NMSU tutor Ana Avalos works with 4-year old Erin Lara at the NMSU Preschool. Avalos teaches children to connect dots and draw circles from left to right to get them ready to write. Children who can't read have problems learning math and science, and they drop out of school in greater numbers than competent readers, he said. NMSU tutors are trained to support the schools' goals and teaching methods, Lopez said. Tutors who speak Spanish are trained to work with bilingual children, Lopez said.
Many children have limited skills in English but are literate in their native language.
On a more limited basis, another 200 or more NMSU students in reading methods classes and multicultural education classes volunteer as tutors, Lopez said. In the near future NMSU plans to expand the tutoring program through the local high schools and the university's branch campuses, Lopez said. NMSU News Releases Go back to University Communications Homepage.