FIS goals set for continued growth

October 15, 2019

(Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by Dana Crawford, Assistant Principal at Fulton Independent Schools)

As the Kentucky Department of Education release individual and district K-PREP scores we here at Fulton Independent are celebrating our growth and reflecting on the hard work of students, teachers, and staff. As we reflect we are digging into the data and setting goals that will help us to continue to grow. We are excited to share that Carr Elementary is implementing a Mathematics and Reading program called i-Ready. Below, you will find information about the program and how we will be using it in the classroom.

i-Ready is an online program that will help us determine students’ strengths and areas for growth, personalize their learning, and monitor their progress throughout the school year. i-Ready allows us to meet every child where they are and provides us with data to inform instruction.

The i-Ready Diagnostic is an adaptive assessment that adjusts its questions to suit each child’s needs. Each item a student receives is based on their answer to the previous question. For example, a series of correct answers will result in slightly harder questions, while a series of incorrect answers will yield slightly easier ones. The purpose of this is not to give children a score or grade but to determine how to best support their learning.

The i-Ready Diagnostic will provide results that help us identify each child’s strengths and determine next steps for instruction. We look forward to sharing these results with parents throughout the year and providing a learning experience that will engage each child while teaching important skills and concepts.

Another great program that we kicked off last month was our WATCH D.O.G.S program, overseen by Tracey Pulley, our FRYSC coordinator. WATCH D.O.G.S. was designed to encourage dads and other male role models to get more involved in their children’s education, starting with spending a day volunteering at school. The program has two goals:

1) To provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important.

2) To provide an extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.

If you are willing to be part of the WATCH D.O.G.S. program, please call Tracey Pulley at 270-472-1637.

WATCH D.O.G.S. dads and volunteers perform a variety of tasks during their volunteer day including monitoring the school entrance, assisting with unloading and loading of buses and cars, monitoring the lunchroom, or helping in the classroom with a teacher’s guidance by working with small groups of students on homework, flashcards, or spelling.

You must have a background check, $10 for two years, to be a WATCH D.O.G.S. participant.

As always, thank you for your continued support and for being a partner in each child’s learning! It is much appreciated.