Educators Unite to Create Reading Support Program

Van Cortlandt Middle School and the College of New Rochelle combined forces to help students with their reading skills. Students at the College who are finishing their master’s degree helped tutor sixth-graders from Van Cortlandt. The graduate students used word games and other activities to help the sixth-graders, who are in need of extra help, improve their reading abilities.

Associate Professor of Literacy at the College of New Rochelle Kate Hathaway oversaw the program. She says the students benefitted greatly from the new partnership. “The students participated more eagerly and seemed more confident in their reading abilities [after completing the program],” said Hathaway.

Seven students were enrolled in the five-session-long program. The sixth-graders took part in creative activities ranging from a detective game to reading books about wild animals. 

The tutors also benefitted from the program—getting valuable real world experience as they finish their degrees. “The ultimate benefit for the tutors was to watch the students grow in their reading ability and change in confidence,” Hathaway added. 

Both the College of New Rochelle and the Croton-Harmon School District hope that they can continue the program next year.