United for Reading Success

Mary Greiner, United for Reading Success, talked about how the Appleton Area School District has three primary volunteer programs:  United for Reading Success, Math Achievement Partnership and 21st Century After School Program.  The mission of the tutoring programs is to become one of the premier school districts in the nation for engaging the community in academic programs through a well-established volunteer network.  United for Reading Success (UFRS) is a program that helps first graders who are struggling  and need a little extra help. UFRS is in its 18th year.  In 1995, Dr. John Mielke and others took a trip to North Carolina to observe a similar tutoring program.  A committee was formed to discuss how to implement in the Appleton Area School District.  UFRS began in 1996 at Horizons Elementary School and now operates in 15 elementary schools, early October through mid May. The format each day consists of working with a student for 30 minutes on three elements:  read aloud (tutor reads a book to the student), word work (the tutor supports the student in fast recognition of high frequency words) and student reading (student reads book to tutor).  The result is that two thirds of students in the program attain grade level or above reading standard by the end of first grade.  Tutors commit to 1-2 hours 1 day each week.  Currently there are 255 tutors that volunteer for this program but they are looking for more.  Some of the benefits of tutoring programs are that they improve self esteem and confidence; improve student's attitudes toward school; increases mastery of math and reading skills; decreases drop-out rates and truancies; breaks down social barriers and creates new friendships; promotes emotional support and positive role models; improves social skills; and provides companionship with a positive adult role model.  For more information, please contact Mary Greiner at volunteerservices@aasd.k12.wi.us