Overview of Basic Skills Instruction

• Basic Skills Instruction is an early intervention program that uses a variety of strategies and techniques to gain a positive outlook on learning and improve self-esteem. Extra support is given using small group instruction on an as needed basis for students in grades K - 3. Each student that is included in the program will receive an individual student improvement plan (ISIP). The ISIP includes grade appropriate goals and objectives. The basic skill teacher will provide feedback of student’s progress using the ISIP, which will be included with the student’s report card.

Basic Skills Instruction Grades K-1

• Kindergarten and first grade students are selected to participate in the pull-out basic skill program based on teacher recommendation and after formal and informal assessments are conducted by the basic skills teacher. Small groups are formed and support is provided in literacy. Students will learn using various instructional strategies and activities, including word work, guided reading, and kinesthetic activities. All instruction is closely aligned with the grade level curriculum and intended to be a support/reinforcement of concepts being taught in the classroom. Each student that is included in the program will receive an individual student improvement plan (ISIP). The ISIP includes grade-appropriate goals and objectives. The basic skill teacher will provide feedback of student’s progress using the ISIP, which will be included with the student’s report card.
  • Shannon Rutowski, Basic Skill Instructor  Grade K-1
  • Contact: srutowskii@allendalek8.com

Basic Skills Instruction Grades 2-3

• Basic Skills is an intervention program that supports the classroom teacher’s curriculum by utilizing a variety of strategies and techniques.  It is designed to provide additional instruction and practice to reinforce the necessary skills for learning.  Extra assistance helps support the child within the classroom which helps establish a positive learning environment that promotes good study skills and a positive attitude towards learning. 
• The criteria for student selection are based upon teacher referral, classroom observation and DRA/Reading Benchmark Assessments.  In the 2^nd and 3^rd grade program, students work on vocabulary and sight word recognition, reading accuracy and fluency, and reading comprehension which includes literal and inferential and writing skills.  This program supports the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop model being utilized in the classrooms.  
  • Monica Monks, Basic Skills Instructor Grade 2 -3
  • Contact: mmonks@allendalek8.com

Math Basic Skills Instruction Grades  K - 3 

• The Basic Skills Math program supports the current math curriculum.  It is a once weekly combination put out/push in program. It is designed to be flexible and affords additional support to all students in grades K-3 on an as needed basis.  Students work in small groups and are selected based upon teacher referral and classroom observation.  Students work on number facts, basic math concepts, and also knowledge of time, money and measurement concepts. 
  • Grade K-1: Shannon Rutowski
  • Grade 2-3:  Monica Monks