Wescove's Reading Program (K-2)

The past five years have brought major breakthroughs in our knowledge of how children learn to read. 

Teaching beginners to read must be highly purposeful and strategic.

According to the Science of Reading (a vast body of research about the brain and reading) there are evidence-based strategies that are proven to work. Wescove teachers embed these practices into their daily classroom instruction and during our designated intervention time. 

The following programs are used to enhance our reading instruction:

Benchmark Advance - This is our core language arts program that provides a cohesive structure for the development of literacy skills and content knowledge.

SIPPS - When used as a core/Tier 1 program, SIPPS (Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words) supports the acquisition of grade-level, foundational skills standards. Each SIPPS level corresponds to one level in a developmental progression: simple alphabetic, spelling pattern, and polysyllabic/morphemic phases. 

95% Group - The 95% Group resources are used for tier 2 intervention. A diagnostic assessment is administered to individuals to determine "gaps" in learning and explicit lessons are taught to address those areas. Credentialed reading teachers facilitate lessons 4 times a week focusing on the identified area of need and the next sequential skills along the learning continuum. This allows us to meet the unique needs of the beginning and struggling readers.