Mission & General Information Mission
The University of Maryland Summer Reading Program has a dual purpose. First, the program is designed to facilitate the literacy development of struggling readers. The program is based on the assumption that, although there are differences in how children acquire reading skill, all children can learn to read with appropriate instruction that is designed to meet their needs. Second, the program serves as a clinical field experience for teachers enrolled in the University of Maryland Master's degree program in reading education. Students in this program are preparing to be reflective, insightful reading teachers and leaders in school-wide reading programs. Upon completion of the program, students are certified by the state of Maryland as K-12 reading specialists. For students who choose to continue graduate study, the Master's degree program in reading provides preparation for entrance into a doctoral program
leading to a career as a reading researcher.
The University of Maryland Summer Reading Program has a dual purpose. First, the program is designed to facilitate the literacy development of struggling readers. The program is based on the assumption that, although there are differences in how children acquire reading skill, all children can learn to read with appropriate instruction that is designed to meet their needs. Second, the program serves as a clinical field experience for teachers enrolled in the University of Maryland Master's degree program in reading education. Students in this program are preparing to be reflective, insightful reading teachers and leaders in school-wide reading programs. Upon completion of the program, students are certified by the state of Maryland as K-12 reading specialists. For students who choose to continue graduate study, the Master's degree program in reading provides preparation for entrance into a doctoral program
leading to a career as a reading researcher.
The Summer Reading Program is a 5-week program held at an elementary school near the University of Maryland's College Park campus. It is designed for first- through seventh-grade students who are experiencing difficulty with reading. The program is taught by students enrolled in the Master's degree program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. These students have completed at least 30 graduate credits toward a Master's degree in reading education. They are generally classroom teachers with a wide range of experiences with diverse groups of children.
During the 5-week Summer Reading Program, teachers work in pairs with small groups of 10-12 children. They utilize a variety of educationally sound, research-based techniques to address individual reading needs. Emphasis is placed on helping children become more strategic readers. In addition, motivational concerns are addressed as many of the children have experienced repeated difficulty with literacy learning, leading to frustration or disinterest.
How does a child get into the program?
Children who apply for the Summer Reading Program attend an individual diagnostic screening session on a Saturday morning (usually in March or April). At this time, a trained teacher administers a number of diagnostic tests to identify the student's fundamental strengths and needs in the areas of literacy. Based on an analysis of these tests, the teacher makes a recommendation regarding the appropriateness of the Summer Reading Program.
What is the program like for children?
Children attend the 5-week program from 8:45 to 12:15 on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each week. During this time, they participate in a wide variety of literacy experiences including read-aloud, sustained independent reading and writing periods, and direct instruction in reading strategies. Activities are designed to focus on becoming a strategic reader while increasing students' interest and motivation to read. Children have a very positive experience, often returning to attend the program in subsequent years.
What is the parents' role in the program?
Parents are encouraged to participate in the program by volunteering, reading aloud at home, and following up on activities completed by students during the day. In addition, parent seminars are held during the Summer Reading Program to inform parents about the content of the program and to provide them with ideas for helping their children with reading at home.
What is the cost of the program?
The cost of the Summer Reading Program is $425.00. This includes an individual diagnostic screening conducted prior to the program. A written report based on the screening is sent to parents 2-3 weeks after the screening. The report contains findings from assessments as well as recommendations. Also included in the fee is the instruction received during the summer program and a written final report. The final report indicates how the child responded to the program and includes instructional recommendations for supporting the child's progress. A deposit of $50.00 should be included with the registration form. A second payment of $75.00 is required on the day of the diagnostic screening. (These fees are not refundable.) The balance of $300.00 is due on or before the first day of the summer program.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Johnson at 301-405-3153.
©Copyright 2005 Department of Curriculum & Instruction • College of Education • University of Maryland
College Park • Maryland • 20742 • 301-405-EDCI (3324) • Website maintained by Sei-Hwa Jung
Last Modified Mar. 10, 2005
College Park • Maryland • 20742 • 301-405-EDCI (3324) • Website maintained by Sei-Hwa Jung
Last Modified Mar. 10, 2005