Not that long ago, when people talked about Chandlers Elementary School, it was often about the possibility of closing it. Today, educators around the state are talking about Chandlers, but for a very different reason. They want to know what is going on at the school that's helping their reading scores skyrocket.

The main area of focus is the exemplary Reading First program at the school. Chandlers is currently ranked first in the state- based on recent test results- among the 75 Reading First schools in Kentucky.

“In Kentucky, this is the top Reading First school,” said Morris Bradshaw of Houghton Mifflin Co., a national publisher. “They have exceeded what anyone else has done.”

Bradshaw and others were on hand Friday afternoon for a surprise celebration for teachers involved in the Reading First program. The celebration was hosted by Houghton Mifflin.

“We're proud of the teachers and the students,” said Lana Whitaker, Reading First coach. Whitaker said that the teachers have really embraced the new program, even though it meant big changes in teaching methods for some.

Reading First is a focused nationwide effort to enable all students to become successful early readers. The No Child Left Behind Act established the program, which is built on years of scientific research compiled by the National Reading Panel.

“They are such great educators,” said Elizabeth Jackson, educational representative with Houghton Mifflin. “They've worked so hard and have incredible test scores.”

The school celebrated the success with students earlier, but wanted to have a special time to recognize the kindergarten through third grade teachers and others involved in the reading program.

“Everybody needs to celebrate success,” Jackson said.

Linda Holbrook, co-coordinator of Reading First at the Kentucky Department of Education, added her congratulations.

“This is what it's all about. You all are truly and exemplary school.”

Holbrook told the group that Chandlers was a case study school that is now being used as a model for other schools and districts. Information on Chandlers has been shared with National Reading First leaders and was presented at a Reading First principals' institute recently.

As they enjoyed the refreshments provided as part of the celebration, several teachers discussed what Reading First has meant to them and to Chandlers.

“It's really helped me get organized,” said Rhonda Kitchens, first grade teacher. She said she is better able to implement reading strategies, and the students are better understanding what they are supposed to be doing.

“It wasn't easy at first,” added Kitchens, who has taught for 20 years. But she said she can really see the progress her students are making. “It makes me feel good as a teacher.”

“It's really been a positive thing for the kids,” said kindergarten teacher Kim Mooney. She said Reading First helps provide different ways of learning.

Reading achievement is judged in various ways, including two tests, the GRADE assessment and the DIBELS assessment. The DIBELS offers immediate results. Teachers say that this is very helpful in learning where students are in their reading and what kind of help they need.

Kathy Vincent, reading interventionist, said she likes being able to see their scores so quickly.

“It's there, on paper, and you can see their growth,” Vincent said.

The teachers agreed that recognition for themselves and the students is great, but they are also glad to see the school achieve such recognition.

“This puts Chandlers in a place we've never been before,” Vincent said.