The students who attend my school come from a variety of backgrounds and several countries. The students desire success, but have not been successful with school due to the severely low reading levels. Many of our kiddos will be the first to graduate high school in their family. Our reading diagnostic testing last year showed that we have the lowest reading levels within our district of schools. We also had the lowest rate of freshmen passing all of their classes. As a result of these results, I was asked to champion a program for the ninth graders that will facilitate growth with reading and success in all classes. My students do not have the funds to purchase their own school supplies that will help them be successful.
Last year alone, we had 80 students who were homeless.
According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, students need their basic needs met in order to succeed. If students are worried about where they will sleep or get their next meal, they definitely won't be able to purchase the supplies they need in order to stay organized, meet deadlines, and achieve at high levels.
My Project
The novels for my 9th graders will help the students grow as individuals and explore other cultures while experiencing growth. Siddhartha is a novel by Hermann Hesse that deals with the spiritual journey of self-discovery of a man named Siddhartha.
Engagement in books is the key factor in influencing literacy with my students who have historically had very low reading levels.
The novels will help my 9th grade youth explore coming of age in different cultures as they enter high school and are trying to figure out who they are. The House on Mango Street is written by a hispanic author and tells the story of young hispanic girl. As the story progresses, the novel depicts Esperanza's budding personal maturity and developing world outlook. This novel will be preceded by The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian and students will explore Native American culture.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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