The Lena Sommers
Youth and Teen Literacy Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Reading improvement through the partnership of Cardinal Stritch University, The Nehemiah Project, and St. Ann's Center for Intergenerational Care.
SERVICES
Many children in our community have reading challenges that can be addressed through correct diagnosis and direct instruction. The demonstrated results of the diagnostic tools used through the Cardinal Stritch program offer reliable and accurate measurements of a child’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing the tutorial sessions to be directed at the specific needs of the child.
Assessment Testing
Each child is given a diagnostic reading test to determine skill level and area of special need. This test last approximately two hours. The parent receives a comprehensive report outlining the child’s needs and recommendations which includes discussion with the instructional staff. While these recommendations often include direct instruction by our staff, they also include strategies for the child and parent to work on at home.
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For a sample assessment..
Parent Orientation
A meeting with the parent and literacy center staff will take place after the assessment is written by staff. Th results will be discussed in detail with the parents so they are aware of all aspects of their child’s needs and possible intervention strategies that the staff may recommend.
Direct Instruction
If your child’s assessment shows he/she is in need of direct instruction, they will be assigned a tutor for a weekly 90 minute tutoring session. Each instructor is a master teacher who has undergone extensive training in reading intervention. All sessions take place at the literacy center at St. Ann Center at 24th and North Ave. in Milwaukee, usually right after school on a weekday. Specific times will be discussed with the parent during orientation. Staff will keep parents updated throughout the course of instruction. Re-testing will take place to assess progress only after a child has had 16 sessions of instruction.