Rasco notes that the Administration's approach didn't impose any new obligation on colleges and universities. Some institutions could not keep up with requests from students to participate in the program. At New York University, more than 700 students now work as America Reads tutors. In the nation's capital, six colleges and universities recruited almost 800 tutors to work in local schools in 1998. Some of the first graders at Buckeye Elementary School couldn't identify letters of the alphabet a month ago . .
Teachers say they are thankful for the additional help.
It is really great to have them. America Reads also became a focal point for other programs within the Department of Education. A report on best practices, So That Every Child Can Read , was published in April 1999. Reading Is Fundamental. The Office of Posting-Secondary Education used its Teacher Quality Initiative, which provides financial support for professional development activities, to improve teachers' skills in reading instruction.