Project Leap

Project Leap is the title encompassing the regular education Early Literacy Intervention Programs serving K-2 students in District 203. The Illinois State Board of Education lists Project Leap as an Early Intervention Model Site.

History of Project Leap

Project Leap was initially developed to address the literacy needs of First Grade students who did not qualify for special education services or long-term reading support. It began at one elementary building in 1988 with Dr. Roberta Buhle working collaboratively with Dr. Darrell Morris from Appalachian State University. The following year it was field-tested in three schools and then expanded in 1990-91 to include all fourteen elementary schools.

In the spring of 1996 the district contracted with Dr. Robert Slavin of John Hopkins University and Dr. Rebecca Barr of National Louis University to evaluate the Project Leap program. In addition to praising the program for its effectiveness, well-trained paraprofessionals, data collection and exceptional program refinement, the Barr and Slavin report recommended the district consider ways to service students in need of literacy support earlier in their school career.

K-Leap, an early intervention program for eligible kindergartners, was developed in response to that recommendation during the 1996-97 school year.

In 1999, the SAIL (Summer Activities in Literacy) program was initiated as part of regular education summer school for a select group of kindergarten students who, based on referral and May screening information, appeared to need extra support to acquire literacy skills.

Early Start was developed and piloted in three elementary buildings in October, 2006 to provide daily one-on-one tutoring for kindergartners who could benefit from intervention services earlier in the school year. The program has expanded on a yearly basis to now include all elementary schools.

In the fall of 2008, the LIFT model was developed and piloted for second graders in seven buildings. The LIFT program is available for second graders for approximately 6 weeks at the beginning of the year. Through the expansion of these programs in 2009-10, the District now provides second grade services in all buildings.

Kindergarten Early Start/K-Leap

Kindergarten Summer School SAIL

First Grade Project Leap

Second Grade LIFT

Insights on Early Intervention from Retired Superintendent Dr. Alan Leis

Definition of Reading

Home Reading Support for Literacy Growth - Questions Parents Ask

Questions of a general nature concerning the district Project Leap program may be directed to one of the program coordinators at the district Project Leap office (630-420-4058).

 Top of Page