Reading Tutors needed for AARP San Diego Foundation Experience Corps

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Experience Corps volunteers, age 50 and over, are needed to help struggling readers in grades K-3 during the after school programs of local elementary schools. The goal is to guide these young students to become great readers by the end of the third grade. In fourth grade they will be expected to switch from learning to read to reading to learn. Only 28% of California's fourth graders are proficient in reading. Studies show that fourth grade students who are not reading at grade level are four times more likely to not graduate from high school. This risk multiplies for students from low-income backgrounds. There is a crucial need to provide additional, targeted literacy support to the most at risk students in Kindergarten through third grade.

Volunteers provide students the time, attention and extra practice needed to strenghten their literacy skills. Tutors are asked to commit to a whole school year, twice a week, for about two hours each session. Tutors will work with the same students each time, thus building intergenerational connections and mentoring relationships. These connections are key in the the academic and social growth of each student. (Substitute tutors are also needed to help fill in for the regular volunteers when they are sick or on vacation.)

Comprehensive pre-service training, ongoing support, curriculum, and educational resources will be provided. Experience Corps San Diego is working with elementary schools in the communities of City Heights, Normal Heights, Central San Diego, the College area and Lemon Grove.