Alternative Intervention Middle School
Academic Recovery Program

1518 E. Dale
Springfield, MO 65803
417-523-4200
dcarroll@spsmail.org
 

Communication Arts

The major goal of Communication Arts at AIMS is to help each student to improve their reading and writing abilities. This is accomplished through the improvement of their reading capabilities, increased spelling proficiency, and through proper understanding of grammar and its usage. Students are given the SRI test upon entry and at the end of each quarter in order to properly assign books for their appropriate Lexile levels. We have a large library with various types of books and Lexile’s. Each book is labeled with their Lexile number so that students may choose books according to their individual level. Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) is important to the development of a strong reader, and is accomplished as often as possible throughout the entire school year. Literary Circles, which is the assignment of books to students with planned activities and discussions already intact, are also used. The purpose is to provide guided and independent reading. Grammar and usage are also very important. Weekly spelling exams are given to help students with their spelling and word associations. Basic grammar mechanics are revisited and expanded upon regularly. Both of these components are important to the young, emerging writer. The writing process is focused upon all school year as well.