Program outcomes

Impact on students served

Tutoring and mentoring services by VCU America Reads Program members provide positive benefits to hundreds of students annually in the metro-Richmond area. These positive outcomes support a variety of academic and social gains for students. The most emphasized aspect of this service delivery is the positive effects of program services on student academic achievement.

• The majority of student participants improve at least one grade level after receiving program literacy support.
• Program support contributes to increases in the number of students who are able to read at grade level at post-test.
• Students receiving program reading support and mentoring services demonstrate better classroom behavior.
• School attendance figures appear to be positively affected for program participants.
• Teacher and site liaison surveys suggest a positive correlation between program reading support and overall student achievement.
• Evaluation results support the conclusion that tutoring services benefit first-, second- and third-graders most significantly — in that order.

Overall, teachers have indicated that America Reads services benefit their student participants, who demonstrate an improvement in their understanding of language arts concepts, participation in class discussions, asking for help and self-esteem. Annual evaluations support the conclusion that positive support from America Reads members contributes to increased levels of academic achievement, improved behavior and higher school attendance for student participants. 

Impact on America Reads members

Participation in VCU America Reads provides program members with a variety of opportunities for professional and personal development:

• Strengthening their leadership skills.
• Enhancing their ability to work within a team setting.
• Increasing their commitment to community and national service.

Members also gain perspective on career options in educational settings. Building upon their initial program orientation and training, America Reads members participate in specialized monthly training sessions designed to support their provision of reading support throughout the program year. Monthly tutor reflection sessions are designed to provide America Reads members with ongoing opportunities to receive additional training in support of their tutoring and mentoring services, and to increase self-awareness through reflection on their experiences. Reflection meetings also provide members with opportunities to share their tutoring and service experiences with one another to facilitate better service delivery to ARCH school sites. Participation in the VCU America Reads program provides students with exposure to a wide range of community issues that can help promote in them a greater sense of civic responsibility.