Document Type

Graduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

Summer 2003

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Committee Chair

Andrea C. Sledge

Second Committee Member

Nancy E. Jurenka

Third Committee Member

Craig Hughes

Abstract

Children who encounter reading difficulties are often given supplemental instruction through school programs of various kinds. Because of a need to assist struggling readers, an after-school program that focused on remedial reading through mentoring was created for sixth and third grade students. Through the review of the literature, it was found that well structured mentoring can provide positive benefits for both mentors and their proteges. The review of the literature also suggested that reading skills can be enhanced and developed through mentorship. The program's goals were to have students reading at grade level, develop positive attitudes, pursue hobbies, and acquire positive relationships with peer mentors. Reading activities included use of the Accelerated Reader computer program that tests children on books that they read. The program enabled the students to receive immediate feedback on their reading skills and challenges. It was concluded that the after-school program did much to improve the reading skills of both the sixth and third grade students.

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