Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 2/27/98
      Contact:                           Carol Dotson   25

SOUTHEASTERN'S AMERICA READS PROGRAM SEEKING TUTORS 
     HAMMOND - Southeastern Louisiana University's America Reads program, which
began in the Fall semester, is progressing rapidly. Coordinator Dr. Jo Ann Robisheaux has
received referrals for 525 elementary school students from 13 schools in Livingston, Tangipahoa
and St.Tammany Parishes.
     "The response has been overwhelming," said Robisheaux. "Unfortunately, we have more
students in the program than tutors and we'd like more people to volunteer to tutor." The
program's tutors include volunteers, Southeastern students fulfilling a service learning
component for a class or students in the Federal Work Study plan. 
     The goal of SLU's program corresponds with President Clinton's America Reads goals,
"to ensure that all children can read well and independently by the end of the third grade."  
     Jessica Asoodeh, a 1997 Southeastern graduate, began tutoring last fall. "It was a very
rewarding experience, I loved it," said Asoodeh. " I had the time and I wanted to get out and do
something for the community. I had heard President Clausen talk about the program at
convocation and she believed in it and was excited about it, so that convinced me."
     All of the America Reads tutors are required to undergo an initial training session. The
sessions discuss general procedures as well as specific ideas of how to help elementary-aged
students with reading skills.  
     "We're asking the volunteer to commit to two times a week for 30-60 minutes  working
primarily with children in grades Pre-Kindergarten-3,"  said Robisheaux . "We train our tutors on
learning strategies and study skills, how to select books and also how to teach the children to
select books. We also have support meetings where tutors can bring any questions or problems
they encounter and share solutions and needs. We're starting small, but we'll be very thorough
and will give them all the guidance needed to make a difference in a young persons life," said
Robisheaux
      If you are interested in becoming a tutor call Robisheaux at 549-5275.

                                  -SLU-
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        www.selu.edu/NewsEvents/PublicInfoOffice/newssp97.htm