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BACKGROUND: It’s
become a known fact that teaching primary students to read early is the key to future
success in school. And, that individual attention -- and learning to love reading -- is a
critical part of that effort. Gresham-Barlow, like many districts, face large class sizes
and a large population of under-advantaged students who need extra help. Fifteen months ago, senior citizen volunteer Geri Johnson learned
about a new program called OASIS – Older Adult Service and Information System that
provides a great package to train and inspire senior citizens to become reading tutors.
Sponsored by Meier & Frank Co., Legacy Health Systems and Regence Blue Cross
BlueShield/HMO, OASIS is a national non-profit institute in 26 cities across the U.S. to
assist people age 55 years and older lead productive and fulfilling lives. Linking senior
citizens with young children is one part of the program. OASIS has two Oregon offices:
Portland (serving Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas counties) and Eugene (serving Lane
County).
WHAT THEY DID: Johnson joined the program, became
trained and now trains a cadre of seniors in the Gresham area - 41 so far. She contacted
local newspapers to promote the project and recruit seniors. This
"intergenerational" approach to boost primary reading skills also enriches the
lives of senior citizens. Ten elementary schools in the district began OASIS last year.
Seniors receive 12 hours of training to become effective reading tutors. They’re
assigned one first or second grader who receives one hour a week of individual hep in
reading. The program is easy because the seniors get a step-by-step guide and all the
materials they need – no planning necessary. They feel confident because they are
prepared with tools that are proven to work! They meet monthly for updates and sharing.
Students are referred for help by teachers and counselors, and permission is granted by
parents. Children targeted are those who do not qualify for special education services but
who need extra help with their reading. In most instances, tutoring is provided
immediately after school so kids can take a late bus home. In other instances, the
children are pulled out of class.
RESULTS: Gresham-Barlow Administrative Services
Director Bob Harland credits Geri Johnson, herself a senior volunteer, with the
program’s success. Johnson’s fellow senior tutors are helping 50 students - and
several have asked to add more children to their weekly visits. Most tutors from last year
returned this year. Principals at all 10 elementary schools are very enthusiastic,
reporting success in how seniors are reaching students who need extra help. At a recent
school board meeting, senior tutors shared stories about "their kids" and how
helping a child learn to read has enriched their lives. "The November board meeting
where we featured Geri and her group was a major hit," said Administrative Services
Director Bob Harland. "The Board has asked us to expand OASIS wherever we can."
Several Portland-area schools are using OASIS; for more
information on how to get started, contact the OASIS coordinator listed
at the top of this salute. |
