THE BASICS

America Reads is a reading tutoring program for 1st and 2nd grade students. University of Maryland mentors work one-on-one with students twice a week, providing extra instruction and support in reading and writing. All mentors receive extensive training from Prince George’s County Reading Specialists in Reading Recovery and general tutoring methods.

PROGRAM GOALS

• Engage children in enjoyable experiences with literature, reading, writing, and listening.
• Help children feel successful by providing positive feedback and support.
• Model how reading and writing are pleasurable and important activities.
• To develop a sense of the importance of community involvement in University of Maryland students.

PARTICIPATING ELEMENTARY STUDENTS WILL

• Develop a positive attitude about reading and increase motivation to read
• Receive one-on-one attention
• Improve reading fluency
• Increase use of strategies while reading
• Improve reading comprehension
• Improve decoding skills
• Increase sight word vocabulary
• Improve spelling of high frequency words and use of spelling patterns in unknown words

THE DATA

All children who work with America Reads Mentors complete a pre-and post-assessment of their reading skills over a 2 ½ month period.  Of the children who completed these assessments during the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 semesters:

• 93% moved up by at least 1 book level
• 54% moved up 3 or more book levels
• 17% moved up 6 or more book levels

2009-2010 Participating schools

• Adelphi Elementary
• Beacon Heights Elementary
• Calverton Elementary
• Chillum Elementary
• Cool Spring Elementary
• Mary Harris “Mother” Jones Elementary
• Mt. Rainier Elementary
• Ridgecrest Elementary
• Springhill Lake Elementary
• Woodridge Elementary

What teachers are saying about America Reads

“The mentoring sessions are invaluable to the students.  Not only do they improve their reading skills, but also they build positive relationships with a student role model.” 

Teacher at Mother Jones Elementary School

“With the large number of students we have in our classes, with only so much time available for reading and writing, and because of language and other barriers that make learning at home difficult, any one-on-one time reading, working on phonic skills, writing, etc. is invaluable. But the work the children do with their [America Reads] mentors also happens to be appropriate and effective, so that makes it doubly valuable…I would not mind if each of my 24 kids had their own [America Reads] mentor all year round.”

Teacher at Adelphi Elementary School

“The students that worked in the [America Reads] program have developed more independence, and are readily participating in classroom discussions now.”

Teacher at Mother Jones Elementary School

“The children love the experience of working with college mentors. They look forward to it and are constantly asking when they will get to read/work with their mentor again. The children are more confident in the classroom and do progress in their skills.”

Teacher at Cool Spring Elementary

“This is my fifth year involved in America Reads and each year I am more impressed with the program and the mentors.”

Teacher at Mother Jones Elementary School

“It is definitely a worthwhile experience for the children. They really look forward to working with the mentors. I have really noticed a difference in those students who were part of the America Reads program.”

Teacher at Beacon Heights Elementary School

“This program is quite effective…Most of the children do not have the opportunity to read at home with an adult. This experience they have through America Reads enhances our school’s reading program, and fosters better readers.”

Teacher at Mother Jones Elementary School

“[America Reads] is very effective. It really helped [my student] soar this quarter. Now she’s on grade level in reading!”

Teacher at Mt. Rainier Elementary School

“When in reading groups, many of the children make connections between what skill or strategy we are working on and what they have learned with their reading mentor.”

Teacher at Cool Spring Elementary School

“I sincerely believe that the America Reads mentors are competent, enthusiastic, and well prepared to meet the challenges of working with my at-risk students. They demonstrate effectiveness in their mentoring sessions by delivering instruction geared to the children they [serve].”

Teacher at Woodridge Elementary School

“It is a worthwhile program for the children. Not only do they feel special and create bonds with their mentors, but they are learning the skills they need to be successful in a one-on-one setting.”

Teacher at Cool Spring Elementary School

“I have been lucky enough to work with this program for two years. I am able to see a difference in the students that participate each year, especially with reading strategies.”

Teacher at Beacon Heights Elementary School