Last year the St. Louis Public School System piloted a Diagnostic Prescriptive Program (Dx Rx) in the areas of Reading and Language at twenty schools, and Hamilton was one of the schools involved. In grades three, four, five and six, pupils were tested in the areas of Comprehension Strategies, Comprehension Skills, and Study Skills. The results of this testing were returned on a separate print-out for each pupil that indicated deficiencies each pupil had in each of these areas tested. In addition, prescriptions on computer print-outs were given for each pupil along with the name of supplementary materials and page numbers that could be used to remedy the deficiencies that were diagnosed.
After working with pupils in their areas of deficiencies, teachers retested to see if pupils had mastered the skills that were taught. The outcomes met with a measure of success. As a result, the program is being extended this year to grades two, seven and eight.
We certainly hope that we will meet with increased success as the Dx Rx Program continues. It’s another way we try to reach and remedy the learning problems that confront some of our pupils.
Originally published in The Paper, October 1978.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1978_10.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
