Gearing Up for Intervention at Horace Mann

As we head into the 4th week of the 2018-19 school year, students and staff are really getting traction in their work here at Horace Mann!  Kids are familiar with classroom/building procedures and are feeling comfortable with their new classmates and teachers.  Staff members are gaining a strong sense of who their students are as learners and whole human beings, figuring out how to reach each one where s/he is. 

When we think about child development, we know it is natural for kids to be moving along at their own pace.  We recognize that some are surging ahead and others are striving to meet the standards set for a grade level.  Often the gap can widen in 3rd grade, due to the need for greater independence with work completion and the level of academic skill expected in the standards.

Thankfully, we have structures in place for intervention in both reading and math, our most essential subjects.  For reading in grades K-5, we have the opportunity for small group instruction for students who need additional support each day for 40 minutes during Intervention/Enrichment time.  We are in the process of completing the assessments that will help us place students in flexible groups, and parents will be alerted when/if your child will be receiving small group instruction (including a Reading and Improvement Monitoring Plan (RIMP). 

Based on data collected over time, and the statewide assessments, we have found a need to address math in grades 3-5.  During the school day, there are times when individual and small group math assistance will be provided on topics such as basic facts.  After school, we will again offer intervention groups 1x per week for grades 3-5 for targeted math review and practice in a fun atmosphere.  We hope you will encourage your student to participate if invited (invites will go out soon).

It is our hope that we will continue to see student academic growth and a sense of confidence for each child through our core instruction and these reading/math interventions.  If you have any questions about your child's skills or interventions available--or how you can help at home--please contact his/her classroom teacher.