University takes wraps off new reading center
Salinas Californian 3/16/07
You wouldn't be alone. Thousands of Monterey County children in kindergarten through 12th grade struggle with learning disabilities, language barriers and other challenges to reading comprehension.
But on Thursday, a first-of-its-kind Center for Reading Diagnosis and Instruction opened at California State University, Monterey Bay, with a goal of helping some of those students achieve more.
The reading program is the only one of its kind offered in the CSU system statewide, said CSUMB President Dianne Harrison at the grand opening of the center. "We're open for business and ready to go," said Lou Denti, professor of special education at CSUMB and the reading cen-
ter's director. "We feel that this is an added service to our local school districts, who already work to help kids with reading skills."
Campus students and staff, along with area educators and elected officials spilled out the doorway of the one-story, renovated building during the opening celebration, which included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
The center's staff will assess young readers' comprehension levels, diagnose learning disabilities and provide remedial instruction for children in both English and Spanish. They'll also offer professional training and a master's degree program for educators in the areas of reading, language and literacy.
CSUMB students will serve as reading tutors for youth in the program.
"I'm glad this center is opening to help students in the tri-county area," said Eva Rios, a third-year CSUMB student and the first student to volunteer with the reading center.
Rios said she benefited from tutoring as a child and wants to give back as a mentor.
"It's good to be able to help kids not struggle as much as I did in school," she said.
The reading center will offer activities and events throughout the year for youths and teachers alike.
A summer camp for students entering grades four, five and six is planned through the center for July 9 through July 27, and will focus on reading improvement and enrichment with the help of music and drama.
The center also will organize a summer reading and literacy instruction institute for educators from Aug. 1-4 at the Portola Plaza hotel in Monterey.
The center was established with the help of a $2.5 million gift from an anonymous donor.
School officials said donations can still be made to support its programs.