Hempstead Elementary School has been awarded a $4,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to fund the Accelerated Reader (AR) program, a software that helps students develop literacy and reading comprehension skills. The grant will provide students with access to an extensive online library, enabling them to choose from over 200,000 books. As students read, they take quizzes to assess their understanding of the material, earning points that will be used to incentivize top performers with rewards such as school supplies like pencils and notebooks, snacks, and the top prize of a McDonald’s meal.
"There's a clear need for literacy support in our school and across the country," Hempstead Elementary principal, Dr. Brittanee Shiflett, said. "However, funding for public schools is limited. I applied for this grant to ensure our students could continue using the AR program because it really motivates them.”
Hempstead Elementary students arrive early in the morning to visit the library and read.
“Literacy and reading comprehension are critical skills, and I want to encourage a love of reading among our students."
Shiflett also pointed out the broader impact of literacy on other academic subjects, including math and science. "Improving literacy helps in all areas of learning. This grant will support our efforts to build those skills in our students."
Shiflett was unsure what made her application stand out among others across the U.S. but credits the emphasis on student success and the clear presentation of data and needs. The $4,000 grant will directly fund the AR program, allowing students to continue their reading progress and take quizzes to demonstrate their comprehension.
Research from the AR program indicates that students who participate in AR are nearly twice as likely to be college and career-ready.
Shiflett anticipates significant improvements in students' reading and comprehension skills, which will be measured through reports generated by the AR system. The data will give campus administrators and teachers insight into how many books students have read, how well they’re performing on the quizzes, and whether they are reaching their reading goals. This information helps them track student progress and determine if individual students are moving toward improved outcomes.
In addition to AR data, the school will use state testing like STAAR exams for students in Grades 3-5 and the M-Class phonics/reading assessments for K-2 students to track improvements in literacy. The Accelerated Reader program will officially roll out in October.
“I plan to announce the program's return through our morning announcements, we are excited to get it up and running again," Shiflett said.
Hempstead Elementary students will be able to access the program at school, home, or public libraries, giving them the flexibility to read anytime, anywhere.
“I would like to thank the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for choosing our students and campus. This grant will make a big difference, not only for our students but for our school and community as well."