Students participate in an Ignite Reading demonstration Nov. 14, 2023, at Gib Olinger Elementary School, Milton-Freewater. The Milton-Freewater Unified School District launched the program during the 2022-23 school year to assist students with literacy skills.
Tammy Malgesini has worked as a community reporter/columnist
for EO Media Group since 2006. She earned a psychology/sociology
degree from George Fox College. In her spare time, Tammy enjoys
spending time with her husband and two German shepherds.
MILTON-FREEWATER — A year after launching a partnership with Ignite Reading, the Milton-Freewater Unified School District is pleased with the results.
According to a press release, Assistant Superintendent Ami Muilenburg said the district was initially concerned with the program’s virtual component. However, she said success levels across all grade levels have erased that initial hesitancy.
Representatives from Ignite Reading hosted a demonstration Nov. 14 at Gib Olinger Elementary School to showcase how its virtual literacy tutoring works. In addition, officials discussed results in Milton-Freewater after its first full school year of utilizing the program. According to Ignite Reading, participating students are gaining skills at twice the typical rate than in traditional classroom settings.
“We are witnessing remarkable progress in students’ foundational reading skills,” Muilenburg said. “The gains made by our students … not only empower them to read with confidence but also lay the crucial groundwork for a lifelong ability to read to learn.”
Ignite pairs students remotely with tutors for 15 minutes each day. In the sessions, the tutor provides research-based guidance that focuses on how children learn, which assists students in becoming confident, independent readers.
Ignite founder and CEO Jessica Reid Sliwerski said she’s excited about the partnership with Milton-Freewater schools. And, she said, the program is providing more than enhanced literacy skills.
“Beyond improved literacy, we are also observing a notable and positive social-emotional impact,” Sliwerski said.
Ignite Reading partners with more than 20 schools across Oregon to improve literacy skills. For more information, visit www.ignite-reading.com.
Tammy Malgesini has worked as a community reporter/columnist
for EO Media Group since 2006. She earned a psychology/sociology
degree from George Fox College. In her spare time, Tammy enjoys
spending time with her husband and two German shepherds.
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