Washington Elementary is making strides. Assessment tests show

reading levels have gone up two levels in just several months at the

K-3 elementary school in Liberal. Washington principal Johnny Jones

says he credits the Literacy First program.

“We really have seen tremendous gains,” Jone says of the

Washington test scores. “This just being the second year, I think

next year it’s going to be even better and year after year. I’m really

looking forward to seeing down the road how this is going to affect

things.”

Jones says they are trying to break language barriers at the K through

3 elementary school.

“It’s somewhat of a challenge,” Jone said. “We have about a 90

percent English as a second language population. The parents

do everything they can, but it’s tough because most of the parents

both work. But we try to get them involved as much as we can.”

Jones was a guest this week on Talkradio 1270’s Live From

Broadcast Square.