An Overview

PURE is a way to provide students with tools to help them not only be more successful with high-stakes testing, but also in reading comprehension in general.  For students, PURE is a systematic approach to better understand texts in all situations.

Teachers are provided with instruction and are able to hold students accountable for the strategies.  When PURE is implemented throughout a campus or district, horizontal & vertical alignment help the teachers and students maintain a common language.

Although this was developed with testing in mind, many teachers are using PURE with read alouds and textbooks.  The strategies carry over and are simply unlimited.

In one of our last presentations, a new teacher made the comment that she wished she would have known these strategies herself before she took her Teacher's EXCET test just a few months earlier.  She commented that she could see how the strategies could be beneficial in all areas, not just TAKS testing.

The Book
PURE TAKS:
Vertically Speaking the Same Language with TAKS
by Cathy Garner, Venita Hickman, & Susan Sikes

Step by step instruction manual that allows teachers to help their students conquer high-stakes tests.  Included in the book is:

*Detailed Instructions for Teachers
*Data Reflecting Growth
*Reading Strategies & Activities
*Test Taking Strategies
*Example Rubric
*Sample Passage w/Detailed Instructions

The PURE Manual comes printed and bound, or you can purchase it in ebook format.

To order the printed version ($19.95), please email.

PURE TAKS EBook Purchase
 
$10.00

 Training Through Presentation

Presentations can be provided to any size faculty.  The presentations include:

*Step by Step Process through Power Point
*Handouts with the power point presentation for extra notes
*Hands-On Practice with an abbreviated Reading passage
*Discounted rate for book purchases

For further information regarding the presentations, please contact us by email above, or call
Cathy Garner at 903-408-4428 or 903-217-3577.

Supporting Data

This data only represents the overall percentage passing the state mandated test for our campus.  Detailed data is included in the book.  In 2003, only the 3 of us were partially using PURE strategies.  As the years continued and we all were looking for ways to help improve our students' success, we fully developed PURE and shared with our campus.  By 2006, all of the Reading Department on our campus was implementing PURE.

2003 - 61% Passing
2004 - 74% Passing
2005 - 77% Passing
2006 - 81% Passing
2007 - 89% Passing
2008 - 95% Passing

* As you can see, these are significant increases for a Title I campus.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  Proverbs 31:26