Augustine Project
Building active, confident young readers.
The Augustine Project seeks to improve the academic achievement and thereby the self esteem of low-income children and teens who struggle with literacy skills. The project trains tutors who provide these students free, 1-on-1, long-term, instruction in reading, writing and spelling. Tutoring usually takes place 2-3 times a week at the child’s school during the school day if teachers and administrators are amenable. Alternate tutoring sites may include after school programs. Lessons last about 50 minutes.
Augustine Project tutors receive 70 hours of training in how to provide research-based reading instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, spelling & written expression. The training is Orton-Gillingham based, emphasizing the importance of direct instruction, engaging all the senses in learning, and presenting information in a structured, sequential format targeting the student’s individual needs. Wilson Reading System® materials help guide the lesson planning process.
Becoming a Volunteer Tutor
Individuals who are interested in learning more about becoming an Augustine tutor should email literacytutors@litcouncil.com or call (828) 254-3442 x 204 to reserve a space in an upcoming orientation.
Orientation meetings will be held from 5:30pm to 7:pm on May 14, 2012 and 9:00am to 10:30am May 30, 2012at the LCBC office. Prospective tutors must attend one orientation prior to signing up for training. Training will be held weekdays at William Randolph school July 16-27, 2012 from 9:00am - 4:00pm.
“It almost brought us to tears to watch one student sitting on the edge of his seat, fully engrossed in the task at hand. It was like you could see the light bulbs going off in his head. You could almost read his thoughts, ‘I’m reading! I’m reading! I can do this!’” - Julie Thomas, 2010 Augustine Project volunteer tutor trainee.
Should I be a tutor? What's involved?
Want to help us spread the word? Click here for a printable overview of the Asheville Augustine Project.
Referring a Student
Students are referred to the program by parents, guardians, teachers, school counselors, EC teachers, and psychologists. To receive services a student must qualify for free or reduced lunches through the schools, be in 1st-12th grade, and be performing below grade level in reading, writing or spelling. It is not necessary that the student have an IEP to qualify for a tutor. The director maintains a waiting list of eligible students. If you would like to recommend a student for services, please email Becca@litcouncil.com or call (828) 254-3442 x. 202. Click here for Referal form. Click here for Spanish version.
Additional Information
This program is an offical replication of the The Augustine Project based at Holy Family Episcopal Church in Chapel Hill, NC. For more information, contact our Augustine Program Director.
