Welcome to Grafton Bethel Elementary School

The teachers at Grafton Bethel are committed to providing a strong reading program for our students. Each teacher works very hard to provide quality reading instruction which includes word study (this includes phonics) and comprehension skills. Grafton Bethel is very lucky to have a variety of literature available to help students explore the world of reading.

The reading teacher at Grafton Bethel supports and assists the teachers as they plan classroom activities. Assistance to struggling readers is also provided in addition to regular classroom instruction. Students in need of extra assistance in reading are determined by looking at several factors. These include the following:

• SOL (Standards of Learning) test scores
• PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening) test scores
• Stanford-9 test scores
• Rigby levels (Oral reading and comprehension test)
• STAR levels (Computer based comprehension test)
• Classroom teacher recommendation
• Classroom performance

The instruction provided for students is based on their needs and includes developmentally appropriate activities. In grades 1 and 2, the focus is on rhyming, letter sounds and blending activities. In grades 3–5, word study and comprehension activities become the main areas of assistance.

Other options for extra assistance in reading include spending additional time in Reach for Reading (a one on one tutoring program) and extra instruction from the classroom teacher.

Our goal at Grafton Bethel is to develop life long readers. The entire staff is committed to helping every child achieve this goal.