Elementary education effectiveness in Mississippi Essay

multiple sclerosis consists of four-hundred and eighty-six thousand people living in distress ten percent of fryren belong to families that are not adequate to meet their needs (2005). Recent statistics show that those living in poverty are fifty-one percent African the secernsn and approximately cardinal percent Caucasian (2005). Research has shown that the socio sparing status of students influence the point of mastery they will experience. (Donahue &Grigg, 2003) disseminated sclerosis has varying degrees of class period progression among naturalise rules.In the 2003-2004 instill year, six districts, consisting of one basal domesticate, five mettle schools and one exalted school, were identified as in need for approach, based on the reading and math proficiency of its students. For the purpose of this read, completely schools reflecting a lack in reading proficiency will be discussed. The U. S. secretary of Education, Margaret Spelling announced in a November 20 05 press release, cardinal percent of the fastest-growing jobs require at least some post substitute(prenominal) education.Yet far too many students are leaving high school unprepared for college. Improved student acquirement can run students better preparation for college, thus gag law the work gap. Low socioeconomic schools, although improving, are still stern the majority of middle-to-upper class schools in America (Donahue & Grigg, 2003). There are several factors to consider when looking at stopping point the achievement gap piece in first base socioeconomic schools. unitary factor is that young, low-income and minority children are much likely to start school without having gained important school readiness skills, much(prenominal) as recognizing letters and enumerate (2003). As Donahue and Griggs report showed, when students start school already behind early(a)s, they are likely to continue such patterns if not addressed betimes on. Existing studies launch the problems seekers are having addressing literacy issues early on in a students academic career.Researches are trying to find appropriate strategies to combat the achievement gap with many variables which will be discussed further in detail, in the following contemplate. Purpose of the Study The following is a detailed investigation into possible explanations of varying degrees of reading achievement fix in Mississippi and what can be done to master(prenominal)tain a higher general proficiency in reading among Mississippi students, while satisfying the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.Many schools involve elect to implement a school-wide approach to closing the achievement gap however, when transaction with schools consisting primarily of low-income students, there are other factors to consider when choosing a dodging. The proposed translate will focus on improving reading skills in high-poverty schools found in Mississippi by comparing different techniques widely employ and creating a more targeted strategy for low-income students. When deciding on an appropriate strategy for improving reading comprehension there are a some factors one must consider.The following questions will outline the factors to be researched in this study. Research Questions 1. What impact does social economic status go on the achievement gaps found in the State of Mississippi? 2. What are the change factors found in Mississippi schools that are demonstrating low reading gain among economic exclusivelyy separate students? 3. Are there high-poverty schools in Mississippi which demonstrate positive improvements in reading scores? What are the strategies intentiond? 4. How does implementing opening into Practice (TIP) encourage positive student achievement in disadvantaged schools?Hypothesis To affectively close low socioeconomic achievement gaps in reading, steady emphasis on establishing proficient reading ability should be do in elementary school. Nat ure of the Study The research conducted in this study will be an investigation of living literature regarding techniques used in improving reading skills, exemplary schools demonstrating such techniques and finally, a suggested strategy to use when applying research to low socioeconomic schools with low reading proficiency found in Mississippi school districts.Significance of the Study The significance of this study is that by identifying factors contributing to the achievement gap found in low socioeconomic school districts, as well as investigating into existing programs that have had a positive influence on reading execution of instrument scores in other high-poverty schools is that, school administrators and policy makers will have a better basis in which to improve upon existing programs and interventions that would be more financially attainable than starting new programs.The high make up of starting new programs such as creating new assessment strategies, providing more st aff and researchers as well as other costly formulation and implementing variables, often times are not practical for low-economic schools. While children of forthwith are growing up in a world where data are being revealed at an alarming rate and knowledge is manifestly a click away, reading plays an increasingly crucial role in society (Topping & Paul, 1999).The ability to read is not only fundamental for discretion and mastery of every school subject students will encounter, but literacy as well as plays a critical and crucial role in students social and economic lives (Snow, Bums, & Griffin, 1998). As a result, no other factor will have a greater impact on the success of students in Mississippi than their ability to read.With such an emphasis placed on the importance of reading achievement, educational leaders must clearly articulate the expectation that all students can become successful readers, while providing the most effective strategies and opportunities for students to survey in reading and adopt lifelong reading practices. (Okpala, et al. , 2001) Definitions of Terms accomplish Team for Partnership- This partnership is also known as a work Improvement Team or a School Council.Although the ATP members make do the schools partnership program, other memorizeers, parents, students, administrators, and community members also whitethorn lead family and community involvement activities (ATP website). Adequate Yearly Progress- AYP requires that schools hold the uniform high standards for all their students regardless of racial or ethnic background, socioeconomic status and English proficiencyCore Academic Subjects- These subjects include English, style arts and reading, arts, civics, government and history, mathematics and science, foreign languages, as well as, economic science and geography. Elementary School- a nonprofit institution which includes, public school, day or residential school and elementary charter schools which State law manda ted elementary education.Family Literacy Services The services provided to participants on a voluntary basis that comfort a positive change in families. These changes include, providing families with interactive activities between parents and child concerning literacy, inform parents to take an active role in their childrens education, teaching self-sufficiency by providing parental literacy training, and providing education to children which is age-appropriate and prepares them for school and life experiences. exceedingly Qualified (in reference to public elementary or secondary school teacher) A highly qualified teacher will possess a State certification for teaching or holds a license to teach in a particular state due to passing the State exam and is employed in a teaching position aft(prenominal) meeting all required testing, training and educational requirements satisfactory to the State, district and school regulations. Mentoring- A accountable elder who provides positi ve leadership and counselor-at-law to a child as a positive role vex in that childs life. A mentor mission is to benefactor a child to one day become a responsible adult.Minority- a group of students which do not demonstrate the majoritys characteristics, such as socioeconomic status, ethnic background or other key characteristics. Other Staff- staff found within an institution such as personnel, guidance counselors, and administration and teachers aides. Limitations In her 2005 press release Secretary Spelling said, we all hear a lot of stories about wherefore schools are missing Adequate Yearly Progress, but we dont hear much about how thousands of other schools are making it and closing the achievement gap.This study is limited by location its main concentration being primarily on Mississippi schools, programs and outcomes. The primary research method is investigating existing literature, as such there is essential literature on the failures of many schools trying to improve student achievement however there is very little literature depicting success. unity other limitation to consider is that this study focuses on reading proficiency however to get the most accurate depiction of a schools success is to consider all core academic subjects.