Highlands Elementary School
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
In 2003, a partnership was established between North Central College and Highlands Elementary School to develop an after school reading clinic. North Central pre-service teachers partner with a Highland pupil who needs additional assistance in reading. While taking courses in reading assessment and diagnostic instruction, pre-service teachers implement multiple reading assessments and utilize the results of these assessments to develop an individualized program of reading instruction. Highlands pupils receive 14 hours of one-on-one literacy instruction over seven weeks. This rich partnership provides pre-service teachers with the opportunity to apply theory and techniques in literacy assessment and instruction while benefiting children who need additional instruction in reading and writing. At the end of the experience, pre-service teachers write an individualized case report that includes pre- and post-assessment results, a description of the instruction provided and a summary of the pupil’s growth in literacy skills and strategies. In addition, Highlands teachers host both practicum and student teachers each year.