Addressing pandemic learning gaps.

Starting in September of this year, the 4J school district adopted a new literary program for elementary school students in an effort to increase literacy acquisition at the elementary level. According to the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) reports for 2021 to 2022, only 40 percent of third grade students in the state are meeting state grade-level standards for English Language Arts. 

“The new program is designed to uplift students who are struggling in reading and writing,” 4J K-3 literacy specialist Katie Stiles said. “It specifically targets methods of teaching for vocabulary acquisition,” she continued.

The average number of 4J students meeting the proficiency standards for their grade level is 48 percent, only slightly higher than the state average. The elementary school literacy rates range from proficiency levels of a high of 79 percent average and to a low of 25 percent.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the average has decreased, and students are continuing to fall behind. In the 2017 and 2018 school year, 52 percent of students across the district were on-track for their grade level in reading.

“The district has made a strong commitment to bringing students back on track after COVID,” Stiles said. “The new curriculum is intended to bring awareness to the weakest part of students’ reading and writing skills to hopefully begin helping them.”

This year, state testing took place in April and May, with scores planned to be released anytime between October and December of next school year. These scores will be crucial in determining whether or not students are rebounding and if the curriculum is helping them succeed.

By Jada Jones