Who can participate in America Reads?
Although the America
Reads Challenge was a U. S. Department of Education initiative under President
Clinton, the Federal Work-Study component continues to exist under the
current administration. Any Penn State student who is eligible for
a Federal Work-Study award may participate as an America Reads Partner
and receive $10.00 per hour in wages. To be eligible, students must:
• Complete a Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have documented financial need.
·• Be degree seeking or have provisional status. Graduate
students must be enrolled in their degree program by their department.
• Be enrolled at least half time; six credits for undergraduates,
five credits for graduates.
• Maintain Penn State’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard.
• Hold United States citizenship or be classified as an eligible
non-citizen.
Students participating in the summer program must be returning to Penn State in the upcoming fall or spring at least half time and be degree-seeking or have provisional status.
The program is especially interested in individuals who are dedicated to community service and enthusiastic about helping children learn the joys and rewards of reading and learning. All participants need three background clearances: 1) Child Abuse; 2) PA Criminal Record Check; and 3) FBI fingerprinting. Please save your receipts for reimbursement.
Placement sites may include preschools and elementary schools, after-school programs and homework clubs, child-care facilities, housing authorities, libraries, and family literacy programs. Participating sites should keep in mind that the intent of the program is to serve children most in need of educational support. In addition, the America Reads participants should never displace placement site staff.
What is the job description of America Reads partners?
Quite simply, America Reads students read with children and participate in site-planned literacy and learning activities. America Counts math partners assist preschool through middle school-age children in math activities and learning. All participants are expected to act professionally and follow the policies and procedures of America Reads and their placement site in the community.
What training do America Reads partners receive?
All America Reads
participants receive (and are paid for) a mandatory two-hour orientation
to the program. In addition, participants must attend a mandatory
four-hour training in techniques for reading with children and listening
to children read. This initial training in a workshop format includes:
• An overview of the national America Reads initiative, Penn State’s
America Reads Program, and background on the purpose and need for such
an initiative.
• An overview of children’s literacy development and children’s
literature.
• Techniques for reading with children and listening to them read.
• Ideas for developing children’s phonemic awareness, vocabulary
and background knowledge, and comprehension skills.
• Ideas for incorporating the arts (drama, music, art activities)
to supplement a literacy activity.
• Tips and resources for selecting high-quality books and materials.
Placement sites also provide additional training to acquaint participants with the staff and facility and enable them to adapt and work more effectively within the site’s specific routines, methods, and philosophy. Ongoing training and support is also provided by the America Reads at Penn State Program in training workshops, participation in community events, and an online discussion forum.
What are the responsibilities of Site Supervisors in the community?
Site Supervisors are employees of the placement site who supervise one or more America Reads or America Counts partners and help them to work effectively within the site. Initially, supervisors are expected to meet with participants to finalize their schedules, sign their letter of agreement and complete section 2 of the placement form. New supervisors are encouraged to attend an orientation with America Reads at Penn State staff. In addition, supervisors sign and fax participants’ biweekly timesheets. The America Reads at Penn State Program requests that each supervisor maintain a separate log of each participants’ hours that may be used to verify the weekly and total hours on the timesheets before they are signed and faxed.
Why get involved in America Reads?
Participating college students have the opportunity to participate in activities outside of their college program and contribute valuable assistance to local communities. Community programs receive an “extra pair of hands” to help out in busy classrooms. Most of all, countless children have individual attention that may positively change the course of their lives forever.
