Students at Partnership Academy, an alternative high school serving at-risk students, had limited access to books prior to 2009. In 2009, the school obtained over $2,000 worth of books through donations and a matching grant to build up their library. Since obtaining these books, students are reading more - averaging 3.5 books read per student in 2009-2010 and matching that total already in 2010-2011 with another semester to go. Students report that they enjoy having access to books at school and that it has improved their reading, vocabulary, and broadened their horizons. The addition of books to the school environment shows that "old school" methods can still be effective, especially for at-risk students.

1. If You Build It…. …..They Will Read! “Old School” Technology as Something New

2. Reading is Fundamental (RIF) released the results of an extensive research meta-analysis Access to books/print materials: Improves reading performance. Is instrumental in helping learn the basics of reading. Students read more and for longer lengths of time. Improves attitudes toward reading and learning.

3. What happens when students are in a school environment where there is no access to books? Will it make a difference if books are introduced? YES!

4. Who are we?

5. Partnership Academy Small alternative high school Serves 30-50 students Average 70% free/reduced lunch Average 60% EC students Students can stay anywhere from a few weeks to a few years

6. Before 2009- Limited access to books. Most of day spent in online curriculum.

7. 2009-2010 Goal? GET BOOKS!

8. How did we get books? Donors Choose Donated books Matching grant from district Over $2,000 worth of books! (and growing!)

9. We started here…

10. Then grew to this…

11. And now…

12. But do they really read the books? YES!

13. 2009-10 Averaged 3.5 books read per student

14. 2010-11 Already have matched last year’s total average and we have another semester to go!

15. Building the library… sense of pride community building a place kids ask to go comments from community members and visitors and we’re not done yet!

16. Students say… “It would be miserable to be here without books!”- Tahlecia “I learn new words when I read all these books. It makes me want to look up the words and understand them.”- Dwight “ Students are so used to using computers. If the books weren’t available here at school, where would we get books? We probably wouldn’t read. Books broaden your horizon. I have one of the meanest vocabs because I read.”- Ken

17. In an age increasingly dependent on technology…“Old School” still has its’ place

18. And, if you build it…They will read!

19. Teresa Bunner TLBunner@gmail.com Partnership Academy Hillsborough, NC