New reading program implemented

CSM’s Math, Science and Reading departments are collaborating to implement a Reading Apprenticeship Program which is aimed to be integrated this fall.

“WestEd and the Community College Success Network (3CSN) are teaming up to offer a professional development project called Reading Apprenticeship Program,” said Charlene Frontiera, Math and Science Dean.

The same formula has been applied to university level classroom learning for years. Students are assigned reading, the instructor clarifies, challenges what has been learned and then tests the students to measure understanding and application. Yet many students are not able to complete the reading assignments at a level of comprehension sufficient enough for advanced classroom instruction.

In order to solve this challenge and provide a stronger educational foundation, Theresa Martin, biology instructor has not only found a solution but aims at having it implemented in CSM’s classrooms this fall.

This cross-disciplinary reading apprenticeship program aimed at focusing on study skills and reading content acquisition is Martin’s solution to this issue, she said.

The goal is to provide the students with the necessary study skills to broaden comprehension. Less classroom instruction will be spent on textbook review and interpretation, allowing greater time on idea application and interactive activities to reinforce what is learned.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation sponsored a conference focusing on Ramping Up Student Success.

One of the conference presentations was on the Community College Success Network and spoke of the Reading Apprenticeship Program.

This summer CSM is planning to send instructors to a training program so that the new methodology can be experienced in the classroom as soon as this fall.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, Martin earned a series of master’s degrees through the UC system and has been teaching at CSM for 17 years..

“The program asks the content experts, the faculty, to examine what strategies they use to read effectively, and to model and explain those strategies to the students,” said Frontiera. “The initial training is being funded by the Professional Development Fund.”