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Elim Expands Literacy Programming

Feb 12, 2010

Elim Christian School made great strides in its literacy programming. Because the majority of Elim’s students are unable to access literacy using traditional approaches, Elim’s staff realized that changes needed to be made school-wide. In September of 2008, Elim Christian School opened the doors of its new Literacy Center. The Center now offers much more than books – including SmartBoard technology, a Listening Center, two computers, and an adapted book library containing books on CD and on PowerPoint.

Additonally, Elim added a reading specialist, Sherry Riemersma-Luke, to their staff. As part of her responsibilities, Sherry developed a research-based reading assessment tool that will better determine how to help each student succeed in accessing their literacy potential. Riemersma-Luke explains why this tool is so beneficial to Elim’s students saying, “Because of the severity of some students disability, it’s difficult to know where to start with literacy programming. Having the assessment tool in place will help determine students’ abilities and potential, and give the teachers a clear direction for instruction.”

Additionally, new reading curriculum has been adopted throughout the school. The Unique Learning System is designed for individuals with disabilities. It promotes greater participation because it is built on a symbol system that students recognize and know how to use. This will reduce the amount of adaptations that teachers need to make with more generalized curriculum.

All of these changes have been made with one primary goal – to promote literacy in the lives of students. Riemersma-Luke is excited to see the life-long benefits explaining, “These changes benefit Elim’s students by making literacy accessible and meaningful to everyone, not just a small group of students with traditional reading skills. Research shows that the more individuals are exposed to literacy, the more likely they are to make literacy a meaningful part of their lives.”