An experimental literacy programme, facilitated by Stationery and School Supplies Education Services, has reaped success with students improving by as many as three grade levels in a single school term.

The Science Research Associates (SRA) reading laboratory was piloted in eight of the 14 technical high schools in Jamaica and is to be expanded to other institutions.

Pilot project coordinator Loveda Jones said the results from the 13-week programme indicated that 81 per cent of the 157 students who participated, mostly from grades nine to 10, advanced by at least one grade level.

Results revealed

Jones revealed the results yesterday during a ceremony held at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica Auditorium in New Kingston.

During the ceremony, eight of the 14 schools were presented awards for participating in the programme.

Jevoughn Wong, from Jose Marti Technical High School in St Catherine, said the exercise made him aware of the importance of literacy in everyday life.

"I became good in reading. Sometimes when you're driving you need to read to know the signs; when you're delivering, you need to know directions; when you can read, nobody can tell you (that) you don't know anything," Wong said.

SRA representative George Ramocan stressed that a one-size-fits-all approach to education would not address the literacy needs of students.