MENTOR PROTÉGÉ READING PROGRAM

The Academy’s Mentor Protégé Reading Program will pair high school scholars, administrators, parents, and other community volunteers with struggling second grade readers, initially in the International School at Gregory in Wilmington, North Carolina. The Academy promotes academic excellence in early childhood education, leadership, character, hard-work, respect for others, and parental/family involvement for all second grade Protégés participating in the program. All Mentors will be vetted by the Academy and are required to maintain a high standard of academic excellence and code of conduct in their respective communities. Mentors will attend training workshops administered by the Academy that will focus on successful and proven reading improvement strategies.

Each Mentor will sign a covenant with the Academy to engage in a Mentor Protégé relationship with a struggling second grade reader with a commitment to complete the entire academic school year. Mentors will attend regular reading sessions with struggling readers to be held during school hours and after school at Gregory, as required.  Mentors will assume the responsibility of a big brother or sister who is tasked with helping a Protégé become a better reader. Mentors are making a commitment to a relationship with a young reading partner – a commitment that carries the expectation that they will act with diligence, integrity, compassion, and responsibility. Mentors will be working in partnership with elementary school educators and administrators to improve the reading performance of their Protégés.

Readers At the International School At Gregory

The U.S. is facing a literacy crisis. In fact, 65 percent of fourth graders ae reading below grade level. Reading on grade level by fourth grade is critical because by then children are no longer learning to read; they are reading to learn. Together, we can overcome these national statistics at Gregory.



The primary goal of the Mentor Protégé Program is to improve reading skills of struggling second grade readers, initially at Gregory. However, additional and significant benefits of a Mentor Protégé relationship will foster 21^st century leadership skills: communication & collaboration, social & cross-cultural skills, productivity & accountability, and leadership & responsibility. Many at-risk readers not only struggle with the reading process but suffer also from a fear of reading. The fear is sometimes caused by the lack of self-confidence and embarrassment when reading in class. To some kids, reading is a chore and not as fun or interesting as playing video games or using their smart phones. If this attitude persists, academic success often becomes even more unlikely. The Mentor Protégé Program is designed to break-through these barriers and to build 21^st century reading excellence and leadership abilities. In addition, the Academy will purchase books that stimulate their interest and match reading levels.

In order to create unique reading plans, the Academy will identify each child’s reading strengths and weaknesses. After consultation and assessment with the teacher at Gregory, we will implement an individual reading plan. Intensive one-on-one reading instruction will be provided on-site to struggling readers, in the classroom, library, or area designed by central office staff. At the close of each session the teachers will have the opportunity to get feedback from Academy reading volunteers. Shared information will further each child’s reading and academic development.

Plan

A unique plan will be created to address each child’s individual reading strengths and needs. Teachers will have the opportunity to discuss the plan with Academy volunteers and literacy specialists.

Plan Implementation

The Academy will work with each child in accordance with the literacy plan and communicate with teachers regarding the child’s progress. Most sessions will include 50 minutes one-on-one intensive reading instruction with the final 10 minutes dedicated to teacher check-in. A minimum of one session per week is recommended.

Outcomes

While the Academy can make no guarantees as to the outcome for each child, we can guarantee that we bring years of experience and training to help every child improve his or her reading in order to become the best readers they can be.