March 22, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by the University of South Dakota.

University of South Dakota student Talia DeWitte, a Sioux Falls native, is expanding the knowledge base regarding effective instruction during extended school sessions.

Basic reading skills are a foundational element of a child’s academic journey and are critical for future academic success. For students with educational disabilities, additional instructional support often is necessary to better develop these skills.

Some school districts have addressed this need by hosting extended school year sessions during the summer months, but there is little research related to the effectiveness of repeated reading instruction during these extended sessions.

By implementing repeated reading strategies and Precision Teaching measurement approaches during extended school year sessions, DeWitte seeks to help fill this gap and enhance foundational knowledge regarding best practices for additional instructional periods.

“My research is helpful in suggesting more information to teachers regarding effective instruction during summer school,” said DeWitte, a senior who is pursing a double major in elementary education and special education with a reading endorsement. “My research also provides information and interesting ideas about education and instructional strategies to those who are not currently educators.”

DeWitte has presented her research at several conferences, including the Upper Midwest Regional Honors Conference, hosted by USD in April 2022, and the Applied Behavior Analysis International Conference, held in Boston in May 2022.

“I am proud of what this research has provided for me and others in terms of learning and networking opportunities,” DeWitte said. “I have learned more about the field than I thought possible in my undergraduate years, and I believe this research has equipped me with the skills and tools I need to be an effective and passionate researcher.

“In turn, I think I have also gotten the chance to show others what I have learned about the field and the things I have done in the classroom,” she added. “I have gotten to meet and learn from so many people at conferences, which has been incredibly eye-opening and enjoyable.”

DeWitte also recently presented her research at the 2023 Student Research Poster Session in Pierre, where she was able to share her findings with legislators and the public.

“It was such an amazing experience to present in Pierre as I got the chance to share a little piece of my passion for education and research with fellow researchers and legislators,” she said. “In addition, it was so amazing to learn from the other students and professors there; there is a lot of amazing research being done in a variety of fields, from sustainability to artificial intelligence.”

Upon graduation, DeWitte plans to teach in the Sioux Falls area. Within her first five years of teaching, she plans to earn her master’s degree in either special education or reading intervention. She currently is completing her yearlong teaching residency in the Harrisburg School District.

“I hope to start my career in this community as I have really enjoyed the opportunity to grow and learn as an educator here so far,” DeWitte said.

“Each new experience will yield so many chances for me to grow as both a person and an educator,” she continued. “USD has showed its dedication to reaching local schools and has provided me with rich field experiences early on. I hope my teaching career will take me many places.”