January 8, 2004

To Whom It May Concern,

    I am writing with regards to the Reading in Rhythm program that was offered at my school, Westminster Avenue/Computer Science and Math Magnet in Venice. I would like to tell you what a wonderful program it was and how I would like the program to continue at my site.

    As grade level chair for the third grade, I was given the opportunity to ask my colleagues to choose one student from each class to participate in this program. The students went twice a week after school for a scheduled number of hours. This meant a total of 6 students.

    During reading some of my students are sent out to another teacher because they are in the gifted program. Therefore, I received students from the gifted teacher’s class. My reading program consists of the below to average students. Because of this two of my reading students went to Reading in Rhythm program, one from my class and the other from the teacher’s gifted class.

    The student chosen from my class is not a strong reader. In addition, he tends to be a behavior problem. We have worked on his behavior and he has made tremendous strides. One of which is due to this program. After taking this program he is more confident in himself and in his reading. He participates more and wants to read aloud in class. His fluency score doubled and he told me he wants to get a Reading Award at the end of the school year.

    The student from the other class is one of my lowest readers. She reads well below grade level and she will not volunteer to read aloud unless I ask her. After taking this program she is more willing to participate and has a motivation to learn to read. Her fluency score as well improved.

    I feel that the Reading in Rhythm program is a major asset to students who are struggling to read. Any program that can take a student who is not confident in reading and motivate them to read, I feel is a program that is well spent and one I want my students to be involved in.

Sincerely,


Wende Wawaerchak