SOAR – Literacy Tutoring
The Chatham Education Foundation will be hosting volunteer tutors at North Chatham Elementary, Pittsboro Elementary and Virginia Cross Elementary Schools to provide specialized literacy tutoring to help students achieve reading success.
Student Oriented Achievement in Reading or SOAR is a program that CEF has developed to help students that need additional reading assistance. Studies have shown that reading proficiently by the 3rd grade is a strong indicator of future academic success and high school graduation. Only 42% of economically disadvantaged Chatham County 3rd graders are reading on grade-level, a national phenomenon. If a child is not reading on grade level by the end of 3rd grade, they are four times more likely to dropout of school.
CEF has partnered with the Augustine Literacy Project and the Helps Education Fund to train volunteers to work one-on-one with students who are not meeting literacy benchmarks.
We are seeking tutors to support students 1 to 3 times per week. The 3 hour training session will be held on two days in September (9/18 and 9/24), either day can be chosen. Please contact Regina Johnson (regina@cefmail.org), the students need your help!
Many SOAR tutors were surprised to learn of the statistics in Chatham county and wanted to help a school in their neighborhood. One tutor shares “It goes beyond supplemental reading support. My buddy and I are building trust and a friendship. He knows I believe in him and he is beginning to believe in himself.”
Volunteers don’t need to have to have a background in education or know how to “teach” reading. The training program equips volunteers with the tools to help students succeed. “Volunteers only need a willing heart and the time available to help a child,” says CEF Executive Director Jaime Detzi.
SOAR will expand into other Chatham County Schools as more volunteers are trained. Program Coordinator Regina Johnson says “My role is to match adult volunteers with children needing one on one literacy instruction. Giving these students the gift of proficient reading is a blessing.” For more information about SOAR or upcoming volunteer training contact Regina at regina@cefmail.org.
Chatham Education Foundation seeks to open doors to education and personal growth for all students in Chatham county. By partnering with community residents, businesses, and foundations, CEF is improving education opportunities for Chatham County Schools students.
