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SMITHFIELD, Utah — The small community at the northernmost end of the state of Utah has more than just geography to prove that it is at the top.
Cache Valley takes pride in its cheese, Aggie ice cream and the lesser-known tradition of outstanding reading scores.
“We get more kids reading on grade level by percentage than any other district in the state,” said Cache County School District Superintendent Steve Norton.
How they do it isn’t a secret, but rather a well-planned strategy as KSL found out by taking Chopper 5 on a whirlwind tour of three schools in Smithfield.
The superintendent said for 18 years the district has had just two goals: One, to get as many kids reading on grade level as possible, and second, to get the students to have a positive experience in algebra.
The reading goal and three main practices are what school leaders credit for their success.
No. 1 — Data-driven teaching
“We assess their reading and see where they’re at, then we tailor a program for each individual child,” said Kathy Toolson, principal at Sunrise Elementary.
Once teachers tailor the program, they make adjustments throughout the year based on indicators throughout the year.
“We’re constantly seeing which kids are progressing, when we need to make adjustments, adapt instructions and better meet their needs," Cache County School District Literacy Coordinator Sara Krebs added,
No. 2 — Small-group instruction
District officials have found that kids need to be grouped with students at similar ability levels in order for them to make the most progress. Small groups have even proved more successful and sustainable than individual help.
“We’ve concentrated on getting kids into groups no greater than five with really intense instruction, and we think it’s paid off,” said Norton.
No. 3 — Teacher development/aide training
Some of these schools have almost as many reading aides as teachers, and they are highly trained to focus on literacy. Likewise, teachers work in groups and learn best practices through sharing and mentoring.
“A vital understanding of reading by paraprofessionals, by our teachers and anything we can do to support our parents is vital,” said Cache Literacy Coordinator Patty Willis.
The schools also take part in KSL’s Read Today AmeriCorps program where community tutors volunteer in the neighborhood school to pair up with struggling readers to give them 30 minutes of extra practice.
Conner Meinders said he likes his tutor, especially since they bring books from home for him to read.
As Meinders was touring Chopper 5 and playing with his Read Today mood pencil, he also noted the school’s focus on reading as only a fourth-grader can.
“You can get a drink and go to the bathroom,” he said. “But no, you can’t talk to your friends.”
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