Bridging Project

The Bridging Project works with teachers and schools to improve literacy achievement in the area of reading comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency across the upper elementary grades.

Participation in this school-based reading-improvement project, currently focused on grades 3-6, is a multi-year venture. Bridging Project schools work in collaboration with VRI at UVM literacy experts and professionals through grants from the Vermont Department of Education. Schools are able to participate based on one or more identifying characteristics having to do with student performance, community poverty, or prior participation in school improvement projects.

Participating Schools Enjoy the Following Services and Benefits

• Multi-year collaboration working with literacy experts from VRI at UVM

• Guided self assessment using formats and personnel provided by the VRI team
     to identify literacy-related strengths and needs present at the school

• Assistance from the VRI team in analysis and use of self-assessment data,
     reviewing related research and determining next steps

• Intensive support during the first year from VRI researchers/consultants.
    This will include but is not limited to:

    - Weekly visits from a VRI consultant
    - Frequent professional development sessions during/after school
    - In-classroom coaching by project staff
    - Assessment planning for instructional purposes
    - Consultation regarding action planning and literacy decision-making
    - Support in addressing the Vermont Grade Level Expectations

• Capacity building for sustained improvement over time

• Needs-based action planning in the area of literacy, using guidelines provided by VRI

• Participation in the UVM-based research project, including reflection regarding
    process and outcomes, and receipt of updates regarding research findings

• Participation in sharing successful practices across schools

Participating Schools are:
• Barre City School • Barre Town Elementary School • Bennington Elementary School • Braintree Elementary School • Bridport Elementary School		• Brookfield Elementary School • Burke Elementary School • Lyndon Town School • Molly Stark Elementary School • Randolph Elementary School • Vergennes Elementary School

Bridging Project 2011 Application
Agreement Page