principal.

 

Preparing an academic stone soup is possible in most middle schools. Gathering ingredients from what already exists makes the task one that can be successfully realized. Adding to the richness of the soup is the commitment of interested and caring staff members whose contributions of time and talent will result in a soup that will strengthen and fortify those who are hungry to improve their academic standing.