Local Teachers Prepare Students for 3rd Grade Reading Test

In just a few short weeks, all 3rd grade students in the State of Mississippi will be taking a reading gate test to ensure they can read at grade level. Those who do not pass will be held back.

Chelsea Fortenberry is one of a few teachers at Popps Ferry Elementary School who regularly stays after school with about100 students to help them become better readers. Fortenberry says, "I work in small groups with them, two children at a time, and it gives me the chance to really focus on what those two children need specifically."

The after school tutoring program is funded by a $150,000 grant from the state, meant to provide resources to prepare students for the 3rd grade reading gate assessment. Popps Ferry is one of only five Coast schools to receive grant money. Dr. Todd Boucher, Principal of Popps Ferry Elementary says, "While the 3rd grade gate test is designed to measure what 3rd grade students know, we wanted to use the money so that we could start preventing some of the issues that we’re going to face this year."

The school’s tutoring program is for kindergarten through 2nd graders, targeting where they’re having trouble at a younger age so it won’t be a problem by the time they reach 3rd grade. Popps Ferry Elementary students are not the only ones receiving extra help.

The Biloxi School District is offering weekend tutoring to struggling 3rd grade students to help them prepare for the reading gate assessment. Dr. Janice Johnson, Assistant Superintendent for Biloxi public schools, says, "We just let our parents know that this is just another effort that we have to help students reach proficiency in reading and of course we want all of our students to pass that 3rd grade reading assessment that’s coming up in April."

There will be two more literacy Saturdays for 3rd grade students below the proficient level. The district is providing lunch and transportation for those students who attend. Whether programs are funded by the district or the state, like Popps Ferry, educators are doing everything they can to help students become better readers and help turn the page for their futures.

Escatawpa Upper Elementary School in Moss Point also received reading gate grant money. They purchased a reading program that’s being implemented for one and a half hours daily. They will also have a summer reading program for students who fail the reading gate test in April.