Program Overview

Introduction to America Counts and Reads

The America Counts and Reads (ACR) program is a federally funded tutoring initiative managed by the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center. This program focuses on enhancing the reading and math skills of children within the local community.

Program Objectives

The primary goals of the America Counts and Reads program are to:

• Improve children's reading and comprehension skills, as well as their mathematical problem-solving abilities.
• Foster a positive attitude towards mathematics and reading among the children.
• Promote awareness of literacy and mathematics on campus and within the community.
• Provide Central Michigan University (CMU) students with the opportunity to gain real-world classroom experience by mentoring children.

Tutor Responsibilities and Requirements

Tutors in the America Counts and Reads program are CMU students who have a passion for working with children and teaching. Key aspects of the tutor role include:

• Working with each child for at least one hour per week, with tutors responsible for between 1 and 5 students.
• Utilizing a paired reading strategy when working with the children.
• Undergoing a criminal background check and extensive training before commencing work with the children.
• Receiving hourly payment through federal community work-study funds, donations, and campus funding due to the expectations and training required for the role.

Program Structure and Operations

The America Counts and Reads program operates with the following structure:

• Over 300 kindergarten through fifth-grade students in the community receive one-on-one tutoring annually through the program.
• Tutors build children's confidence and skills, encouraging them to become lifelong readers and learners.

Conclusion

The America Counts and Reads program offers a valuable opportunity for CMU students to engage in community service, gain teaching experience, and contribute to the educational development of local children. By focusing on reading and math skills, the program aims to make a positive impact on the community and foster a love of learning among its young participants.