School of Education

Purpose of the Program:
To improve the literacy development of children in grades 1 through 12 who have reading and writing difficulties. Individualized assessment and instruction is provided by qualified graduate students in the Literacy/Reading Master’s Program under the direction of literacy professors in the Curriculum and Instruction Department.

Description of the Program:
This is a three semester clinic in which children receive initial, on-going and final individualized reading and writing assessments and tutoring. During the first semester, children are assessed to identify their literacy strengths and needs. On-going assessment information is used by the tutor to plan and teach individualized lessons that enhance children’s literacy development through problem solving strategies and skills, during the second and third semesters.

Tutoring Schedule:
During the fall and spring semesters, tutoring is provided once a week for a 14 week period for 75 minute sessions. Tutoring is twice a week for 7 weeks during the summer session.

Where:
We are located at the Cougar Literacy Clinic in Founders Hall, Room 1317, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. See SIUE maps web page for directions.

Cost:
The fee for each of the three semesters is $85.00. These fees includes all assessments, diagnostic reports, instructional materials, and a SIUE Lot A parking pass.

Application:
Parents and/or guardians may apply for their child’s participation in the clinic to improve his or her reading and writing. Contact our secretary, Michele Bensa at the Cougar Literacy Clinic at 618.650.3596 to receive an application packet. Complete and return this entire packet to the clinic, which includes information from family, school, and current classroom teacher.

Selection:
After the application is completed, the criteria for selection of a child is based on literacy needs, number of SIUE graduate students enrolled during the semester, and cooperation of family and student. New students are accepted each semester, but due to limitations we are unable to guarantee admission within a given semester. Parents and/or guardians are contacted by letter or phone when an opening is available and provided with dates and times of assessments and tutoring sessions. In order to derive maximum benefit for the graduate student and the child, consistent attendance is required. If necessary, one session may be made up, however after three absences, a new child will be selected for the program.

Contact:
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact our secretary, Michele Bensa at the Cougar Literacy Clinic at 618.650.3596 or Literacy Professors Dr. Stephanie McAndrews at 618.650.3426 or Dr. Jenny Bolander at 618.650.3450.