Los Alamitos "Reading Lab"
Reading is a fundamental skill for all of our children, and it is especially important that they develop good skills in the first and second grades. Los Alamitos recognizes that some children need more help than others to develop those skills, and so the "Reading Lab" was created to provide that help.
The Reading Lab "mission" is to supplement the teachers' work to make reading FUN, to build SKILLS and CONFIDENCE, to POSITIVELY REINFORCE each student's accomplishments, and to not be critical or judgmental when they make mistakes; but we DO correct errors.
How are students selected?
After several weeks of in-classroom evaluation, first and second grade teachers select students who they think will benefit most from this program. Typically "second graders" are tutored in the Fall and "first graders" in the Spring.
How is the Reading Lab structured?
The Reading Lab consists of six cubicles in the Media Center (library) which are dedicated to this tutoring, and each cubicle is staffed with one tutor (six total tutors each day).
Tutors are recruited from the community and are typically parents, grandparents, and retired people- often former teachers- who recognize the importance of reading skills and enjoy working with children. Tutors must meet the San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) volunteer requirements, which include passing a tuberculosis (TB) test, being fingerprinted as part of a background-check, and then must submit an online Volunteer registration form. This process can take 2 - 3 weeks. Returning approved volunteers only need resubmit the on-line form and take a TB test depending on when the last one was done.
Most tutors volunteer just one day each week (but we're always happy to have people do multiple days). That means that we need at least 18 dedicated tutors. We understand that absences (planned and emergency) occur, and there is a process to obtain subs when needed. One or two of the co-leaders of the Reading Lab conduct training (about 30 minutes) and can provide ongoing coaching, and there is an established written tutoring process with "cheat sheets" for all tutors as well as tutoring tips and tricks.
This is a fun and rewarding way to volunteer at Los Alamitos; won't you join us !
Contact Linda Dudum (ldudum@sjusd.org) or Ann Moro (amoro@sjusd.org) for more information or questions.
