Readability:  Above 6th grade

Possible hard words: Proper names: Ashley Cooper, Adriana Love, JeanAnn Staley, Jackie Griffin, Bobby Gines Other words: provisional accreditation, magnifying, curator, classifications, 

BEFORE READING: Have the reader read the title of the article and discuss what it is likely to be about.  Anticipate what kinds of topics are likely to be covered.  Have the reader read the list of names and words above.  Performance on the isolated words will give some indication of how difficult the article may be for the reader.  Suggest the reader read the article aloud to you. Indicate you will help out with any hard words.  Point out that you want the reader to read the article as smoothly as possible, as if they were reading it before a big audience that was very much interested in the topic. 

DURING READING: Provide fairly quickly any words that cause hesitation, in order to keep the reading fluent.

AFTER READING: Use questions such as the following to promote a discussion of the article and/or to check for understanding or comprehension.

1. What is the main focus of the “new plan” to improve student learning and performance?
2. Give two or more features of the “MAP attack,”  beyond the heavy emphasis on writing in each of the subject areas.
3. Explain how the “MAP attack” improved scores in the Riverview Gardens School District between the 1999 school year and the 2000 school year.  (You may look back at the article to help you explain.) 
4. How do you feel about tests that the state requires you to take in school?  Do you think that the tests help make learning better for you?  Why or why not?