Project READS
Reading, Early Assistance in Developing Skills
Allen County Education Partnership’s after-school tutoring program, Project READS, is designed for first through third grade students who read/achieve below grade level. The program matches volunteer tutors with students on a one-on-one or small group basis for one hour each week, October through May.
Tools and techniques for volunteers are developed by Dr. Maxine Huffman, retired education professor and reading specialist from Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne. Dr. Huffman remains up-to-date on current research and best practices used by local elementary school teachers.
Volunteers also receive free training and tutoring updates throughout the course of the program year.
Students receive an assessment to determine their initial reading/skill level which becomes the basis for charting their progress. Activities aimed at improving that
progress include reading, writing, and playing educational games.
At various times during the program, students receive books and incentive prizes. Each student who graduates from the program receives a special gift as well. In addition, volunteers are recognized at a year-end celebration.
Outcomes Achieved for the 2010-2011 School Year:
- 88% of students who completed two Projects READS assessments showed improvement of three or more reading levels
- 58 students graduated from the Project READS program by scoring at the top of their grade level