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Xavier University's annual reading program benefits Cincinnati-area schoolchildren on campus

The program's July 23 open house showcases students' reading progress

07/15/10

A group of Cincinnati area elementary students is hitting the books this summer at the Cohen Center on Xavier’s campus. From July 12-23, 161 students from the early elementary grades through junior high are working to improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills as part of the Xavier Reading Practicum.

The two-week program immerses the students in remediation and enrichment activities aimed at improving their reading skills. Ordinary classrooms are transformed into fantastic imaginary venues including enchanted forests, jungles, beaches, Olympic venues or faraway countries. Students from public and private schools in the Greater Cincinnati area read, explore and develop strategies to help themselves become better readers. Most students are referred from teachers, parents and schools.

In addition to helping the young students, the program is helping 39 graduate students and licensed teachers at Xavier complete requirements for their Master of Education in Reading and state-licensed Reading Endorsement. The graduate students serving as the instructors for the two-week program have completed a minimum of 21 hours of advanced study in literacy.

An open house is being held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 23, in the Cohen Center, located near the Cintas Center. The students will be displaying colorful T-shirts they designed and sharing their new skills with their parents.

“The graduate program emphasizes collaborative work with other teachers, administrators, parents and professionals,” says Leslie Prosak-Beres, director of Xavier’s Graduate Reading Program and undergraduate literacy coursework. “This opportunity to serve the community of learners in a small but important way becomes a catalyst for the betterment of literacy and a true reflection of Xavier’s Catholic, Jesuit mission.”

Sally Barnhart, one of Xavier’s clinical faculty, and Kasey Dunlap, an adjunct professor for the reading program, are the co-directors for the practicum, handling applications and curriculum. Teachers, some of whom are graduates of Xavier’s master’s reading program, assist as supervisors and mentors for the graduate students.

“They give unstintingly of their time and talents to help students who struggle to ‘love’ reading,” said Prosak-Beres. For more information about the program or the open house, please contact Sally Barnhart at 513-910-9811.