Jeannette Myhre Elementary School, Bismarck, North Dakota
Myhre Elementary reported impressive NCE reading gains in the year 2000 on the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test after one year of the Carbo Reading Styles Program, despite high rates of student poverty, transience and students requiring special education services. In eight months, Myhre’s gains were: 14 NCE’s for grade 1, 6 NCE’s for grade 2 and 7 NCE’s for grade 3. Myhre’s third-graders outperformed all other third grades in the Bismarck School District. Assessment scores for grades 4, 5 and 6 in 2000 were the highest in seven years. Anecdotal records indicated high teacher satisfaction, an increase in student reading enjoyment and an increase in time on task. Approximately 60% of Myhre’s students live in poverty, and the student transience rate is 31%. Myhre has the highest percentage of special education students in the Bismarck School District (23%), as well as the highest percentage of Native American students and LEP (Limited English Proficiency) youngsters (13.2%). Reporting educator: Bill Demaree, Principal, Myhre Elementary School. In 1999, Bill Demaree received the North Dakota National Distinguished Principal Award, and in 2000, he was the recipient of the Milken Education Award |
