Choosing Preparation over Pride for Reading Success

By: Kate Wallace

Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary is a high-performing conversion charter school in Babson Park, Fla. The school has earned an “A” grade from the state’sschool grading system for six of the past seven years. Babson is known for more than its high achieving status; however, it’s also known for its high ratesof kindergarten retention.

In 2003, Florida implemented a strong statewide K-3 literacy policy which includes retention asa last resort for struggling third-grade readers. At Babson Park, educators had been using a similar approach for years, including literacy screenings forall kindergarten students, retaining those who are not ready to advance to first grade, and using intensive interventions for struggling students to ensureall children can read by third grade.

While the new state policy had a radical impact on many Florida schools, it was business as usual for Babson Park.

“We didn’t think it was a big deal,” recalled Babson Park Principal Elizabeth Tyler. “If you’re acting in the best interest of kids, policies like thatdon’t have to be a burden.”

Continue reading…Principal Tyler with students_from principal

Principal Elizabeth Tyler with students.Image provided by Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary.