As is evident on the Gering Schools Web site, the district has every right to be proud of its success:
Gering has experienced some of the greatest gains in student achievement in the area of reading with regards to standard proficiency data for the previous five years in 4th, 8th and 11th grades. Examples of the reading achievement improvements include a 42% increase for 4th grade, a 47% increase for 8th grade and a 26% increase for 11th grade.
According to Don Hague, superintendent of Gering Schools:
Our student performance data speaks for itself as we continue to improve. Staff and students are all proud of what we are accomplishing. As all students move into our junior high and high school classes, they will continue to be able to do more challenging work because of the improved skills they have acquired.
On Monday, April 27, Dave Heineman returned to Gering schools - this time with NE State Education Commissioner Roger Breed and several education board members in tow. Word of Gering's success with direct instruction reading intervention programs has spread throughout the state, and the district is beginning to be viewed as a model for effective school reform and Reading First implementation.