Direct Instruction Helps Kentucky Blue Ribbon School Attain Record Reading Scores

Lost River Elementary School in Bowling Green, Kentucky, implemented several McGraw Hill Direct Instruction programs beginning in 1999, expanding from special education to a school-wide approach by 2003. The school serves approximately 770 students in grades Pre-K through 6 and is a Title I public school within the Warren County School District. The student population includes 63% Caucasian, 15% African American, 15% multicultural, 5% Hispanic, and 2% Asian students. Seventy-two percent qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 23% are English Language Learners, and 16% have Individualized Education Plans.

Programs used include Reading Mastery and Connecting Math Concepts in grades K–3, Corrective Reading for grades 4–6, and Language for Learning for English Language Learners, Pre-K, and special education students. Additional programs such as Spelling Mastery, Reasoning and Writing, and Corrective Math are used as needed. Outcomes examined include student performance on the Kentucky Core Content Test (KCCT) and Adequate Yearly Progress measures.

Between 2002–2003 and 2004–2005, Lost River’s percentage of grade 4 students scoring proficient or distinguished in reading rose from 62% to 85%, surpassing both district and state averages. The school ranked in the top 6% statewide and has maintained status as one of the top two performing elementary schools in its district since 2004. Lost River Elementary was also named a No Child Left Behind National Blue Ribbon School in 2005.