Students from OCDE’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at Venado Middle School had a storybook ending as their team surpassed 27 others, earning the title of national champions in the annual Battle of the Books reading competition.
Hosted by Gallaudet University, six local students competed virtually against middle schoolers nationwide in the qualifying rounds. Later, half of the team represented their campus and the DHH program in the Bison division playoffs against students from different regions. The team sealed their final matchup with a 49-30 victory against the Iowa School for the Deaf on Dec. 7.
“I am so very proud of our students and the dedication that they have demonstrated both in preparation for the competition and during the competition itself,” said Special Education Services Chief Analee Kredel. “While the competition does not allow for coaching, during the actual competition, our dedicated teacher Janet Dicker worked tirelessly to support the students in preparing for the competition and improving their confidence and determination.”
The program’s team started with sixth-grade student Izzy Alejo, seventh-graders Phelo Hanna, Andre Olsen and Alex Morris, along with eighth-graders Erik Lozada and Tyler Conklin. Izzy, Phelo and Erik advanced to the later playoff competitions and final matchup against Iowa students.
Additionally, Gallaudet is recognizing Izzy with the All Star Reader award and Erik with the Most Outstanding Reader award.
“Students have to independently read the books, generate questions or quizlets and help each other understand the content,” said Principal David Longo. “They gave up many of their lunches and free periods to work on this, with only about six weeks to prepare once they got the books.”
“A tremendous amount of effort was put into this from the student side, which adds to the joy, excitement and pride.”
Enhancing literacy
In 2012, the university initiated the Battle of the Books competition, aimed at enhancing literacy, fostering critical thinking and promoting sportsmanship among middle schoolers who are deaf and hard of hearing. Participants from various teams read the same assigned books and subsequently engage in competitions involving true or false, short-answer, multiple-choice and presentation-style questions based on their readings.
Teams are divided into three divisions — Bison, Blue and Buff — and go head-to-head in competitions that put their reading retention and comprehension to the test.
The program at Venado Middle School in Irvine, a seven-time participant in the competition and a four-time championship holder, registered their team in the Bison division.
“Reading is a challenge,” Longo said. “This particular competition has definitely helped emphasize the importance of reading and we’ve seen really nice outcomes from those involved as they matriculate through high school.”
The national competition for the final teams from the Blue and Buff divisions will be held April 5 through April 8 Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. The Bison division champions will also be in attendance to observe matches, meet other teams and receive formal recognition for their accomplishments. The university’s Youth Programs office will cover all expenses, including transportation, lodging and meals for the teams participating at the national level.
OCDE provides quality education for students who are deaf and hard of hearing in grades seven through 12 and Adult Transition students residing in Orange and surrounding counties. Visit the department’s Special Education Division’s webpage for more information.