In carrying out this important federal initiative, LSS aimed to provide comprehensive information, training, and technical assistance to participants to develop, complement, and expand existing successful literacy efforts. T he conference also provided an important opportunity for representatives of America Reads programs across the region to network and develop action plans for their respective programs. The conference's keynote speaker was Dr. Gerald N. Tirozzi, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education. This session provided information about the Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program. Tutors are put in responsible roles as they tutor younger elementary students.
Research indicates that both groups benefit.
This session provided trainers of K-3 reading tutors with an overview of a tutor training program based on the manual Help A Child Learn to Read . Participants were provided with an agenda for a week-long tutor training program alo ng with specific training activities that address common questions tutors have about tutoring, developing tutors' understanding of reading, and techniques used in collaborative tutoring. This session showed educators how to initiate the 100 Book Challenge in a particular school-commu nity or neighborhood literacy project. Presenters discussed possibilities for teaming the 100 Book Challenge with another project, Library Power, to make the school library the hub of reading fever. Other programs that have been instrumental and effective in support of the 100 Book Challenge were also discussed.