Each child will be tested to assess reading needs and assigned a trained tutor, who will work with the child 45 minutes daily. The tutors will employ “The Sonday System”, an evidence-based literacy program, proven effective for teaching struggling readers. Tutors will be overseen by a master coach. Goals for the students include closing the performance gap between them and their peers, and preventing “summer slide”, the documented loss of skills over the summer.
The Learning Alliance partners with the School District of Indian River County during the school year to provide teacher training and literacy programs for children in grades K-3. Over 800 children have been served by Learning Alliance with programs in all 13 elementary schools in the county. Investments by our Founders enable The Learning Alliance to train master coaches in the school district, giving our community the local expertise to help our civic youth organizations. The Gifford Youth Activity Center states that it’s sole purpose is to enhance the academic achievement of children in Indian River County, and is an ideal partner for The Learning Alliance.
The Learning Alliance is a grass roots, non-profit organization dedicated to dramatically improving student literacy in Indian River County. Through innovative, evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning, we empower teachers to transform children’s lives. We hope to create local solutions, which can serve as a model for the nation.
All programs of The Learning Alliance are made possible through the generosity of our founders, including Ray & Jean Oglethorpe, Don & Patsy Riefler, Barbara Becker Hurley, King and Dace Stubbs, and Whitney & Betty MacMillan.
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The Learning Alliance is a grass roots non-profit organization whose mission is to dramatically improve student literacy skills in Indian River County and transform teacher and community capabilities. The current focus for The Learning Alliance is improving K-5 literacy programs which will have the most transformational impact on the National Research and Studies that indicate that 68% of students are not proficient in reading. The Learning Alliance has spent the past three years investing in and working with nationally recognized literacy and learning experts. Additionally, they have a collaborative partnership with the Indian River County School District that analyze needs and implement solutions throughout the year. Through local philanthropic funding and support, The Learning Alliance has been successful in bringing best practice curricula to Indian River County and develops a customized teacher training process that meets and adapts to the needs of Indian River County teachers.
