At River Road/El Camino Del Rio Elementary School, three distinct programs fostering literacy for all students are in action: small group instruction for Title I students (low SES), a new three part integrated 180 Program for students significantly below grade level in reading, and a writing program for regular grade classes designed to enhance their ability to communicate in written form.

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Title I

Federal funds have traditionally provided for small group instruction in reading (and math) for students from families with low resources. This program is in effect in many elementary schools, including River Road/El Camino Del Rio.

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Program 180

At first, this program may look like a Title I program - a small group of students work with a teacher on reading skills.	This sub-group of students works on writing spelling words correctly.	This sub-group quizzes each other on word meaning and spelling.
In the next room, students read high interest books at their reading level, but they may also use a tape to hear the story read aloud as they follow along.	Here an aide checks student progress.	Students keep track of their own progress in their reading log book. Increased scores encourage increased success.
In the third area, students read and listen to comprehension questions about their reading.	When they answer the questions on the screen, they get immediate feedback on the answer.	Students can keep track of their reading progress by accessing their personal program.
The software for the program is managed through the use of a COW (computers on wheels).	The teacher can also track individual student progress, looking at reading levels, word meaning scores, spelling scores, and comprehension scores.	Reading materials for the program allow for students to read high interest materials at their changing reading levels.

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Writing in 4th Grade Level Class

This fourth grade class demonstrates the utilization of student written communication to extend literacy skills.

After having read a story in class, students write out a draft of their own story, and then enter it into the computer for a final copy.

Peers as well as teachers help students use correct keyboarding skills.