Adaptation of Curriculum, Instructional Methods, and Materials Component: Instructional Aide Program. Final Evaluation Report.

Funded through the Ohio Disadvantaged Pupil Program Fund, the Columbus Public Schools' Instructional Aide (IA) Program served 276 kindergarten children and 1,780 first-grade students during the 1987-88 school year. The goal of the IA program was to provide an educational support program for underachieving pupils. Instructional aides were trained to provide direct instructional service to selected pupils in the classroom. The program, which was implemented in 57 buildings and involved the equivalent of 137 aides serving 197 teachers, emphasized activities which would increase oral language, written language, and reading skills. Program evaluation efforts involved the administration of sub-tests of the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills to kindergarten children and first-grade students, and the use of locally constructed surveys of staff and reading assessments of students. The attendance criterion of 97 days was met by 156 kindergarten children and 1,118 first-graders; of these, 991 pupils received pre- and posttest administrations of the achievement test. Most program objectives were attained, and even when they were not, evidence of program success was found. The continuation of the IA program was recommended. Survey forms and assessment instruments are appended. (RH)