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Joan Royle, Reading First Coordinator
- In 2003, Sandy Creek became a Reading First school. The implementation of this highly prescriptive reading program provided new challenges to the provision of inclusive special education services at the elementary. After a self-described rocky start, the decision was made to see Reading First as a challenge that could improve the delivery of services and impact the success of students with disabilities.
- The reading and special education departments began to collaboratively plan and work as a team to provide appropriate, intensive services for all students. The work required all involved to be creative, determined, and outspoken. The result is a remarkable program that is benefiting all students in the early elementary grades and beyond.
- This success at the elementary, combined with solid instructional practices for all students at middle and high school, has impacted progress as students move through to graduation. Identification rates are down, student success is up, and all students are seen as "our" students.