Decorah Schools will pilot a reading intervention program this summer

Decorah has been selected by the state as a school to offer a third grade reading intervention program this summer. About 15 third grade students will participate. Decorah will be  offering one of the three pilot programs to be tested this summer in a effort to bolster reading skills of those who may have reading deficiencies.

The state will fund the program for third graders, except for the required transportation.  Decorah will also be offering their own program for first and second graders (15 each) so they can feel "ahead of the game" as schools transition into summer programs to address reading skills.  Officials concede the cost of the programs could be a concern in the long term.

The pilot programs, about 40 across the state, are in response to a new early literacy law in Iowa that will require students to be retained in third grade if they do not meet established literacy standards. The law will impact next year's third graders. There are some exceptions to third grade retention, and the summer program options may bring some students up to required standards.

School officials do not appear to be concerned about parent or student willingness to participate in summer offerings, in part because of positive experiences in summer programs at the high school.

The Decorah School Board approved the programs at their Monday night meeting.