April 2003

THE PROGRAM

Klamath Falls City Schools stared a little program in 1998 that's making a big difference in third grade reading scores for struggling students. An hour of one-on-one tutoring and small group work after school twice a week pushed 50 of the program's 52 students over the state benchmark last spring.

"These kids weren't even on track to reach standards any time soon," said Cecelia Amuchastegui, project coordinator. "The really good news is that we can help the kids who are far behind with some personal attention just twice a week. The kids bond with adults and get a feeling of value and worth from them. Our results strongly support the research that kids thrive when they get personal attention and caring from adults." 

WHO IS SERVED

Call Back serves 25 percent of the district's 200 third graders. The cost includes paying extra teacher time – which will be a struggle to maintain next year. "We're hoping to keep as much of it as possible since we can show a direct link between Call Back and reading improvement," said Amuchastegui, who gives an annual report to the board each year. 

BACKGROUND

Call Back began in 1998 as the brainstorm of kindergarten teacher Barbara Morgan, who piloted the program in her class after hearing about the concept from another school district.. After school sessions are now held for grades K-3 in all six elementary schools. Arrangements are convenient because kids can take the later bus home. 

KLAMATH CARES, KLAMATH READS

The district also credits the local business community for having a major commitment to helping kids throughout the county through the Klamath Cares, Klamath Reads program sponsored by the local rotary club, the county library and the Start Making A Reader Today (SMART) program in area schools. Each May, 1,000 first graders from the country are bused to the Oregon Institute of Technology where they participate in group activities featuring a storyteller, musician and mime. Volunteers from throughout the area read with students. Every child gets a book bag containing information about the library's Summer Reading Program along with a family pass to the county museum, bookmarks, colorful pencils and a coupon for a free pizza once they've checked out their first library book. The library reports a dramatic increase in summer reading, with over 500 kids attending their weekly programs. All first grade classes get a seven of high quality hardcover books to read to their classes chosen by teachers. At the end of the year, students get a book of their choice. 

RESULTS

The Call Back program has increased the number of third graders reaching and surpassing state reading benchmarks. In the first year, 90 percent surpassed reading, and 95 surpassed math standards.