Program helps students with new words in English and with their pronunciation

Freddy Sotelo, 14, remembers that when he was younger he didn't find interest in reading. He said that his parents tried to teach him to read but they were difficult because they did not speak English and did not know how to pronounce the words.

"And I had to do it alone," said the student, who is the oldest of three siblings.

When he joined Alliance College-Ready Middle Academy 4 (ACRMA4) Middle School in South Los Angeles, Freddy found himself in the same situation as many of his classmates. Most were below the reading level for their age.

At the school there was also Valeria Álvarez, whose parents strove to teach her Spanish from an early age but forgot to reinforce her reading and writing in English.

“It was very difficult for me when my parents tried to teach me. It was very complicated, ”said Valeria, 12. "They were interested to learn more other subjects."

What both students did not expect is that the director of the ACRMA4 school noticed the problem and decided to get down to work to help all his students.

Time of change

Sean Holiday, who has been the director of the ACRMA4 charter school for three years, said that after doing a reading assessment with about 450 students it was discovered that 92% were reading below the level and that 75% showed a delay of Three years or more.

He decided to meet with the parents to notify them of this finding and after that, the parents were open to help their children.

Holiday decided to implement the Wilson Reading System (WRS) program which is an instructional program that helps readers with difficulties.

Principal Sean Holiday and student Valeria Álvarez review a pending book for this semester. / (Jacqueline García)

“When I saw the crisis that was happening at school I thought this program would be perfect for them,” said Holiday, who had already used that system in the past with other students.

"My theory is that if children don't learn to read on time, by the time they enter high school they may be more likely to leave school or take recovery classes."

Continuing to fall behind causes a domino effect that can affect the future of children, the director said.

They are interested in reading

It has been a year and a half since the reading program began. To make it work without getting rid of the other classes, the principal found the perfect formula.

He decided to remove a few minutes from physical education classes and elective classes to add them to reading classes. So all children have their five regular classes plus a class dedicated only to reading.

Freddy said that in his reading class, for example, he is taught to see the words he does not know and must repeat them. You also have to make a small essay of what you learn when reading your book.

“We read every day and I like it a lot now. I liked the Harry Potter book, ”said the minor, who is in eighth grade. "I like fiction books."

For his part, Valeria, who attends seventh grade, added that he enjoys reading about drama.

The school principal said students are encouraged to read approximately seven books per semester.

Students at Alliance Middle Academy 4 participate in a reading program. (Supplied)

Happy parents

Diana Garcia, Valeria's mother, recognizes that since she was a child her daughter had problems with reading. He said that his plan was originally to teach him Spanish at home with the idea that he would be taught English at school.

"We don't think English would be difficult for her," he explained.

When the girl was in elementary school, Garcia noticed the low level of reading she had and although she asked for help at school, she said they did nothing.

“They had no resources,” recalled the mother of the family. And he added that it was until he entered ACRMA4 that Valeria found interest in reading.

"Now she can open a book on her own and her vocabulary has improved," said her mother and acknowledged that parental support is very important.

Holiday said ACRMA4 is made up of 98% Latino students, 95% of whom are low-income and 20% are English learners.

What makes it difficult in many cases for students to stand out is that sometimes parents can't read, the principal said.

Both Holiday and Garcia said it is important for parents to understand that reading is so important inside and outside of school and in all careers. For children to excel, teamwork must be done.

"I tell parents to get involved in school and see what happens with their children and be patient," Garcia said.

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