The Schools of
Hope Literacy Project, a partnership between United Way of Dane County, Madison
Metropolitan School District and R.S.V.P. of Dane County, was conceived in
1996. Its objective is to increase the third grade reading test scores
of 21 MMSD schools and to work on closing the gap between the scores for
students of color and their white counterparts.
In order to work
on this objective, the project concentrated on two main goals.
One, the schools
needed to increase and enhance the use of community literacy tutors. Research
shows that the more time children spend reading one-on-one with an adult, the better
their reading skills become. It was felt that if the schools could tap into the
volunteer energy of Madison, both community members and struggling students
could benefit from having a strong literacy tutor program in place.
Two, there
needed to be an increase and improvement in school and family partnerships in
literacy. In order to accomplish these goals, the project wrote and received a
grant for 21 VISTAs (Volunteers in Service to America) to act as volunteer
coordinators and literacy advocates at 21 local elementary schools, including
Lapham and Marquette.
The Schools of
Hope Literacy Project, now in its fifth year, has expanded into more
schools, community centers and pre-schools throughout the Madison school
district. As volunteer coordinators, the VISTAs recruit, train and place
volunteers from all over Madison to work one-on-one with students. Also, VISTAs
often run or organize the S.P.A.R.C.
(School, Parents And Reading Connection) backpack program at their
schools.
These are themed
backpacks that contain books, games and other literacy- related activities that students can use with their family at
home. In the spring, the School s of Hope Literacy Project VISTA team organizes
“TV Turn Off Week” events throughout the city, such as the
“Earth Day Expo” at the Vilas Zoo and “Open Mic” at
Mother Fools Coffee House. Throughout the year, the VISTAs are working as
advocates for literacy in their school and take on other literacy-related school projects.
In
your neighborhood, the Schools of Hope Literacy Project seeks motivated
volunteers who are willing to commit at least one hour per week to work
one-on-one with students at Lapham and Marquette Elementary Schools. Even if
you have little or no experience tutoring elementary-aged children, students in
your neighborhood can use your help.
The
Schools of Hope Literacy Project provides training, assistance, and
support. There are regular volunteer
opportunities Monday through Friday from approximately 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. In addition, Lapham Elementary is
looking for many volunteers who are willing to spend a Friday afternoon reading
to each of the grade levels while the students eat lunch. If you are interested
in any of these literacy tutoring opportunities in your neighborhood, please
contact your VISTA Volunteer Coordinator: Kari Nelson
204-4166
orknelson@madison.k12.wi.us
-Kari
Nelson
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