After School Reading

AFCAAM's After School Reading Program (ASRP) provides intensive reading tutelage to K-5 students from the Dunbar and Harlem Heights Communities.  Representing all races, creeds and family backgrounds, the common thread among our students is an intense desire to excel at reading.  AFCAAM's ASRP has unbelievable support from its parents. Parents pay a small fee to have their child enroll (needs-based scholarships are available) and participate actively in parent\teacher meetings and school events.  

Beyond small class-room learning and 1-on-1 tutoring, students are exposed to other immersive learning advantages such as Summer Reading Camp, Book-mobile and Music / Drama performances.  The After School Reading Program was excited to open our new Computer Lab which was the result of a generous grant from the SW Florida Community Foundation.  The lab will provide advanced literacy applications for our students in a fun learning environment.  

The program promotes and encourages the “4 R’s”:

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Right Decision Making    
• Reading   

Program Objectives

• Develop a love of and appreciation of reading
• Help build confidence, self-esteem and self-reliance
• Help students become strong and independent readers
• Promote development of reading, comprehension and thinking skills

Partners

• Lee County Schools
• The Lee County Library System
• Florida Gulf Coast University
• United Way
• Boy Scouts of America

Events

• Book Mobile Ribbon Cutting
• Summer Camp at FGCU
• Arts Alive Program

Facts on Literacy

• More than 20% of adults read at or below a fifth grade level- far below the level needed to earn a living wage. The National Adult Literacy Survey found that over 40 million Americans age 16 and older have significant literacy needs.
• As the education level of adults improves, so does their children’s success in school. Helping low-literate adults improve their basic skills has a direct and measurable impact on both the education and quality of life of their children.
• 43% of people with the lowest literacy skills live in poverty.
• 17% of people with the lowest literacy skills receive food stamps
• 70% of people with the lowest literacy skills have no full or part time job.
• If identified early and given research-based intervention, 90 to 95 percent of children "at risk" for reading failure will become fluent readers.
• Prevention of reading failure can reduce the need for special education services later in a student's educational life. Special education costs are, on average, double those of general education.
• Competent readers developed through early detection and assistance will go on to succeed in both academics and life, reducing the need for social programs.

"2011 marks the second year in a row that 90% of our students have shown improvement in reading comprehension, grammar and spelling.  We are proud of our rich heritage not only in influencing student achievement, but in developing the ‘whole’ student - one who loves to learn, finds purpose in their work and respects their fellow class-mates."

-Bill Iwanicki, Program Director

“If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.”

-Abigail Van Buren

AFCAAM is a program of Catholic Charities - Diocese of Venice, Inc.