Addison Central School District
PROJECT: Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) - Read To Learn Project funded by the U.S. Department of Education
/ CHALLENGE
The Addison Central School District, located in rural New York State’s Southern Tier, sought to improve early literacy outcomes for students from preschool through Grade 6. They required evaluation and implementation support to sustain and expand this federally funded initiative.
/ SOLUTION
A&O provided comprehensive evaluation services, using both quantitative and qualitative methods —observations, interviews, surveys, focus groups and analysis of student performance data—to assess progress toward goals and measure impact on student achievement. Findings showed that professional development strengthened teachers’ literacy instruction skills and that improved library collections supported classroom reading instruction.
“Apter & O’Connor has been a tremendous asset to our school district. Their professionalism and knowledge of grant implementation has given us the upper-hand when it comes to gathering data and compiling information to promote best practice and keep our project moving in the right direction.”
/ OUTCOME
The evaluation results enabled Addison to secure continued federal funding, placing them among only a handful of school districts nationwide to receive a second funding cycle. This expansion allowed the District to serve children from age 3 through Grade 6, strengthening early literacy development across the community.