Abstract

The “Improvement in Student Learning Reading Program" by Sara Hakim is a grant proposal that requests $50,000 funding from the U.S. Department of Education to support preschool children in the main reading state cores. The program for which the grant is proposed is titled “UREAD!” It aims to prepare children to read at later grades at their class level.

“UREAD!” will provide a responsive environment that gives children opportunities to explore and discover reading skills by obtaining assistive technology and reading software for each classroom computer. Early years are critical for children's language development as it is the key to communicate with their world. Before formal reading occurs during preschool years, young children need to be supported by instructions that help them understand language and vocabulary in each content area. This program believes that every child is teachable and capable of learning in their own way. Therefore, the project consists of devices and services that help individuals with special needs. The reading kit will also focus on letter-sound recognition with teachers' support to adapt instruction that meets all learners' needs. The curriculum learning activities will consist of books that can be used at home and school. Training on “UREAD!” features from reading specialists for the school teachers are among the major project points that will reinforce improvement in their teaching methods and lesson plans. At the end of each semester, various forms of assessment will be composed to measure reading improvement.