HES teacher feted for reading performance of students

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN CYNTHIA MARTENS
Vera Isaac, second-grade teacher at Hillsboro Elementary School, has been recognized for her outstanding performance in reading education by Renaissance Learning Inc. in Madison, Wis.

Reading Renaissance provides school improvement programs through research-based software products, teacher training and consulting.

Thirteen second-graders from HES participated in the program.

Isaac was awarded the Reading Renaissance Model Classroom Level I Certification because her work with Reading Renaissance methods resulted in increased student-reading performances.

“I went to a national conference in San Antonio, Texas, and learned more about model-classroom certification,” Isaac said.

At the conference, she received a kit detailing the requirements for the program.

“It involved 12 weeks of keeping records with the accelerated-reader program,” she said.

Isaac gave her students a test to determine their reading levels and established reading points and percentage goals. Near the end of the school year, she retested the students to see if their reading levels had gone up.

“All the students met their goals, and all of their reading levels went up,” Isaac said.

To receive the certification, Isaac made sure her students participated in a minimum of 60 minutes of reading practice time daily. She also individualized the curriculum for certain students.

“Vera Isaac exemplifies the kind of commitment to the success of every student that is at the heart of effective teaching,” said Judi Paul, co-chair of Renaissance Learning.

Because of Isaac’s work, HES has received national recognition, a merchandise certificate for $50 and a discount on educational staff-development opportunities.

“I’m just thrilled with all the students’ hard work,” Isaac said. “They deserve to be recognized.”

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