At KIPP NC, we are committed to empowering our students with the tools they need to succeed, especially when it comes to reading. For students facing challenges with literacy, the HillRap program is making a significant difference. Tiffany Bethea, a HillRAP teacher, shares her experiences and the impact this program has had on her students.
What is HillRap?
HillRAP (Hill Reading Reading Achievement Program)/95 RAP is a specialized, differentiated reading program designed by Hill Learing Center in Durham designed to meet the needs of students who struggle with reading. The program offers a personalized approach, allowing students to progress at their own pace and achieve mastery of key literacy skills. Bethea explains, “HillRap assesses and identifies each child’s current reading abilities and gaps. It then provides a strategic outline of skills, guiding students through each one until they have mastered it, before moving on to the next.” This structured approach helps students understand the rules and patterns of reading, making sense of how letters and sounds combine to form words.
Supporting Literacy through HillRap
HillRap is more than just a reading program; it’s a tool that empowers students by building a strong foundation in literacy. “One of the most significant changes I’ve observed in my students is their growing confidence in reading,” Bethea says. “They start to apply the rules of reading that they’ve learned, whether it’s sounding out words or breaking them into syllables.” This newfound confidence spills over into other classroom activities, as students begin to see themselves as capable readers.
A Personal Motivation
Bethea’s journey to becoming a HillRAP teacher is deeply personal. “I was motivated to become a HillRAP teacher because every child deserves the knowledge and tools to be a successful reader,” she says. “As a child, I struggled with reading and felt like an outcast because I didn’t understand how letters worked to make words. I wanted to ensure that no child in my class would ever feel that way.”
Adapting HillRap for Every Student
Acknowledging that each student’s literacy journey is unique, Bethea tailors her HillRAP instruction to meet the individual needs of her students. “I collaborate closely with their (English Language Arts) teachers to include drill questions, vocabulary, and spelling exercises that align with their classroom work. I also use various manipulatives and hand-held anchor charts to support their learning. My goal is to provide them with whatever tools they need to be successful readers.”
Goals and Long-Term Impact
As Bethea looks ahead to the school year, her primary goal is to build her students’ confidence and bridge their learning gaps. “I want my students to be proud of their work and progress,” she says. In the long term, she hopes that HillRap will have a lasting impact on their literacy skills, giving them the foundation they need for academic success.
Continuing the Journey
Bethea is committed to her own growth as a HillRAP teacher, mirroring the dedication she expects from her students. “I plan to continue asking questions, seeking out answers, and finding new skills and strategies,” she says. Collaboration with her HillRap coach and other teachers will be key to her continued success.
Through HillRAP, Bethea not only teaches reading skills but also fosters a love of learning in her KIPPsters. Her dedication and passion are helping to unlock the full potential of every child in her classroom.
