Program Overview

Introduction to the Academy of Lifelong Learning Literacy Tutoring Program

The University of Maryland, Baltimore's (UMB) Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) has introduced a Literacy Tutoring Program aimed at supporting children in kindergarten through sixth grade. This initiative is designed to help students develop their literacy skills, recognizing the critical importance of early reading abilities in academic progression.

Program Structure and Objectives

• The Literacy Tutoring Program is an 11-week course.
• It is designed for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
• The program operates with a high-dosage tutoring approach, where students meet three times a week.
• Recent educational research supports this frequency as it accelerates learning.
• The tutors include professional tutors, UMB graduate students, and retired teachers trained in the literacy curriculum.

Tutoring Approach and Curriculum

• Tutors are provided with a lesson plan for each day by a curriculum specialist.
• Specific books are assigned for the tutors to read with the students.
• The program focuses on helping students learn the sounds and read out loud, aiming for an 'aha' moment where students demonstrate significant understanding and improvement.

Student Progress and Outcomes

• The majority of students who participated in the fall session made significant progress in their literacy skills.
• Parents have reported improvements in their children's reading fluency and ability to complete reading tasks.
• The program has expanded to include more students and grade levels, indicating its potential for positive impact on the community.

Community Engagement and Partnership

• The program is held at UMB's Community Engagement Center (CEC) and at Furman L. Templeton Preparatory Academy.
• Transportation for students to the CEC is provided by the UMB Police Athletic/Activities League van.
• Partnerships with local schools, such as James McHenry Elementary/Middle School, are part of the program's outreach efforts.

Future Development and Goals

• The Academy of Lifelong Learning aims to grow the Literacy Tutoring Program to serve more students across additional grade levels.
• The program's expansion is intended to further support the community by providing literacy skills to children who may not have access to such resources otherwise.

Conclusion

The UMB's Academy of Lifelong Learning Literacy Tutoring Program represents a meaningful initiative by the University of Maryland, Baltimore, to contribute positively to the community, especially in addressing literacy challenges among K-12 students. By focusing on early reading skills and employing a high-dosage tutoring approach, the program seeks to make a significant difference in the educational trajectory and lives of its participants.