This page is for teachers, grade levels, or schools who find themselves in a time crunch. Perhaps the school received the core reading program late. Perhaps the grade level didn't get the universal access materials (such as the leveled readers) and some of the students needed additional time on a unit/theme. Perhaps the grade level didn't realize the Reading First expectation of full implementation. Whatever the reason, there aren't enough days left in the year to complete the core program.

Here are some guidelines to assist you in compressing the core program so that students can master all of the skills, strategies and concepts and are prepared to move to the next grade level.

Do not skip any part of the core program.

Compressing is not a matter of skipping. Instead, it involves a careful analysis of the unit/theme to determine what areas can be compacted. Next year's teachers depend on students having the prerequisite skills and strategies taught in the previous year.

Do not make compressing a habit.

Create a pacing schedule at the beginning of the school year that lays out beginning and ending dates for all of the unit/themes in the core program for each grade level. Click here to learn how to create a pacing schedule.

Determine what days can be compressed.

Do not compress days that introduce new skills, strategies, or concepts. Do compress review weeks. Do not compress days that teach or reinforce challenging skills, strategies, and concepts. If students have difficulties, compressing that part of the core program will only compound the difficulty. Challenging parts of the curriculum should not be compressed. Pay particular attention to skills, strategies, and concepts that are tested.