Aaron Spain, Successful 3rd Grader
When Teachers are Committed, There are No Excuses
Union Park Elementary School represents the kind of success we’re
seeing around the state. Last year 75 percent of students at Union
Park made learning gains in reading. Today, more than three in four
Union Park 3rd graders read at or above grade level, compared with
less than two thirds of them in 2003.
The teachers and principal at Union Park know that every child
can learn, and no excuse is acceptable. They are committed to giving
every child the time and attention required for him or her to succeed.
One such child was Aaron Spain, an exceptional education (ESE) student.
His FCAT scores last year indicated he didn’t have the basic
reading skills he needed. Rather than push him forward before he
was ready, his teachers held him back for extra help.
They did not make excuses based on his learning disability. Instead,
they worked with him. Aaron got intensive, supportive instruction
from his teachers – especially Mrs. Frash. He also got a mentor
who helped him understand how important reading is. Classes in reading,
speech and language, as well as computer instruction helped him
build his skills.
This year, Aaron reads at grade level – and is happy with
Union Park Elementary. So is his mom – Claudette Spain. And
they have reason to be happy. The school gave Aaron exactly what
he needed, a little more time and some intensive help from committed
teachers.
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