Earlier this year, Wilson In-District Trainer Sara Adamovich was invited to participate in the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction\u2019s Promising Practices Workgroup to develop and share strategies for literacy success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sara teaches at Eagle River Elementary School (Northland Pines School District), one of only 18 schools identified for the Promising Practices Workgroup because of their high reading achievement growth for students with disabilities. The workgroup was tasked with examining and recommending practices\/strategies to increase literacy outcomes for students with disabilities and developing related resources for educators which will be shared statewide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the five workgroup meetings, Sara\u2019s main focus was within the area of Effective Instruction \u2013 Strategies, one of four topics explored by the team. She reflected on the literacy improvement in her district using the Wilson Reading System\u00ae<\/sup> (WRS) and promoted the importance of explicit, systematic, cumulative, and diagnostic instruction for students with learning disabilities. She also showed student work to the group and discussed the progress achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a special education teacher, Sara focuses on working with students needing intensive reading instruction\/remediation and collaborating with regular education teachers to provide technological supports, accommodations, and modifications for students. As a Wilson\u00ae Trainer, she also provides Wilson professional learning and support to teachers in the district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Wilson Reading System is being used throughout the Northland Pines School District. Every teacher working with students with learning disabilities is WRS Level I Certified; 80% of other special education staff and a few elementary general education staff have also obtained WRS certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Identification by the Department of Public Instruction validates the progress at the school that has been noted through pre- and posttesting, special education reevaluations, and behavioral changes. Sara describes the increased outcomes as \u201camazing\u201d with students now able to find success in reading, spelling, and sharing knowledge. Student confidence increases with each achievement and Sara noted, \u201cIt\u2019s music to my ears when teachers share with me that our students volunteer to read aloud in class.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sara\u2019s journey with Wilson started with Justin and Josh, two second-grade students who had previously been unsuccessful in making reading gains with other programs. This led her to discover the Wilson Reading System, complete WRS certification, and then become a Wilson Trainer with her district\u2019s support. Sara, along with other teachers, have provided WRS instruction to Justin and Josh over the years. Sara feels fortunate to have witnessed the gains made when both students completed the program in eighth grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cWilson Works\u201d at Eagle River Elementary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Helping Struggling Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n