At present, we have about 60 volunteers working in 5 schools within the district. We are available to help other districts replicate this program. This program supplements the early childhood curriculum and addresses the skills necessary to prepare a child to read and to become an independent reader. The proficient reader has time to read extra books and do extension activities. A coordinator in each building coordinates volunteer schedules, answers questions, observes volunteers to offer suggestions, and works closely with each volunteer.
Most volunteers work during the school day.
The students' progress is evaluated by comparing students' scores on these measures at the beginning and end of the year. Volunteers keep track of students' progress on a student activity sheet. Teachers and coordinators review these sheets throughout the year and meet with volunteers to talk about progress. We have had articles about our program in the local newspapers. We also won the NJ Department of Education's 1998-99 Best Practice Award.