Transformative Reading Instruction (TRI)
Begun in 2014 with 2 schools (see Table 1), the TRI model was developed by the partners involved in Milwaukee Succeeds. Its aim was to take advantage of evidence-based practices to tailor reading instruction to 3rd graders in an effort to increase the number that reach reading proficiency. In the 2015-2016 school year, the program expanded to include an additional 5 schools, bringing the total to 7, and reaching 504 students and 51 teachers. Currently, coaching occurs in 18 schools, reaching 1,188 students and 87 teachers and school leaders.
TRI is a set of practices implemented with the vision of the school principals in order to accommodate a wide variety of student learning needs. The TRI model encourages readers by providing intensive evidence-based coaching to K-2nd grade teachers on foundational reading.
“TRI coaching has helped bring out my strengths as a teacher and use them to accelerate student learning. The collaborations and discussions gave me valuable time and space needed to reflect on improving and refining my practice. Our TRI coach was another welcome classroom adult whose presence aided in our culture of learning and collaboration.”
Jon Newcomb, Teacher
Rogers Street School
Progress Assessments
While all schools take the state-required assessment (i.e. Forward Exam), administered annually, districts also use progress monitoring tools that are administered two or three times per year to track students’ progress in core academic areas. MPS began using the STAR assessment for grades K – high school. The charter and Seton Catholic schools participating in TRI use Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) for progress monitoring. The MAP is administered three times per year - Fall, Winter, and Spring.