al language and literacy experiences that include connections between reading and writing.
The setting for this study is a local elementary school, Toney Elementary. This school is located in South DeKalb County, Decatur, Georgia. The school included grades PK-5, has a student-teacher ratio of 15 compared to a state average of 13. Student ethnicity is as follows: 98% Black, 1% multiracial, and less than 1% white. Most (94%) of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch programs, 12% are students with disabilities, and zero are limited English proficient students. School goals are as follows (Toney Elementary, 2005):
1. Increase student achievement in reading
2. Increase student achievement in mathematics
3. Increase student achievement in writing and basic communications skills
4. Improve student health and safety that supports behavior and a positive learning environment
5. Develop character education and citizenship skill
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