Concentration on Reading Already Showing Results in Lunenburg Schools

After taking over the position as Superintendent for Lunenburg County Public Schools, Charles Berkley noted that one of his goals was to formulate a plan to help  concentrate on reading at an early age and to grow that as the students move through school. With that goal, he and Director of Instruction and Personnel Sidney Long have been able to bring in additional reading specialists and this looks to be having an immediate positive impact for the students.

With the recent release of SOL scores, Lunenburg saw an increase across all demographics in reading and in the subjects of Math, Science, and History as well. Mr. Berkley noted that reading plays a huge role in not only that subject and English, but is hugely important in being able to understand and comprehend the questions in other subjects as well.

Mr. Berkley stated, “Our reading specialists have made significant progress and much needed changes to our reading program.”

In a recent presentation by several of the reading specialists in Lunenburg that included Carolyn Vermillion, Jenny Hoye, Tammy Matthews and Julie Dalton, the group discussed some of the work being done at the schools that includes the “Reading Like a Hero” initiative that is taking place at the elementary schools.

They also noted that a transition to a guided reading framework has begun which concentrates on the wide spectrum of reading abilities within each class. The reading specialists are able to help classroom teachers prepare activities and materials that fit the abilities of groups within those classes.

Vermillion stated, “The goal is for all students to obtain optimum growth.”

Mr. Berkley also noted that additional reading resources were recently obtained by school officials and this will also help with the availability of material for the reading specialists and teachers.

Mrs. Hoye noted that Lunenburg is also participating in a program involving Longwood University where students come to the elementary schools and help with the promotion of reading. She stated, “We plan to use them all throughout the year.”

The group also talked about the positives that have come from the concentration and open discussion with school officials about the importance of reading. This has already produced results and school officials expect to see that trend continue. There are currently five reading specialists for the two elementary schools and one for Lunenburg Middle School.