Minnesota Reading Corps The Minnesota Reading Corps is a statewide initiative to help every Minnesota child become a successful reader by the end of 3rd grade.
The Minnesota Reading Corps program places AmeriCorps members in sites to implement a research-based early-literacy effort to help struggling readers.
PreK members work with preschool-aged children in their classrooms to create literacy-rich environments.
K-3 members serve as one-on-one tutors and provide research-based interventions to students who are just below proficiency in reading (Tier II children).
A Response to Intervention (RtI) model is followed.
Reading Corps is the country’s largest state AmeriCorps program and in 2012-2013 has plans to grow and place 1,000 rigorously trained literacy tutors in schools, early childhood centers, and Head Start programs across the state.
Elementary literacy tutors, who serve 11 months as an AmeriCorps member, provide one-on-one research-based interventions to K-3 students who are identified as being below proficiency in reading and at risk for failing the third grade MCA-II. During daily 20 minute tutoring sessions, students build skills in phonics, phonemic awareness and fluency. Seven out of 10 Reading Corps graduates pass the Grade 3 MCA II and exceed growth targets allowing them to catch up to their peers.
Elk River Principal Michael Malmberg has “nothing but great things to say” about Reading Corps. “My teachers have bought into the program; they swear by it now and they would hate to see it go. Our data show that our kids are getting better.”
Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.
Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education.
Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association
