Success For All (SFA) Reading Program

Developed through Johns Hopkins University

Success For All is a comprehensive approach to reading for elementary schools to ensure the success of every child. The curriculum is based on current research on the ways children learn to read and write. Children get a strong basis in phonics to develop their reading roots. Then strategic reading skills helps them take wings and read independently.

Components

• There is a school-wide uninterrupted reading period of 90 minutes daily.
• Beginning in first grade, children are grouped across classes and grades by reading level, giving most teachers the opportunity to work intensively with a smaller number of students at one reading level.
• Students who are experiencing difficulty in learning to read are tutored one to one daily (especially first graders).
• Students are tested every eight weeks to make sure they are progressing and to ensure they are in the correct level.
• A Family support team helps students and families work through problems that interfere with children's learning.
• Cooperative learning is used throughout the program and focuses on individual accountability, common goals and recognition of group success.

 

The lessons are fast-paced and full of meaningful activities that make sure children get enough practice and at the same time challenge them to learn to their full potential. students will do lots of reading, thinking and discussion. Although filling in worksheets is not a main focus, children do write and are taught to use complete sentences.

Levels

• The Early Learning Program (kindergarten) emphasizes oral language development using themes, children's literature, and beginning concepts of print. Children learn letter sounds and are exposed to actual reading beginning with memorized stories.
• Reading Roots (beginning reading program) emphasizes a balance between phonics and meaning in a fun, quick-paced style that has children engage in letter and word activities, guided and partner reading, and writing. The stories children read are phonetically regular and are aimed at building comprehension and fluency.
• Reading Wings (those reading 2nd through 6th levels) is built around our present basal literary readers and novels. Students read independently and with partners. In cooperative learning activities students work in teams to improve strategic reading comprehension skills. Writing is used for creative expression and in response to literature.

At Home Responsibilities

• Make sure children are at school daily by 9:00. "On Time and Healthy" is one of our mottos.
• Read for 20 minutes at least four nights per week. Parents sign the form students bring home. Reading practice is essential. Accelerated Reader is still our motivational independent reading program.
• Postpone doctor and dentist appointments until after reading time. Lessons are built upon one another and are so packed that students need to be at school every day.

 

Ten years of Success for All has helped make Roosevelt a "School of Distinction", one of only 85 within the entire State of Washington. When we all work together, teachers, tutors, students, parents, and volunteers, students succeed!

You can access the official Success For All Foundation web site by clicking on the SFA icon below.

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