We will improve our website that provides solutions for parents who are seeking accessible, efficient, and researched-based support for a struggling reader (4 -18+ years old). The website will identifies specific programs based on a student's individual profile, and help tutors-in-training, teachers and volunteers understand and implement an effective intervention. The resources range from freebies on the internet, books, well-designed apps, and established reading programs.
There are more students in need of reading support than there are providers within the public school system and private practice. It can cost $2K-$10K+ to receive private pay services. The average reading ability of a 10th grade student in juvenile detention is 4th grade. This resource will help support students who are having minor struggles to very complex challenges. We are removing the barriers to highly specialized reading instruction and improving teacher, parent, and volunteer education.
Our website provides comprehensive solutions for a wide range of issues in reading, accelerated training, and practical recommendations backed by years of experience. The tool is flexible enough to adapt to the needs of a learner and their community while maintaining a systematic approach to reading instruction. We have identified a few locations who are eager to use the website and training course. This will allow us to further develop the tool in real-time partnership with local organizations.
We will train organizations to support struggling readers in small groups or 1-to-1. We will empower communities by partnering with pre-existing and trusted community resources, such as libraries or Big Brothers, Big Sisters. In our first year, we aim to create 2 to 3 locations, who will provide 10 - 15 students (who would not otherwise have access to this quality of service) learn to read and create jobs for 1-2 reading specialists (no college-degree required). An IEP goal bank will be created.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
