One in Two Michigan Students K-3 Struggle with Reading
Alpena public schools are seeking Americorps Reading Corps Interventionists for this coming schoolyear to help kindergarten to third graders who are struggling to read. In Michigan, one in two third graders are having a hard time reading at grade level, resulting in a literacy crisis across the state.
Alpena Public Schools are encouraging reading corps interventionists to use one on one scripted interventions to help students during school hours. “Americorps is a broader program that that brings a lot of services to the community at large. This course is specifically dedicated to people that are going to help students become stronger readers,” said Lee Fitzpatrick, director of communications at Alpena Public Schools.
No matter what your profession is currently, as long as you’re 18 years of age and a U.S citizen, you’re eligible to apply. Reading corps interventionists receive great training to help develop and further the students reading skills. “We are an Americorps program; typically, we are providing one person, full time trained and coached, to serve a case load of students,” said Holly Windram, executive director of Hopes Network Michigan’s Education Corps. “We work closely with each and every school to identify just the right students and help them close their reading achievement gaps.”
Covid–19 has disadvantaged some students the hardest, creating a learning barrier and academic gaps. “Every student suffered a learning loss over the last couple of years going from in–person to online and all the changes that entailed, and all the learning that entailed on the part of the school district as well to learn how to deliver on that manner,” Fitzpatrick said.
School closures due to COVID–19 created disruptions in the education system. Getting students back on track to learning is a focal point for Alpena Public Schools. “Services what like Michigan Education Corps provides and the Alpena schools is not just necessary, its absolutely critical for our kids,” said Windram.
