NCJ Number
172265
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Project SMART is a volunteer program in Oregon that intends to provide an adult tutor for every child in the State who is behind the required reading level in kindergarten and first or second grade.
Abstract
The program began in 1992 by tutoring children in eight pilot grade schools. A total of 300 sponsors have been recruited to adopt these eight schools. They will pay $102,000 for books and miscellaneous materials. The payment for books allows each child to take books home. The program has recruited 3,100 volunteers to tutor more than 3,100 students. The program is based in the recognition that school performance and the ability to learn are related to reading ability; in turn, staying in school is related to school performance, and staying in school is important for the development of lucrative and fulfilling job opportunities. Children who do not develop the cognitive and vocational skills necessary for a satisfying normative life are at risk for developing illegal behaviors to attempt to meet their economic and social needs. In addition to the provision of education services for children and youth, society must make investments in teen pregnancy prevention, foster care, and Head Start, so as to prevent detriments and abuse in childhood that foster criminal behavior.