R-II puts focus on reading

The Maryville R-II School District has made reading a priority in the last few months with the beginning of a reading-focused committee.

“Our administrative team has worked on the committee over the past couple months,” said Assistant Superintendent Steve Klotz.

With advisement from the committee, the district is beginning a book study in vocabulary instruction.

“We’re looking at what vocabulary looks like in our school and how we can make some improvements there,” Klotz said. “We recognize the demands that are placed on our students when it comes to assessment and being prepared to enter the work force or go on to post-secondary education. We need to make sure they’re proficient readers.”

Klotz said the demands on readers today is different than in the past; therefore teachers need to be aware of the newest techniques.

“Everything these days is written at a different level than they used to be,” he said. “We want to continue to put the skills in our teachers’ hands to make sure they’re able to lead our students in a direction to be successful.”

Going along with the district’s objectives of leadership, learning, character and community, Klotz said academics are still the focus.

“We want to make sure our academic focus is strong since it’s the reason we are here,” he said. “We have a good foundation we’re building on, so our students can be successful.”

In addition to the committee focusing on skills specific to reading, Klotz said literary skills are important in all subject areas.

“All the subjects require you to be a good reader,” he said, “so in order to do well in science, social studies and math, you have to read well and understand what you’re reading. Reading and writing are important for students to be successful and get jobs in the future. Whether they’re entering the work force or going into post-secondary education, they’re going to have to be able to read and write well.”