South Carolina’s Clinton Elementary School Showcases Best Practices for Teacher Effectiveness Developed Using 100 Book Challenge, a Stimulus-Funded Reading Initiative
Lancaster, S.C.—When educational leaders from across South Carolina visited Clinton Elementary School on March 1, 2010, they witnessed an entire school community transformed by a new reading initiative. At the beginning of the school year, Principal Rachel Ray launched American Reading Company’s 100 Book Challenge as the structured independent reading system for use at school and at home, requiring daily parental involvement to monitor reading practice. Teachers also underwent extensive training to master research-based best practices in reading instruction.
The result? “The culture in our school around reading has been transformed,” said Ray. “Students are enthusiastic about reading, parents are involved in daily reading routines, and teachers are demonstrating expert skills in reading instruction to coach students to the next level.” This year students are expected to log 800 “steps” or 200 hours of supervised independent reading practice. The school has been infused with 7,500 new books that are leveled according to independent reading levels.
Ray was able to share her school’s success with 100 Book Challenge at a special event she hosted for neighboring district leaders to observe the program in action. Specials guests also included James M. “Jimmy” Neal, South Carolina State Representative and Vice Chairman of the Education and Public Works Committee, and Steven Abbott, Title I State Coordinator for the South Carolina Department of Education.
”It‘s a testament to the district and school leadership that others are interested in the successful implementation here in Lancaster,” said Quality Quinn, EVP of American Reading Company, who also attended the event. “Principal Ray is a true champion for effective training to ensure that teacher quality is the constant in her school, and not the variable.”
American Reading Company programs are not new to the state of South Carolina. Currently 18 of the state’s 85 public school districts use the company’s programs.
About American Reading Company
American Reading Company transforms school cultures to create sustainable academic achievement through training, management, and monitoring. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in King of Prussia, PA. Today, more than a million students in 2,100 schools across 420 districts in 41 states participate in the company’s programs, which include ACTION 100, 100 BOOK CHALLENGE and RESEARCH LABS.