New London Middle School Program Aims To Boost Vocabulary Skills

Weaving together vocabulary and science lessons, a group of Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School students has been working to improve their language skills in an after-school pilot program.

The program, which began in February, will conclude in mid-May. About 100 students are participating, with instructors at Connecticut College assisting in the lessons.

Principal Alison Ryan of BDJMS said the school is getting an early start on a planned extension of the New London Public Schools calendar by 300 hours in the 2013-2014 school year. Ryan said schools will determine how best to use the extra time, and that the students participating in the vocabulary program were chosen from Measures of Academic Progress test results.

“We were looking for the kids who showed the most potential, who could gain from a program like this,” said Ryan.

Kate McCoy, a seventh grade language arts teacher and part of the extended learning and magnet planning teams at BDJMS, said the program focuses on vocabulary development and strategic reading. She said it started with a “word sort” exercise on how words are assembled, discussing topics such as phonics and spelling.

“It’s just this recognition that words fall together into separate categories,” said McCoy.

The program isn’t just educational to students. Five BDJMS teachers chosen to lead the exercises received additional training, and teachers adapt the program based on the progress of the students.

The program also works to foster cooperation among teachers, including the incorporation of science themes into the reading exercises.

“They collaborate really well and share experiences,” said McCoy.

Connecticut College provided free services to assist the program, including 55 student volunteers from the college and two instructors. Students are evenly divided and alternate their location from day to day, with one group staying at BDJMS and another traveling to the college.

“Connecticut College has just really stepped up to the plate and delivered in a major way,” said Ryan.

In one exercise, students paired off for a game involving short and long vowels. One student worked to sort out words with the different sounds, while another timed them to see how quickly they could correctly arrange them.

Aliana De Jesus, a sixth-grade student, said the program has been helpful in improving her reading. She said it has also had a benefit on other subjects.

“It’s helped me more with my science because even though I know it, it’s been easier to understand,” she said.

Funding for this spring’s program has been funded through an Alliance Grant. The extended learning time will begin as a three-year pilot program, with funding coming from the Ford Foundation, National Center on Time and Learning, and money from federal, state, and local sources.

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