New York City — Two years ago, 13-year-old Liam Seminara faced challenges in his studies and made the decision to transfer to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy in Brooklyn in search of an improvement.
Now in eighth grade, he’s testing above grade level. Liam is a proud member of the school’s robotics team and has developed a strong passion for reading, claiming he reads “much more” than he did before joining St. Joseph.
Data published last month by the National Assessment of Educational Progress indicated that reading scores for fourth and eighth graders nationwide have fallen by an average of five points since 2019, with the COVID-19 pandemic compounding the issue.
Currently, only 30% of eighth graders in the U.S. are proficient in reading, according to the NAEP assessment. In contrast, nearly 70% of eighth graders in the Diocese of Brooklyn are excelling in both English and math, based on district data.
Before the pandemic, the district observed a drop in scores, prompting a reevaluation of their instructional methods, as noted by Deacon Kevin McCormack, the superintendent for the Catholic Schools of Brooklyn and Queens.
“We had to rethink our approach,” McCormack remarked.
In response, they introduced new strategies, including specialized coaches, like Sophia DeMartino, who oversee teachers to ensure effective lesson planning.
DeMartino, who teaches middle school English at St. Joseph, praises her coach Stephanie, describing her as “wonderful.”
“She provides me with support. If I say, ‘I’m not sure about this lesson. Can you assist me?’ she simply adjusts it slightly, suggesting, ‘Instead of X, Y, try Z, A.’ Then I implement it, and it works seamlessly,” DeMartino shared with CBS News.
They also customize instruction to meet each student’s individual skill set by organizing them into smaller groups.
“We all learn the same topics, like the same subject,” Seminara explained. “Often, smaller groups receive instruction in ways that are easier for them to grasp. Sometimes, it can be done with the entire class as well.”
DeMartino expresses concern that a lack of enthusiasm for reading among middle schoolers can have “disastrous effects.”
“My students aspire to enter the NFL and similar fields. It’s crucial that they can read and comprehend their contracts, including the complex language often found within them,” DeMartino asserted.
One-third of the students in the district benefit from financial assistance. The new programs are being financed through tuition and fundraising efforts.
McCormack is confident that this approach could serve as a model for schools nationwide.
“I believe it can,” McCormack stated. “First and foremost, we welcome everyone. That’s the essential point. Secondly, we recognize where each child is and help them reach their full potential.”
