What is America Reads?
President Clinton challenged
everyone in the country to play a part in
ensuring that all children become independent readers by the end of
grade three. This challenge has been made more specific through the
funding of various programs.
Americorps*VISTA allocated
significant funds toward this effort by
identifying specific positions for America Reads nationally to support
community literacy efforts. Additionally, money was allocated for
Work-Study at colleges and universities throughout the country. Colleges
and universities were then challenged to allocate a percentage of these
funds to support Work-Study positions in area schools and agencies
that
support children's literacy.
What is America Reads at UVM?
The University of Vermont's America Reads project extends the university's
commitment to children who are experiencing difficulty in learning
to read
and write and/or are challenged by the financial needs of their family
and
community. The America Reads project is affiliated with UVM's Department
of Education which has developed long standing relationships with the
area
elementary schools and works closely with those who are invested in
maximizing the potential of young children. The America Reads project
has
also formed partnerships with businesses and other agencies in the
community to help expand, support and increase opportunities for
children's literacy.
What is AmeriCorps*VISTA at UVM?
As an AmeriCorps*VISTA at the University of Vermont you will work as
part
of a team which includes, UVM's Director of America Reads, the literacy
support seminar course instructors, and other AmeriCorps*VISTA
members to assist in the overall planning, implementation, and evaluation
of all America Reads projects. Some of the job responsibilities include:
-
Recruitment and management of work-study and volunteers involved in UVM
America Reads
-
On-going communication with schools and agencies participating in UVM America
Reads
-
Development of new partnerships within area communities
-
Working with children to help support their early literacy learning
-
On-going development and revision of materials e.g. handbooks for site
supervisors, recruitment materials
-
Maintenance and development of UVM America Reads professional resource
libraries and children's book libraries on campus and at various schools
-
Assistance to school site supervisors and course instructors in supervision
and training of tutors
-
Continued support and facilitation of literacy opportunities at King
Street Youth Center, Boys and Girls Club, and other after school programs
What skills, knowledge and dispositions does someone need to work
with UVM's America Reads?
-
Excellent skills in writing and speaking
-
A love for children's books
-
Enjoy working with a broad range of adults & children in many contexts,
both formal and informal
-
Anticipates opportunities and challenges for the overall project and shows
initiative and interest in pursuing them
-
Flexible, good sense of humor, organized
-
Curious and interested in learning about early literacy and the complex
nature of partnerships and collaborations.
What is the commitment?
This position is a one year commitment beginning in August. At
the end of
that time, you may choose to continue for another year. This
is a
wonderful opportunity to contribute to the lives of young people while
helping others to do the same. This experience provides you with a
chance
to explore roles in various communities and capacities. You will develop
your strengths and identify next steps for your professional growth....and
you will have fun!
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America
Counts AmeriCorps*VISTA at the University of Vermont
What is America Counts?
America Counts will build on the success of the America Reads
Challenge
(which is an initiative to ensure that all children become independent
readers by the end of grade three.) America Counts strives to ensure
that
students master basic computational skills and the foundations of algebra
and geometry by 8th or 9th grade. It is essentially a five point challenge
to improve mathematics achievement for all of the nation's school
children.
Among the goals of America Counts:
-
Provide help, personal attention and additional learning
time for students who need extra assistance in mastering the fundamentals
of mathematics in elementary and middle school
-
Equip teachers to teach challenging mathematics by
ensuring that they enter the profession with a solid understanding of
mathematics and the best ways to teach it and provide on-going support
for
teachers to upgrade and expand their skills
-
Provide a more challenging and engaging curriculum for all
students based on rigorous standards that meet national and international
benchmarks of excellence
-
Ensure that local, state and federal resources are
coordinated in support of high-quality and coherent mathematics programs
that hold high expectations for all students
-
Build public understanding of the mathematics our students
must master to ensure their and our nation's prosperity and growth
What is America Counts at UVM?
UVM's America Counts project will start up in September 1999 and will
be
closely paired with UVM's America Reads project (which has been operating
since fall 1997.) The America Counts project will be affiliated with
UVM's
Department of Education which has developed long standing relationships
with the area elementary schools and works closely with those who are
invested in maximizing the potential of young children.
What is AmeriCorps*VISTA at UVM?
As an AmeriCorps*VISTA at the University of Vermont you will work as
part
of a team which includes, UVM's Director of America Reads/Counts, the
math
support seminar course instructors, and other AmeriCorps*VISTA
members to assist in the overall planning, implementation, and evaluation
of all America Counts projects.
Some of the job responsibilities include:
-
Recruitment and management of work-study and volunteers
involved in UVM America Counts
-
On-going communication with schools and agencies participating in
UVM America Counts
-
Development of new partnerships within area communities
-
Working with children to help support their learning of math skills
-
On-going development and revision of materials e.g. handbooks for
site supervisors, recruitment materials
-
Maintenance and development of UVM America Counts resources and
materials
-
Assistance to school site supervisors and course instructors in
supervision and training of tutors
-
Continued support and facilitation of math enrichment opportunities
(i.e. after school programs, math lunch bunch, before school tutorial)
What skills, knowledge and dispositions does someone need to work
with
UVM's America Reads?
-
Excellent skills in writing and speaking
-
Background knowledge and expertise in math
-
Enjoy working with a broad range of adults & children in many
contexts, both formal and informal
-
Anticipates opportunities and challenges for the overall project
and shows initiative and interest in pursuing them
-
Flexible, good sense of humor, organized
-
Curious and interested in learning about math related research
What is the commitment?
This position is a one year commitment beginning in August. At
the end of
that time, you may choose to continue for another year. This
is a
wonderful opportunity to contribute to the lives of young people while
helping others to do the same. This experience provides you with a
chance
to explore roles in various communities and capacities. You will develop
your strengths and identify next steps for your professional growth....and
you will have fun!
Return to Top