READ Jackson County is looking for adult volunteers who can spare an hour per week to help third graders at Crothersville Elementary School with reading and vocabulary. Eight students in Becky Thomas’ class and nine students in Sharon Markel’s class have been selected by their teachers to receive one-on-one tutoring; but at least two or three more tutors are needed to fill the need.
Fourth grade is a crucial turning point in a child’s education. Through third grade, children are learning to read. At fourth grade, they must begin reading to learn. More than 30 per cent of all Jackson County fourth graders are reading two or more grades below their current grade level.
Volunteer tutors work with two students, 30 minutes each per week, on vocabulary, fluency and comprehension to enhance their skill level. By helping struggling readers in these crucial years, tutors can break the cycle of illiteracy and change a child’s life.
The Reading Forward program is in its second year providing tutoring to third grade students in Brownstown, Crothersville, Medora and Seymour. Supported by AmeriCorps through Jackson County United Way, Reading Forward tutored 100 students in Jackson County public elementary schools in 2010 and 2011.
This year, program directors hope to surpass that number and help those students who are in need of just a little bit of encouragement and support to become better readers.
Any adult interested in becoming a trained tutor for Crothersville Elementary or any of the other Jackson County public schools, contact READ Jackson County at 523-8688. For more information, go to www.readjacksoncounty.org.
