WATERTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETS STUDENTS’ NEEDS WITH THE SUPPORT OF READING CORPS
Tutors served more than 100 local students; 73% exceeded target growth
Reading Corps, an AmeriCorps tutoring program, first launched in Wisconsin in 2015 to help students become stronger readers. Now in its tenth school year, the program has spread across the state and has served more than 18,000 students – spanning urban, suburban, and rural communities.
AmeriCorps members serving as Reading Tutors helped serve 113 students in Watertown in the 2023-24 school year – and tutors are already back on the ground providing essential support this school year. Presently, an additional Reading Tutor is sought for Webster Elementary School.
“Over the years, our partnership with Reading Corps has had a tremendous impact on students, and their progress demonstrates this” said Brad Clark, Webster Elementary School principal. “By the end of the 2023-24 school year, 73.6% of Watertown students receiving Reading Corps services exceeded target growth. We are committed to serving our students to the best of our ability and our passionate Reading Tutors help make that possible.”
This past school year, tutors serving in Watertown conducted about 70 sessions with each Reading Corps student, for an average of 75 minutes per week. The extra level of support can make all the difference for students.
Independent research confirms that students who receive support from a Reading Corps tutor make greater gains and faster progress. “We see students making more than a year’s growth in a single school year,” says Itzel Galindo, executive director of Reading Corps in Wisconsin. “We know that this is a solution that works and we are proud to partner with great schools in Watertown, and others across the state.”
The Benefits of Tutoring
Tutors serve on-site at local schools 25-35 hours a week. As AmeriCorps members, tutors receive a stipend equivalent to about $15 per hour served, plus additional money to pay for college tuition or student loans. Those who are 55 or older may choose to gift their education award to their child, grandchild, stepchild or foster child. Many tutors also qualify for additional benefits like free health insurance and childcare assistance.
Reading Corps provides great training and ongoing coaching – no tutoring experience is required. More tutors are needed to support students in Watertown for the 2024-25 school year. Anyone interested is encouraged to learn more and apply at join.readingandmath.org.
About Webster Elementary School
Webster Elementary School is one of five PK-5 schools within the Watertown Unified School District. It’s current enrollment is 389 students. Other PK-5 or K-5 schools include Douglas Elementary School, Lebanon LEAP Elementary School, Lincoln STEM Elementary School, and Schurz Dual Language Elementary School.
About Reading Corps
Reading Corps is an evidence-based AmeriCorps program dedicated to helping all children become strong learners. Tutors, placed in local schools, work in small groups with students to help improve their skills. Rigorous third-party evaluation has consistently shown that students who have Reading Corps make greater gains and faster progress. Building on success in Minnesota, the program is now replicated nationally. Serving students across the country, the program has now helped more than 487,000 students and is the nation’s largest high-impact tutoring program. For more information, please visit www.readingandmath.org.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is the federal agency connecting individuals and organizations through service and volunteering to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges.