Term
Summer 2020
Capstone
Thesis
Degree Name
MALED
Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair
Vivian Johnson
Secondary Advisor/Reader One
Kendra Tlusty
Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two
Stephanie Lott
Abstract
The research addressed in the capstone considers programs that utilize volunteer reading programs using tutors from the community to work with elementary students who need extra support to reach grade level reading goals. The research question is: How do administrators of elementary schools implementing volunteer reading tutoring programs describe their role in the program’s success? The thesis considered research of Stanovich and Torgesen around the needs of struggling readers and of Wasik and Slavin about the essential elements in volunteer tutoring programs aimed at increasing student reading achievement. The research utilized qualitative semi-structured interviews with two administrators working in buildings that partnered with the Reading Partners (2020) organization, an independently run volunteer program present in 11 cities in the United States. The research showed that administrator support, namely early in the implementation of a new program, plays an important role in the program gaining support by teachers. The interviews also revealed that administrators, even when they support a program, do not have time to fully supervise the program in their building, so they rely on quality on-site coordinators who ensure success of the program in their buildings. Respondents also revealed a desire to align assessment of learners involved in the Reading Partners program with the classroom reading instruction provided to these students. Finally, in addition to the academic benefits for students that serve as the goal of the Reading Partners program, the respondents commented that some of the greatest benefits were in the area of student motivation and self-concept as a reader.
Keywords
Reading, Volunteer Reading Programs, Reading Partners Program, Administrator Role in Implementation
Recommended Citation
Frye, Heidi, "Administrator Role in Successful Volunteer Based Reading Programs" (2020). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 4496.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/4496
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations