GTE, UT-Houston Partner for Reading Initiative

GTE and the Center for Academic and Reading Skills (CARS) at The University of Texas (UT)-Houston Health Science Center have partnered to establish a far-reaching teacher training/reading initiative called the GTE/CARS Certification for Early Reading Assessment and Instruction Program. GTE donated $100,000 to the UT-Houston center to help identify Texas children (K-2) who need assistance with reading.

The value of an early and successful start to reading is universally recognized, says CARS director and pediatrics professor, Barbara Foorman, Ph.D. She pointed out that three years ago, Governor George W. Bush called for focusing "on the most basic of education goals - teaching children to read..." a call which was manifested in the Texas Reading Initiative.

CARS was contracted to revise a classroom tool developed for this purpose by the Texas Education Agency. Although the tool, known as the Texas Primary Reading Inventory (TPRI), is available, there has not been enough funding available for the training required for effective implementation. With GTE's financial support, CARS can fulfill one of the key goals of that initiative.

"GTE Wireless is pleased that this grant delivers important teacher training that can be brought `back to the classroom' to directly benefit children," says Karen Puckett, president, GTE Wireless-Texas Area. "We believe this program will make a difference in the lives of many young Texans."

The GTE/CARS Certification for Early Reading Assessment and Instruction Program enables teacher trainers to help other instructors identify the children who need help with reading before they fall behind. Research shows that if assistance is received early - before third grade - children can markedly improve their reading skills.

- GAY McFARLAND

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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