America Reads

The America Reads Challenge Initiative is a grassroots, national, literacy campaign originated in 1997.  Its goal is to mobilize a critical mass of individuals to ensure that every child can read well and independently by the end of the third grade.

In response to the America Reads Challenge Initiative, Ouachita Baptist University created a model reading tutorial program that offers community service work-study or volunteer opportunities to students.  Ouachita’s Elrod Center America Reads program was implemented the spring semester of 1998 and has continued every semester since then.  The focus is on children in the first grade in Arkadelphia Public Schools.  The children are provided one-on-one tutoring and mentoring.

In 1997 an America Reads Challenge Steering Committee was formed to develop the proposed model which was implemented in the spring semester of 1998.  The steering committee was comprised of Ian Cosh, Jeanna Westmoreland, Steve Phillips, Susan Hurst, Rhonda Frederick, Ray Granade and Jeff Root.

Jan Bass served as coordinator of public school initiatives until her May 2012 retirement.

We welcome Leigh Anne McKinney as the Elrod Center’s new coordinator of public school initiatives beginning August 2012. She will be responsible for coordinating all program aspects with the public schools.

How to Become a Tutor/Mentor

Ouachita Students who are eligible for federal work-study or wish to volunteer may apply for these positions during  spring semester in order to tutor the following fall semester.  Applications will be available in the student financial aid office during the spring  semester.  Interviews are conducted by the coordinator of public school initiatives prior to the end of the spring semester.  The pay scale for tutor/mentors will be $1.00 above the average work-study position.

Requirements for Selected Tutor/Mentors

• Complete mandatory training workshops at the beginning of the fall semester
• Sign an agreement to commit to guidelines established for tutoring programs
• Arrange tutoring schedule with classroom teachers after assignments are made

Current and Past Tutors

2011-2012 America Reads Tutors	2010-2011 America Reads Tutors
Front Row L-R: Donnie Copeland (faculty volunteer), Katelyn Mustain, Chelsea Ariola, Whitley Poole, Nikki Kambanis Center Row L-R: Tayler Koller, Hannah Nolan, Hayley Hill Back Row L-R: Jan Bass, Ashlee DeVore, Dielle Short, Ian Cosh Not in photo:  Brittany Green	Front Row L-R: Rachael Herrmann, Natalie Gregory, Rachel Willhoite, Kristen James Second Row L-R: Jan Bass, Samantha Collins, Ashlee DeVore, Katie Luff, Katelyn Mustain Third Row L-R: Dielle Short, Hannah Hurn, Madison O’Connor Back Row: Melanie Williams, Sarah Greeson, Dr. Ben M. Elrod, Alyssa Pickett, Bethany Moss Not in photo: Keeson Martin