USAO Offers Summer Reading Program to Local Students

Students in need of reading assistance need to look no further than USAO. In conjunction with a senior-level assessment course, the University of Science and Arts is offering reading tutoring to local students this summer. Students who have completed kindergarten through seventh grade are eligible for the free service.

Beginning June 3, USAO education seniors will work one-on-one with local students twice a week through July 24. Tutorial sessions will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:05-10 a.m. and will include reading and writing activities specifically designed for each individual child.

" Our goal is to provide each child with successful, enjoyable experiences that will support their literacy development," said Dr. Linda McElroy, assistant professor of education.

Registration for the summer reading program is now available for community students. Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis; the number of children served is contingent on the number of USAO students who enroll for the summer instruction course.

Parents of enrolled students will be contacted May 27-30. Parent/teacher/student conferences are scheduled July 24 at 9:05 a.m.

McElroy stressed the need for students to remain active in the program once they are selected.

" We want parents to understand that it is very important for the child to attend the sessions," she said. " We cannot allow the children to be absent more than two times during the tutoring experience, because the pre-service teacher must work regularly with a child to receive credit."

The reading tutoring is free and open to the public. Additional information and applications are available from McElroy by phone at (405) 574-1219.