Closing the Gap Interventions

Goal: To implement a small group focused on study skills to 3rd graders who scored below
the ACT ASPIRE writing benchmark in order to raise St. Norbert’s average score of 427 to
428 by April 2019

Data-Identified Need: According to the ACT ASPIRE data sheet, St. Norbert School does not
meet the 3rd grade writing ACT ASPIRE benchmark.

Systems Concern: The current St. Norbert average score for the ACT ASPIRE writing portion
is 427, which does not meet the ASPIRE benchmark. The students who scored a 427 or lower on
the score make up 25% of the 3rd grade class. These identified students recognize the need of
extra assistance in order to help meet the ASPIRE benchmark.

Research:

1. “Capable students at all grade levels may experience difficulty in school, not because
they lack ability, but because they lack good study skills. Although some students
develop study skills independently, even normally achieving students may go through
school without having acquired effective approaches for studying” (Nicaise & Gettinger,
1995).
2. “Study skills include the competencies associated with acquiring, recording, organizing,
synthesizing, remembering, and using information. These competencies contribute to
success in both nonacademic (e.g., employment) and academic settings” (Hoover &
Patton, 1995).
3. “Many students with academic difficulties are not aware of “tricks of the trade” that are
used by academically competent students when they study” (Gersten, 1998).
4. “Conversely, students with low academic achievement often demonstrate ineffective
study skills. They tend to assume a passive role in learning and rely on others (e.g.,
teachers, parents) to regulate their studying” (Gettinger & Seibert, 2002).

ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors:

Mindsets

M 5. Belief in using abilities to their fullest to achieve high-quality results and outcomes

Behaviors

B-LS 3. Use time-management, organizational and study skills

B-SMS 3. Demonstrate ability to work independently

B-SS 1. Use effective oral and written communication skills and listening skills
Activities That Will Occur to Create Systems Change:

1. School counselor reviews ACT ASPIRE data to identify students who did not meet the
writing benchmark.
2. Reserve a room for students to meet weekly to discuss study skills and how to improve
their skills at school and home.
3. Engage in session topics according to small group handouts (Pye, 2016)
a. Session 1: Group Introduction
b. Session 2: Learning Styles
c. Session 3: At School – Taking Notes
d. Session 4: At School – Planners
e. Session 5: On Your Own – Organizing Notes
f. Session 6: On Your Own – Reviewing Notes
g. Session 7: On Your Own – Study Zone
h. Session 8: Group Termination
4. Provide students with handouts of different study skills.
5. Students will practice each study skill and reflect on how it may help them in the future.
6. Students will receive feedback on how to improve current study habits and techniques.
7. A pre and post-test will be administered to the students that focus on study skills.