MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew LaPlant
561-297-3022, alaplant@fau.edu

FAU Offers Reading Comprehension Courses That Benefit Elementary and Middle School Students

BOCA RATON, FL (July 25, 2005) - Florida Atlantic University Professor Kim Scarola has developed two different classes for undergraduate education majors that focuses on teaching skills for reading comprehension for elementary and middle school students.

The course Reading Development 1 (RED 4308) recently wrapped up with the completion of class work and field experience in partnership with the City of Pembroke Pines Charter School and Preschool. This class focused on emergent and beginning literacy development in children, birth through grade three.

Scarola will be instructing another course starting on August 22 entitled Reading Development 2 (RED 4750) that is designed specifically for grades three through eight. The program is geared towards helping developmental characteristics of young children and the needs of ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) students.

The courses taught by Scarola prepare undergraduate education students to make informed decisions and require the students to provide evidence of becoming a capable professional through their documentation of increased literacy development. The tutoring that occurs through these courses is at no cost to the children receiving the assistance.

"The partnership between FAU and the Pembroke Pines Charter School allows college students the opportunity to experience successful student interactions in a realistic setting," said Scarola. "It is a win-win situation for all the participants. The feedback from parents and administrators has been positive and enthusiastic. Everyone wants to see this partnership thrive and continue."

For more information on the reading development courses, call Kim Scarola at 954-322-3330 or email mrsscarola@aol.com.

- FAU -